| Abstract Title: | An analytical and epigenetic investigation of the environmental and human health impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl ‘Forever chemicals’ |
| Presenter Name: | Ms Denise De Meijer |
| Co-authors: | Dr Ruth Godfrey Dr Lewis Francis Dr Rachel Townsend Mr Adam Dempsey |
| Company/Organisation: | Swansea University Medical School |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
Abstract Information :
Summary/Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are pollutants of increasing concern with research showing their presence in the environment and humans, and links to diseases such as cancer. With many potential routes of exposure (e.g. originating from air, soil, water etc) this highlights the need for analytical and human epigenetic testing processes. This way we can monitor the spread of exposure and their health effects to properly understand their impact. This project seeks to explore solutions for both aspects: 1) the development of a mobile quantitative analytical approach for a range of PFAS using liquid chromatography with the Microsaic MiD 4500 which is a miniaturised mass spectrometry system (LC-MS), and 2) the characterisation of epigenetic effects of common PFAS and selected precursors (e.g. fluorotelomer alcohols, FTOH) on human cell function and viability. Firstly, a systematic review focused on PFAS monitoring was used to identify deficiencies in testing and the extent and impact of PFAS pollution. This underlined the need for technologies and protocols that deliver in-field testing for a broader range of PFAS (methods to cover common candidates and their precursors ) to better link routes of exposure, along with the environmental and public health risk. Therefore in the second part of this project, method development using the miniaturised system has included volatile and non-volatile PFAS that span different chain lengths and classes (e.g. carboxylic acid, sulfonic acids and the FTOH precursors) for in-field testing. Initial data using this novel protocol for water samples has shown applicability across the PFAS suite, enabling the realisation of a single analysis approach. Based on the findings of the systematic review, selected PFAS, PFOA and its precursor 8:2 FTOH, have been selected for testing given their common usage, high mobility (due to volatility) and likelihood of environmental distribution and exposure. Characterization tests are at a very early stage but data reported will include epithelial cell viability and cytotoxicity, cellular interaction (uptake and nuclear penetration) and downstream mechanism of cytotoxicity. The downstream mechanism will be determined by focusing on apoptosis, DNA damage, senescence and/or transition, along with correlation with a distinct cellular effect through mapping the chromatin landscape using NGS-based analysis (e.g ATC and CHIP-sequencing) where appropriate .
