PFOS and PFOA found in almost all soil samples but not in water or vegetables | Inland

To gain more insight into how per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) can enter the human body from the environment, PFAS were measured in humans and in multiple environmental compartments, such as soil, compost, eggs, water, home-grown vegetables and house dust. .

The Environment Department emphasizes that this is a “first limited” study with nineteen participants who do not live in the currently known no-regret zones and far from PFAS suspected locations or hotspots, as the aim was to reduce the exposure of the general Flemish population. population to investigate. This limited research has allowed the development and testing of a measurement method and can be further applied in the next Flemish human biomonitoring campaign.

The research shows that PFOS and PFOA were found in almost all samples of soil (chicken coop and vegetable garden), compost, eggs, house dust and serum, but not in water (rain, ground or tap water) or vegetables. The highest concentrations of PFTeA and PFDoA were observed in the eggs.

In addition to commercial food, a number of environmental compartments also contribute to human exposure. Statistical techniques indicate a possible contribution of house dust, eggs and soil to human exposure. In house dust, higher levels are observed for some PFAS if certain building materials are present in the sampled areas. This concerns, among other things, windows made of plastic, covered vaults, a wooden ceiling and a laminate floor.

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