Ireland's State of the Environment Report 2024

387 Chapter 14: Environment, Health and Wellbeing Many PFAS are toxic to humans and animals, with available epidemiological studies suggesting associations between PFAS and several health effects including cancer, immune system disruptions, increases in cholesterol, pregnancy complications and lower birth weights (ATSDR, 2021), with the risk of health effects dependent on many factors including exposure dose, frequency, route and duration, as well as individual and other factors. People may be exposed to PFAS through various routes (Figure 14.12). The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recommended a maximum weekly intake of 4.4 ng/kg body weight 11 for a total of four selected PFAS, which is based on scientific opinion 11 1 ng = 0.000000001 gram. 12 Study conducted under the European Human Biomonitoring for European Union project (HBM4EU). on the risks to human health arising from the presence of these substances in food. The EU Drinking Water Directive also sets limits for total amounts of PFAS allowed in water for human consumption. PFAS were detected in the blood of all teenage study participants sampled under an EU human biomonitoring programme, with over 14% of samples exceeding the current EFSA guideline value. 12 While levels of two of the most prevalent and regulated PFAS, PFOA and PFOS, were found to be decreasing, levels of replacement PFAS were detected, highlighting the urgent need to avoid regrettable substitutions of hazardous chemicals such as PFAS. Figure 14.12  Exposure sources, pathways and health effects associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances 1 ! 2 3 Possible sources of exposure Where they can be possibly found? House dust PFAs can be found in consumer products, such as food packaging and cookware; personal care products, such as shampoo, dental floss, nail polish and eye makeup; cleaning products, upholstery, leather and carpets; as well as home improvement products such as paints, varnishes, lubricants and sealants. It can also be found in contaminated drinking water (close to manu- facturing facilities, waste treatment facilities, firefighting and military training sites and airports) or food (fish, meat, fruit and fruit products, eggs, vegetables and vegetable products due to contaminated soil). Immunotoxicity Thyroid disease Increased cholesterol levels Liver damage Kidney and testicular cancer Developmental toxicity Effects on reproduction and fertility Occupational exposure (PFAS manufacture, firefighters, ski waxing, chromium plating…) Home consumer products Personal care products Breast milk Contaminated drinking water Contaminated food Food consumer products How can PFAS enter your body? Via inhalation Via ingestion How might PFAS affect your heart? Via dermal absorption Source: HBM4EU, 2022