Evolution of Research on Health Effects of PFAS and Current Unmet Needs to Inform Public Policy
Year: 2019
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: S05: PFAS Research Reaches its Adolescence: What Have We Learned and Where Are We Going?, Beatrix Theater, August 26, 2019, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Research into the environmental health effects of per- and polyflouroalkyl substances (PFAS) began decades ago but was markedly influenced by the contributions of the C8 Science Panel, along with growing recognition of the scope of worldwide exposure. Over the past decade, the scope and quality of research has expanded, yet regulators have important unmet needs that the research community should address. As part of the decision-making process regarding regulation of PFAS for the State of Michigan in the US, I was invited to provide current scientific information on PFAS to help determine acceptable levels of PFAS in drinking water. These policy-driven concerns have distinctive features that can help guide us to conduct more influential research. Key issues included: (1) Specific forms of PFAS to be regulated, individual chemicals or aggregations, considering mechanisms of toxicity, persistence, and relative potency; (2) Estimation of thresholds for observable health effects based on toxicology, epidemiology, and their combination, specifically whether 70 ppt in drinking water is sufficiently protective of public health; (3) Relative importance of exposure pathways other than drinking water, including food products and dermal exposure; (4) Clinical relevance of recognized history of elevated exposure, specifically guidance to those with elevated PFAS exposure and their health care providers; (5) Methods to mitigate exposure through changes in environmental policy and removal from community and individual water supplies. As part of the contribution, a panel with expertise in epidemiology, toxicology, risk assessment, environmental chemistry, and water quality engineering was assembled to inform the State by describing the current state of knowledge. While the fundamental understanding of PFAS continues to advance, targeted approaches to make the best practical use of current knowledge and pinpointing critical gaps will benefit regulators and therefore the public and help the research community prioritize research activities.
Source: Environmental Epidemiology
Author: Savitz D
Institution: Brown University
Language: English
Subfield: Environmental Chemistry
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,200
OpenAlex ID: W2981849034