January 14, 2025
Gradient scientists recently published an article evaluating the available research on dermal absorption of PFOA and recommend provisional values for exposure to PFOA in water or soil. This analysis may be relevant to certain other PFAS in other exposure media, such as consumer products.
The article, “Evaluating Dermal Absorption of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Implications for Other Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)” was published in the peer-reviewed journal Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology. Gradient scientists evaluated the available studies quantifying the rate and extent of dermal absorption of PFOA, a PFAS chemical that has been used to make products resistant to water, heat, and stains. This study advances the scientific understanding of dermal exposure to PFAS and is the first publication of its type.
The Gradient authors evaluated the reliability and physiological relevance of the limited number of studies directly measuring dermal absorption kinetics of PFOA in human skin. Further, the authors assessed whether the reported kinetic parameters were measured under appropriate conditions relevant to typical environmental exposures in humans (for example, using appropriate doses, solvents, experimental pH). From this evaluation, the authors identified the most appropriate values for use as absorption factors to estimate dermal exposures to PFOA from soil and water. These values are considered provisional for use in PFOA soil and water exposure assessments until more data become available.
By applying the recommended absorption factors, the Gradient authors estimated PFOA exposures from soil and water in children via both dermal and ingestion routes. Overall, results from this study indicate low dermal absorption of PFOA from soil and water compared to the ingestion pathway. The Gradient authors conclude that low dermal absorption is likely for other PFAS with similar physicochemical properties to PFOA (for example, chain length and functional group composition). These findings, and the recommended dermal absorption factors, can be considered for estimates of dermal absorption for PFAS with similar characteristics in other exposure media. For example, this study could be of use in estimating dermal absorption of certain PFAS from consumer products, such as textiles, cosmetics, and personal care products.
Read the article here.
If you have any questions regarding the article, please contact:
Andrew Yeh, Ph.D., DABT
Senior Toxicologist
Andrew.Yeh@gradientcorp.com
Robyn Prueitt, Ph.D., DABT
Principal
Robyn.Prueitt@gradientcorp.com
Barbara Beck, Ph.D., DABT, ATS, AAAS Fellow
Principal
Barbara.Beck@gradientcorp.com