Characterization of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances Present in Commercial Anti-fog Products and Their In Vitro Adipogenic Activity

Abstract

Anti-fog sprays and solutions are used on eyeglasses to minimize the condensation of water vapor, particularly while wearing a mask. Given their water-repellent properties, we sought to characterize per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substance (PFAS) compounds in four anti-fog spray products, five anti-fog cloth products, and two commercial fluorosurfactant formulations suspected to be used in preparing anti-fog products. Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) and fluorotelomer ethoxylates (FTEOs) were detected in all products and formulations. While 6:2 FTOH and the 6:2 FTEO polymeric series were predominant, one anti-fog cloth and one formulation contained 8:2, 10:2, 12:2, 14:2, and 16:2 FTOH and FTEO polymeric series. PFAS concentrations varied in samples and were detected at levels up to 25,000 μg/mL in anti-fog sprays and 185,000 μg (g cloth)−1 in anti-fog cloth products. The total organic fluorine (TOF) measurements of anti-fog products ranged from 190 to 20,700 μg/mL in sprays and 44,200 to 131,500 μg (g cloth)−1 in cloths. Quantified FTOHs and FTEOs accounted for 1–99% of TOF mass. In addition, all four anti-fog sprays and both commercial formulations exhibited significant cytotoxicity and adipogenic activity (either triglyceride accumulation and/or pre-adipocyte proliferation) in murine 3T3-L1 cells. Results suggest that FTEOs are a significant contributor to the adipogenic activity exhibited by the anti-fog sprays. Altogether, these results suggest that FTEOs are present in commercial products at toxicologically relevant levels, and more research is needed to fully understand the health risks from using these PFAS-containing products.

PFAS Analysis with Ultrahigh Resolution 21T FT-ICR MS: Suspect and Nontargeted Screening with Unrivaled Mass Resolving Power and Accuracy

“…However, the component ions created a web of apparent CF 2 - and C 2 H 4 O-homologous series where the number of perfluoroalkyl repeating units remained fixed as the number of ethoxy repeating units varied and vice versa. This suggests the presence of a polyethoxylated PFAS series, which have been previously reported, although with different composition and not in AFFF. − Several of the nodes in Figure A are associated with 34 S isotopologues, and none were associated with 37 Cl isotopologues. Because no P-containing formulas were identified in the AFFF sample during suspect screening, molecular formulas were calculated for the series using C 0‑∞ , H 0‑∞ , F 0‑∞ , N 0‑6 , O 0‑∞ , and S 0‑5 as elements and a mass error window of ±0.2 ppm.…”

Widening the Lens on PFASs: Direct Human Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Acid Precursors (pre-PFAAs)

“…Examples of widespread pre-PFAAs likely relevant for direct human exposure are in the second semicircle ( III : perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides (FASAs); IV : fluorotelomer sulfonates (FTSs); V : polyfluoroalkyl phosphoric acid diesters (diPAPs); VI : perfluoroalkyl sulfonamido acetic acids (FASAAs); VII : fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs)). Examples of source-associated pre-PFAAs with poorly understood importance for direct human exposure are shown in the outer circle and include compounds with known or suspected use in consumer products ( VIII, IX, X ) , and structures identified in highly impacted areas (fluorochemical manufacturing site ( XI ) and AFFF source zones ( XII ; XIII ). − ).…”

Effectiveness of an anti-fog polymer coating in protective eyewear: a blinded, randomised controlled cross-over trial with healthcare providers in an emergency department setting

“…A recent study by Herkert et al 18 at Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment found that anti-fogging sprays and cloths commonly used to prevent fogging on protective eyewear may contain high levels of polyfluorinated alkyl substances. Exposure to these substances has been associated with toxicological effects such as impaired immune function, cancer and thyroid disease.…”