Paints: A Source of Volatile PFAS in Air─Potential Implications for Inhalation Exposure

Abstract

Paints are widely used in indoor settings yet there are no data for volatile per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for paints or knowledge if paints are potentially important sources of human exposure to PFAS. Different commercial paints (n = 27) were collected from local hardware stores and analyzed for volatile PFAS by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC−MS), nonvolatile PFAS by liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-qTOF), and total fluorine by 19 F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Diluted paint required clean up to remove 6:2 fluorotelomer phosphate diester (diPAP), which thermally transforms into 6:2 FTOH at 280 °C (GC inlet temperature). Only 6:2 FTOH (0.9−83 μg/g) and 6:2 diPAP (0.073−58 μg/g) were found in five exterior and nine interior paints and only accounted for a maximum of 17% of total fluorine. Upon drying, 40% of the FTOH mass was lost, and the loss was verified by measurements of the cumulative FTOH mass measured in the air of a small, confined space over a 3 h period. Based on the liquid paint results, the ConsExpo model was used for potential exposure assessment and one commercial paint exceeded the chosen reference dose (5 μg/kg-day) for children and adults, indicating the potential for human exposure during painting.

Personal Wearable Sampler for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Exposure Assessment

“…This particular wristband sample could have been contaminated with glue or food-coloring ingredients, based on the participants’ comments in the questionnaire. Previous studies have reported that paints containing coloring ingredients can be sources of diPAPs and FTOHs . However, further investigation is needed to confirm the potential sources.…”

“…In addition, concentrations of 6:2 diPAP were much higher than those of 8:2 diPAP. However, studies on atmospheric diPAPs remain limited, while several studies on diPAPs in indoor dust also found higher levels of 6:2 diPAP compared to 8:2 diPAP. , While acknowledging the potential contribution of the built environment, such as indoor paints, to atmospheric diPAPs in both samplers, our observation of a 10-fold higher total mass of diPAPs in silicone wristbands compared to PAWS suggests a distinct source. Therefore, we hypothesize that they may have been captured through dermal contact, considering the direct skin contact nature of wristbands.…”

“…Previous studies have reported that paints containing coloring ingredients can be sources of diPAPs and FTOHs. 34 investigation is needed to confirm the potential sources. In addition, we identified a significant difference in 6:2 FTOH concentrations between townhouses and apartments (p < 0.05); however, considering the small sample size, this conclusion needs to be further validated and additional information about the house type, including its age and types of furnishings/materials should also be considered.…”

Evaluating Neutral PFAS for Potential Dermal Absorption from the Gas Phase

“…The 11 PFAS are logical candidates for experimental verification, biomonitoring, or environmental (e.g., indoor air, clothing, dust) measurements. The estimation analysis demonstrated in this work is independent of the source of neutral PFAS; however, prior measurements of FTOHs released from consumer products, including textiles, upholstery, and paint, at room temperature and in a heated environment are documented. − …”

Cloth–Air Partitioning of Neutral Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in North Carolina Homes during the Indoor PFAS Assessment (IPA) Campaign

“…The indoor environment can be an important contributor to population exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). , Exposures may occur via inhalation of airborne particles and gases; dermal exposure by direct contact with PFAS-containing materials or from the air; ingestion of food, water, and dust; and mouthing of materials . PFAS are manufactured chemicals, many of which are persistent in the environment and bioaccumulative. − Currently, it is estimated that thousands of different PFAS exist, either for use in industry and product manufacture or as precursors or breakdown products. ,− PFAS are commonly used in consumer products and articles as water- and stain-resistant or nonstick coatings and as surfactants. ,− Examples of products treated with PFAS include furnishings, carpets, functional apparel, outdoor gear, cookware, food-contact materials, paints, and cleaning products. Exposure to several PFAS has been linked to a number of adverse health outcomes in humans and wildlife; , however, the toxic potential of the majority of PFAS has not been studied to date .…”