Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and mercury in never-pregnant women of fertile age: association with fish consumption and unfavorable lipid profile (original) (raw)

ObjectivesTo examine concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and lifestyle factors that may contribute to higher levels of pollutants in never-pregnant women of fertile age.DesignObservational cross-sectional study.SettingParticipants were recruited among employees and students at Haukeland University Hospital and the University of Bergen, Norway.ParticipantsHealthy, never-pregnant Norwegian women (n=158) of fertile age (18–39 years).OutcomesConcentrations of 20 different PFASs, mercury (Hg), lead, cadmium, total, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, in addition to self-reported data on dietary intake.ResultsSeven PFASs were detected in more than 95% of the women. Women aged 30–39 years had higher concentrations of sum PFAS compared with younger women. Serum PFASs were significantly intercorrelated (rho: 0.34–0.98, p<0.001) and six of them were significantly correlated to whole blood Hg (rho: 0.21–0.74, p<0.01). Fish consumption w...