Number of Carbons Is a Critical Parameter for Accumulation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Human Brain.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a large group of manmade chemicals, have been detected extensively in the blood of people living in developed countries. Although it has been suggested that PFAS exposure might be associated with harmful effects on the brain, few studies have assessed the presence of PFAS in brain tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of a broad range of PFAS in paired postmortem human brain and serum samples and investigate brain-to-serum concentration ratios.

Assessing the Efficacy of Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for Nanoplastic and Microplastic Analysis in Human Blood.

Humans are constantly exposed to micro- and nanosized plastics (MNPs); however, there is still limited understanding of their fate within the body, partially due to limitations with current analytical techniques. The current study assessed the appropriateness of pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) analysis for the quantification of a range of polymers in human blood. An extraction protocol that reduced matrix interferences (false positives) of polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was developed and validated.

A pathway-based genetic score for inflammation: An indicator of vulnerability to phthalate-induced adverse neurodevelopment outcomes.

Introduction: Phthalates, chemical additives used to enhance plastic products' flexibility, are easily released into the environment, and can harm the brain development through various mechanisms including inflammation. Genetic variation influencing an individual's susceptibility to inflammation may play a role in the effects of phthalate exposure on neurodevelopment however there is no summary measure developed for genetic susceptibility to inflammation.

Methods: We developed a genetic pathway function score for inflammation (gPFS), based on the transcriptional activity of the inflammatory response pathway in the brain and other tissues.

The benefits of removing toxic chemicals from plastics.

More than 16,000 chemicals are incorporated into plastics to impart properties such as color, flexibility, and durability. These chemicals may leach from plastics, resulting in widespread human exposure during everyday use. Two plastic-associated chemicals-bisphenol A (BPA) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)-and a class of chemicals-brominated flame retardants [polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)]-are credibly linked to adverse health and cognitive impacts.

A systematic evidence map protocol for mapping global exposure to bisphenols and their alternatives and social and environmental justice implications.

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the highest-volume chemicals produced worldwide, and human exposure to BPA is thought to be ubiquitous. Stricter regulations around the use of BPA have led many manufacturers to switch to other bisphenol chemicals with similar functions such as bisphenol S and F. Even though exposure to BPA, other bisphenol chemicals and bisphenol alternatives poses a health risk for humans, very little is known about the granular exposure levels of different populations around the world.