ABSTRACT
Human biomonitoring programs of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been conducted around the world to assess human exposure and health risk. Inquiry into population PFAS levels in a socioeconomically and geographically unique region such as the Pacific Island Papua New Guinea, may provide new insights into PFAS exposure pathways and sources. This study presented the first indication of PFAS exposure in the Papua New Guinea population. De-identified serum samples were pooled from surplus pathology serum samples collected between 2019 and 2020. A total of 11 PFAS were detected in the serum pools including 10 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA) and 9Cl-F53B (a perfluorooctane sulfonic acid - PFOS alternative). The observed PFAA profile was somewhat similar to that observed for general population data of other countries such as Australia, Malaysia, and Canada suggesting similar exposure sources and/or pathways. However, PFAS concentrations were consistently lower than concentrations in the serum measured in pools obtained from Australia. The detection of 9Cl-F53B in all pools was a new finding which might be related to exposure from locally industrial sources.
Subject(s)
Alkanesulfonic Acids , Environmental Pollutants , Fluorocarbons , Humans , Papua New Guinea , Alkanesulfonic Acids/analysis , Biological Monitoring , Fluorocarbons/analysis , Australia , CanadaABSTRACT
Effective cleaning of the patient environment has been advocated to reduce the risk for nosocomial infection. This pilot study compared 2 terminal cleaning methods, a traditional method in which a disinfectant was applied with a wetted cloth and an alternative method in which the disinfectant was applied using the PureMist system (PureCart Systems, Green Bay, WI). There was no difference in effectiveness, with a mean relative reduction of microbial burden of 84% for the traditional method versus 88% for the PureMist method.
