An analytical and epigenetic investigation of the environmental and human health impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl 'forever chemicals'.

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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are pollutants of increasing concern, notorious as 'forever chemicals' given their environmental persistence following use as protective, non-stick and fire-retardant coatings within electronics, textiles, cleaning agents and cookware. With a shortage of environmental testing (including drinking water sources) within the UK, and initial human epigenetic studies showing reproductive, developmental, immunological, kidney and carcinogenic effects from exposure via skin, contaminated food or water, there is an increasing need to monitor these pollutants. Furthermore, given there are conflicting accounts of the epigenetic mechanisms of specific PFAS (e.g. DNA methylation from PFOS and PFOA), questions remain as to how these phenotypic changes occur across the breadth of PFAS pollutants and their mixtures. By combining in-house environmental sample preparation and epigenetic approaches, with Microsaic's miniature mass spectrometer, this project will develop a monitoring platform capable of measuring PFAS at source and within a laboratory setting, and help establish the health impacts of PFAS pollution. Therefore, through partnership with stakeholders of the environmental sector, this work will better inform pollution remediation and capture processes for the safer management of PFAS.