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Cited by 209Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances researchToxic Organic Pollutants ImpactFluorine in Organic Chemistry

Non-Target and Suspect Screening of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Airborne Particulate Matter in China

Open access
Yu, Nanyang, Guo, Huiwei, Yang, Jingping, Jin, Ling, Wang, Xuebing, Shi, Wei, Zhang, Xiaowei, Yu, Hongxia +1 more·2018·Environmental Science & Technology
DOI 10.1021/acs.est.8b02492
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Abstract

Airborne particulate matter (APM) has an important role in inhalation exposure, especially in China. The environmental occurrence of conventional and unknown per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in APM remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, a two-stage experiment was designed to identify potential PFASs and to investigate their distribution in APM. Indoor and outdoor APM samples were collected from five selected cities in China. Through PFAS homologue analysis and suspect screening, 50 peaks were identified with different confidence levels (levels 1-3). Among the identified PFASs, 34 emerging PFASs including p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzenesulfonate, 6:2 polyfluoroalkyl phosphate diester, n:2 fluorotelomer sulfonates, n:2 fluorinated telomer acids, n:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acids, 1:n polyfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (1:n PFECAs), perfluoroalkyl dioic acids (PFdiOAs), hydro-substituted perfluoroalkyl dioic acids (H-PFdiOAs), and unsaturated perfluorinated alcohols (UPFAs) were identified in APM. In particular, 1:n PFECAs, PFdiOAs, H-PFdiOAs, and UPFAs were first detected in APM. Although human exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid via inhaled APM was noted to not be a risk (hazard quotient <0.1) in this study, the expansion of the PFASs screened in APM implies that human exposure to PFASs might be much more serious and should be considered in future risk assessments in China.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1021/acs.est.8b02492

Cites

66 of 66 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 53 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    The study identified 34 emerging PFASs in airborne particulate matter, including OBS, 6:2 diPAP, n:2 FTSs, n:2 FTAs, n:2 Cl-PFESAs, 1:n PFECAs, PFdiOAs, H-PFdiOAs, and UPFAs.

    “Among the identified PFASs, 34 emerging PFASs including p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzenesulfonate, 6:2 polyfluoroalkyl phosphate diester, n:2 fluorotelomer sulfonates, n:2 fluorinated telomer acids, n:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acids, 1:n polyfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (1:n PFECAs), perfluoroalkyl dioic acids (PFdiOAs), hydro-substituted perfluoroalkyl dioic acids (H-PFdiOAs”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    In this study, human exposure to PFOA through inhaled airborne particulate matter was not a risk, with a hazard quotient below 0.1.

    “Although human exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid via inhaled APM was noted to not be a risk (hazard quotient <0.1) in this study,”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Using PFAS homologue analysis and suspect screening, the study identified 50 peaks at confidence levels 1 through 3.

    “Through PFAS homologue analysis and suspect screening, 50 peaks were identified with different confidence levels (levels 1-3).”
    • Also stated in: § Suspect Screening. · plain
      “Overall, through PFAS homologue analysis and suspect screening, 50 peaks including 16 peaks for legacy PFASs and 34 for emerging PFASs were identified as level 3 or above.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    1:n PFECAs, PFdiOAs, H-PFdiOAs, and UPFAs were detected in airborne particulate matter for the first time in this study.

    “In particular, 1:n PFECAs, PFdiOAs, H-PFdiOAs, and UPFAs were first detected in APM.”
    • Also stated in: § Suspect Screening. · plain
      “Furthermore, this study was the first to find and identify 1:n PFECAs, PFdiOA, H-PFdiOA, and UPFAs in APM;”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Eight UPFAs were identified as level 3.

    “Thus, eight UPFAs were identified as level 3 (mass error = 0.4-4.4ppm).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 36
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 34

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    PFOS, PFHxS, and PFBS were identified and confirmed as level 1 by standards.

    “Then, PFOS, PFHxS, and PFBS were confirmed as level 1 by standards (ΔRT = 0.03-0.05min).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    PFOA was the predominant compound in outdoor airborne particulate matter, contributing 48.1% on average (range 19.4%-94.9%), followed by PFHxA at 9.23% (0.58%-27.4%) and PFOS at 6.09% (0.08%-17.6%).

    “The predominant compound in outdoor APM was PFOA, which contributed 48.1% (19.4%-94.9%),followed by PFHxA and PFOS, which contributed 9.23% (0.58%-27.4%) and 6.09% (0.08%-17.6%) on average, respectively (Figure 3).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    6:2 diPAP was found only in outdoor airborne particulate matter, at a mean concentration of 1.97 pg m-3.

    “Here, 6:2 diPAP was detected only in outdoor APM with a mean concentration of 1.97 pg m -3 ;”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Perfluorodecanedioic acid and perfluorododecanedioic acid were confirmed as level 1 by standards, and the other five PFdiOAs were identified as level 2b.

    “Perfluorodecanedioic acid and perfluorododecanedioic acid were confirmed as level 1 by standards (ΔRT = 0.02-0.04min, mass error 1.2-3.1 ppm).”
    • Also stated in: § Perfluoroalkyl dioic acids (PFdiOAs). · plain
      “The other five PFdiOAs were identified as level 2b based on the exact mass (mass error = 0.4-2.3ppm) and MS/MS spectrum.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Using established criteria, 125 peaks were assigned confidence levels: 20 level 1, 19 level 2, 11 level 3, 18 level 4, and 57 level 5.

    “Based on established criteria 47 , levels were assigned to 125 peaks; 20 peaks were identified as level 1 by standards, 19 peaks were identified as level 2 by the MS/MS spectrum, 11 peaks were identified as level 3 with uncertain substituent positions by the MS/MS spectrum, 18 peaks were identified as level 4 with molecular formulae, and 57 peaks were identified as level 5 only with m/z and RT.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [47] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The indoor APM PFAS profile agreed with a North American report but differed from a Tromsø, Norway, report based on PFSAs.

    “The profile obtained is consistent with a report based on PFASs in North America but different from that based on PFSAs in Tromsø (Norway).29,42”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [29] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [42] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    PFAS homologue screening selected 121 peaks, and suspect screening selected another 4 peaks.

    “Through PFAS homologue screening 121 peaks were selected, while another 4 peaks were selected by suspect screening.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The intensity ratios of 1:n PFECAs to PFCAs with the same carbon atom number ranged from 21% to 77%, indicating a close contribution.

    “and the intensity ratios of 1:n PFECAs vs. PFCAs with the same carbon atom number ranged from 21% to 77%, indicating a close contribution.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Four PFASs, including 6:2 diPAP, 6:2 Cl-PFESA, 8:2 Cl-PFESA, and OBS, were selected from the suspect list and identified based on their MS/MS spectra.

    “Based on molecular formulae, another four PFASs, including 6:2 diPAP (CAS No. 57677-95-9), 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acids (6:2 Cl-PFESA, CAS No. 756426-58-1), 8:2 Cl-PFESA, and p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzenesulfonate (OBS, CAS No. 271794-15-1), were selected from the suspect list (mass error = 3.4-4.7 ppm).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Hierarchical clustering based on Pearson correlation coefficients showed that PFAS patterns in indoor airborne particulate matter were similar to each other and distinct from outdoor patterns.

    “Based on their Pearson's correlation coefficients, the hierarchical clustering of APM samples showed that the patterns of PFASs in indoor APM were similar; however, these patterns were distinct from those in outdoor APM (Figure S16).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    PFAS concentrations found in this study were similar to those from two UK cities (299 and 325 pg/m3) but much higher than those reported for Norway and Ireland.

    “Concentrations of PFASs found in this study were similar to results obtained in two cities in the UK (299 and 325 pg m -3 ) but much higher than those noted for Norway and Ireland.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [71] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    PFHxA, PFOA, and the sum of legacy PFASs were readily associated with finer particles.

    “The convex line shows that PFHxA, PFOA, and ∑legacy PFASs were easily absorbed in finer particles.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    PFOA and PFHxA dominated indoor APM, contributing 41.2% (1.0%-71.6%) and 28.8% (14.4%-53.3%), respectively.

    “PFOA and PFHxA were the predominant components and accounted for 41.2% (1.0%-71.6%)and 28.8% (14.4%-53.3%),respectively (Figure S17a).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In indoor APM, most PFCAs were detected in every sample; PFPeA was the exception, detected in only three rooms.

    “Most PFCAs were detected in all the indoor APM samples, except for PFPeA, which was detected only in three rooms.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    PFSAs occurred in indoor APM but had low detection frequencies.

    “PFSAs were present but with low detection frequencies”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Low intensity and missing MS/MS spectra prevented identification of PFAS structures.

    “However, the low intensity and the absence of the MS/MS spectrum prevented the identification of PFAS structures.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Under a worst-case scenario, inhalation exposure could reach 6.2 ng day-1 for toddlers and 6.0 ng day-1 for adults.

    “In a worst-case scenario, inhalation exposure for toddlers and adults could be as high as 6.2 and 6.0 ng day -1 , respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    In positive-mode measurements, only 15 peaks were selected, all level 5 in SI Table S10.

    “In positive mode measurements, only 15 peaks (level 5 in SI Table S10) were selected.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The study identified known PFASs including PFOS and PFOA, and emerging unknown PFASs including 1:n PFECAs, PFdiOAs, H-PFdiOAs, and UPFAs.

    “However, we successfully identified well-known PFASs such as PFOS and PFOA, as well as emerging unknown PFASs (1:n PFECAs, PFdiOAs, H-PFdiOAs, and UPFAs).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Non-target analysis combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry makes it possible to detect and recognize a wide range of substances.

    “Non-target analysis combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry (e.g., Orbitrap and quadrupole time of flight, QTOF) makes it possible to detect and recognize a wide range of substances.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [14] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [15] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [16] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The broader set of PFASs found in airborne particulate matter suggests that human exposure to PFASs may be more serious than indicated by PFOA alone and should be included in future risk assessments in China.

    “the expansion of the PFASs screened in APM implies that human exposure to PFASs might be much more serious and should be considered in future risk assessments in China.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Despite restrictions and phase-out of PFOS and PFOA in developed countries, alternatives such as short-chain PFCAs, short-chain PFSAs, and PAPs have been put into production.

    “Despite the restrictions and phase-out of PFOS and PFOA in developed countries, 8 alternatives, such as short-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs), short-chain perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs), and polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) have been put into production.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [8] Oil Technics. Over the last 15+ years, the Fire Fighting Foam Industry has been working to understand how environmental pollution arising from the use of non-C6 fluorinated AFFF concentrates can be removed. http://www.firefightingfoam.com/knowledge-base/c6-technology/.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [9] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [10] 2006

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    PFOS is listed in Annex B of the Stockholm Convention, and PFOA has been recommended as a persistent organic pollutant by the POPs Review Committee.

    “Thus, PFOS has been listed in the Annex B of the Stockholm Convention 6 and PFOA has been recommended as a persistent organic pollutant (POP) by the POPs Review Committee.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [6] Stockholm Convention. The New POPs Under the Stockholm Convention. 2009; http://chm.pops.int/Programmes/NewPOPs/The9newPOPs/tabid/672/language/en-US/Default.aspx.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [7] Stockholm Convention. POPRC Recommendations for listing Chemicals. http://www.pops.int/TheConvention/ThePOPs/ChemicalsProposedforListing/tabid/2510/Default.aspx.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    PFOS and PFOA have been recognized as pollutants because of their environmental persistence and toxicity.

    “Some of these compounds, e.g., perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), have been recognized as pollutants because of their environmental persistence and toxicity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [4] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [5] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    According to a Swedish Chemicals Agency report, 2060 PFASs have been identified on the global market.

    “According to a report by the Swedish Chemicals Agency, there are 2060 PFASs identified on the global market.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [2] KEMI (Swedish Chemicals Agency). Occurrence and Use of Highly Fluorinated Substances and Alternatives. 2015; http://www.kemi.se/en/global/rapporter/2015/report-7-15-occurrence-and-use-of-highlyfluorinated-substances-and-alternatives.pdf.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Sensitivity testing with known PFAS standard solutions showed that several PFASs were detected at 0.1 μg/L and all PFAS standards were detected at 5 μg/L.

    “The sensitivity of the non-target analysis process was tested using several known PFAS standard solutions, which proved that several PFASs were detected at the level of 0.1 μg L -1 and all the PFAS standards were detected at the level of 5 μg L -1 (Table S5).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a primary factor leading to adverse health effects.

    “Given that fine particulate matter (PM2.5)exposure is a primary factor leading to adverse health effects,”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [33] Forouzanfar M. H., 2015, Lancet source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [34] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Although the indoor environment was a primary source of PFASs in the outdoor environment, outdoor-specific sources such as fluorination plants were also important contributors to PFAS contamination.

    “Although the indoor environment was a primary source of PFASs in the outdoor environment, outdoor specific sources like fluorination plants were also important contributing factors to contamination by PFASs.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    The size of airborne particulate matter affects the region in which it is deposited in the respiratory system.

    “On the other hand, the size of APM affects the region in which APM is deposited in the respiratory system.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The size distribution of organic chemicals varies depending on the substances.

    “On the one hand, the size distribution of organic chemicals varies depending on substances.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [36] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [37] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [38] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters are widely used in food packaging material.

    “PAPs, which are used widely in food packaging material 8”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [8] Oil Technics. Over the last 15+ years, the Fire Fighting Foam Industry has been working to understand how environmental pollution arising from the use of non-C6 fluorinated AFFF concentrates can be removed. http://www.firefightingfoam.com/knowledge-base/c6-technology/.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In Japan, PFOA in airborne dust was taken up more readily in the respirable fraction (1.1-11.4 μm) than in the smaller fraction (<1.1 μm).

    “The particle-size distribution of PFOA in Japan showed that PFOA in airborne dust was absorbed more easily in the respirable fraction (1.1-11.4μm) than the smaller fraction (<1.1 μm).75”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [75] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Dreyer et al. found that PFOA was predominantly in the smallest fraction (<0.14).

    “Dreyer et al. observed that PFOA existed predominantly in the smallest fraction (<0.14).72”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [72] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Several emerging PFASs, such as polyfluoroether sulfonates, have been detected in airborne particulate matter.

    “Furthermore, several emerging PFASs (e.g., polyfluoroether sulfonates) have been detected in airborne particulate matter (APM).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [31] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    China has experienced frequent and severe fog and haze events.

    “Recently, China has been suffering from frequent and severe fog/haze events.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [32] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    To ensure a mass error below 5 ppm, the instrument was automatically calibrated every five sample injections.

    “To guarantee a mass error <5 ppm, the instrument was automatically calibrated every 5 sample injections using a calibration solution delivered via a calibration delivery system (AB Sciex).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Additional PFCA or PFSA homologues were checked for all standards, and quantitation errors were controlled at 0.6%.

    “Additional PFCA or PFSA homologues were checked for all standards, and the errors of quantitation were controlled at 0.6% (Table S2).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters belong to a class of precursors of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids.

    “and are a class of PFCA precursors, 73”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [73] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The presence of C15-C18 PFCAs in airborne particulate matter might be due to local fluorine chemical plants and/or long-range transport from a manufacturing plant.

    “their existence in APM might be due to the presence of local fluorine chemical plants and/or long-range transport from a manufacturing plant.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    n:2 FTAs and n:2 FTSs are believed to be principal degradation products of fluorotelomer surfactants and are applied as alternatives to PFOS in metal plating.

    “It is believed that n:2 FTAs and n:2 FTSs are principal degradation products of fluorotelomer surfactants 59,60 and applied as alternatives to PFOS in metal plating.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [59] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [60] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [61] 2012

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Earlier studies on PFAS particle-size distributions have reported differing patterns in outdoor APM.

    “Previous studies investigating particle-size distributions of PFASs have reported different features in outdoor APM.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Compared with HPLC-QTOF, HPLC-QqQ has higher sensitivity and can detect PFASs at lower levels.

    “Compared with HPLC-QTOF, HPLC-QqQ has a higher sensitivity and could detect PFASs with lower levels.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The sensitivity of QTOF and its mass accuracy were noted to decrease at low concentrations.

    “Furthermore, the sensitivity of QTOF and its mass accuracy were noted to decrease at low concentrations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    OBS has been used as a surfactant in oil production and has been detected in surface water around an oilfield in China.

    “This compound has been used as a surfactant in oil production and has been detected in the surface water around an oilfield in China.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [68] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The limits of quantification for target analytes were 0.17-0.45 pg/m3 for outdoor samples and 0.61-1.6 pg/m3 for indoor samples.

    “The LOQs for each analyte were 0.17-0.45and 0.61-1.6pg m -3 for the outdoor and indoor samples, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    6:2 Cl-PFESA is a principal component of F-53B, has been used in the Chinese chrome-plating industry for about 30 years, and has been detected in wastewater, fish, human serum, and human placenta.

    “This compound, which is a principal component of F-53B, has been used in the Chinese chrome-plating industry for about 30 years 63 and has been detected in wastewater, 64 fish, 65 human serum, 66 and even human placenta.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [63] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [64] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [65] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Previous studies on organophosphate flame retardants found that ignoring particle-size characteristics in exposure assessment could overestimate the exposure level.

    “Previous studies on organophosphate flame retardants have found that ignoring particle-size characteristics in exposure assessment could overestimate the exposure level.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [40] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The Chinese population faces a substantial health risk from PM2.5 exposure.

    “it is evident that the Chinese population is confronted with a substantial health risk.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Sources of PFASs in the indoor environment are generally common, such as carpets, outdoor equipment, and paper products.

    “The sources of PFASs in the indoor environment were generally common, such as carpets, outdoor equipment, and paper products.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [69] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [70] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    After internal standards were added to each sample, the mass error was 1.5 ppm, with a range of 0.1-4.8 ppm.

    “Additionally, several internal standards were added to each sample and the mass error was 1.5 ppm (0.1-4.8 ppm).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    This relatively low ratio may indicate that diPAP use in China is comparatively lower.

    “which could indicate comparatively lower use of diPAPs in China.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    There was no difference between PFAS levels in trip blanks and procedural blanks, suggesting that no contamination occurred during travel and storage.

    “There was no difference between the level of PFAS in the trip and procedural blanks, suggesting that no contamination occurred during travel and storage.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The deposition efficiency of particulate matter in the respiratory tract may depend on particle size.

    “It is known that the deposition efficiency of PM in the respiratory tract might vary with PM size.39”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [39] 1994

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Ericson et al. estimated mean and maximum PFOA exposure from house dust as 0.48 (0.65) and 1.05 (2.15) ng day-3 for toddlers and adults, respectively, in average-case scenarios.

    “Ericson et al. calculated the mean and maximum PFOA exposure from house dust to be 0.48 (0.65) and 1.05 (2.15) ng day -3 , respectively, in average case scenarios for toddlers (adults).30”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [30] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    In non-target PFAS screening, specificity and coverage must be balanced.

    “Therefore, there is a balance between specificity and coverage in the non-target screening of PFASs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: General environmental samples contain more interfering substances and lower PFAS levels than source or contaminated samples.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation

    Confidence levels for each molecule and proposed structure were assigned using established criteria.

    “The confidence level for each molecule and its proposed structure was assigned based on established criteria.47”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [47] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Even though the ENVI-carb cartridge is effective for legacy PFASs, some unknown PFASs may have been lost during sample preparation.

    “First, although the ENVI-carb cartridge has been shown to be effective for analyzing legacy PFASs, it is possible that several unknown PFASs were removed during sample preparation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Target analysis and health risk assessment suggest that PFAS distributions in Chinese APM may be locally or regionally specific, reflecting atmospheric conditions and the locations of the fluorine chemical industry.

    “Our target analysis and health risk assessment suggest that the distributions of PFASs in APM in China might be locally/regionally specific because of the atmosphere and the geographical locations of the fluorine chemical industry in the country.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Clean-up during PFAS extraction may be another reason these positively charged and zwitterionic PFASs were not found.

    “Another reason for not finding these PFASs could be the clean-up conducted during the extraction of PFASs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Prior research has identified air and dust as potentially important PFAS exposure pathways.

    “Previous studies have found that air and dust are potentially important pathways to PFAS exposure.29”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [29] source

      Not checked in the free run.

60 of 60

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Prior exploratory PFAS screening efforts have not considered airborne particulate matter as an exposure source.

    “However, similar exploratory efforts toward PFAS screening have not considered these exposure sources.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The five selected cities are representative of urban China for PFAS contamination in airborne particulate matter.

    “Indoor and outdoor APM samples were collected from five selected cities in China.”
    “During 2014-2015, we collected indoor and outdoor APM samples from five selected cities in China: Beijing (BJ), Ji'nan (JN), Nanjing (NJ), Changshu (CS), and Guiyang (GY), with two sampling sites per city”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Inhalation rate varies with activity level and age group.

    “Moreover, the inhalation rate is related to activity level and age group.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    General environmental samples contain more interfering substances and lower PFAS levels than source or contaminated samples.

    “However, general environmental samples contain more interfering substances and a lower level of PFASs.”
4 of 4

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • 6:2 diPAP is both included in and separated from legacy PFASs

    Minor

    The outdoor results list 6:2 diPAP among thirteen legacy PFASs, but later describe it as a PAP measured in addition to legacy PFASs. The three listed PFSAs and C5-C14 PFCAs already account for thirteen compounds without diPAP.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

1 of the 67 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 10

  1. Holzapfel W., 1966, Fette Seifen Anstrichm, 68, 837
  2. 2006, Amending for the 30th Time Council Directive 76/769/EEC on the Approximation of the Laws, Regulations and Administrative Provisions of the Member States Relating to Restrictions on the Marketing and Use of Certain Dangerous Substances and Preparations (Perfluorooctane Sulfonates)
  3. 1994, Human Respiratory Tract Model for Radiological Protection Annals of the ICRP, 24
  4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1989, Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund. Vol. I: Human Health Evaluation Manual (Part A)
  5. 2011, Exposure Factors Handbook, Chapter 8: Body Weight Studies
  6. 2009, Health Risk Limits for Groundwater 2008 Rule Revision: Perfluorooctanoic Acid
  7. 2012, Technical Paper on the Identification and Assessment of Alternatives to the Use of Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid in Open Applications (UNEP/POPS/POPRC. 8/INF/17 Rev. 1).
  8. 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b00039 · DOI · Paper page
  9. 10.1039/b701417a · DOI · Paper page
  10. 10.1021/acs.est.5b00679 · DOI · Paper page

Cited by

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Related

Authors
Yu, N., Guo, H., Yang, J., Jin, L., Wang, X., Shi, W., Zhang, X., Yu, H., & Wei, S.
Affiliations
  • State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse (CN)
  • Nanjing University (CN)
  • Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HK)
  • State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
Corresponding author
Wei, Si
ORCID
Venue
Environmental Science & Technology
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Published
2018-07-16
Volume
52
Issue
15
Pages
8205-8214
ISSN
  • 0013-936X (ISSN-L)
  • 1520-5851
DOI
10.1021/acs.est.8b02492
OpenAlex
W2884946181
Semantic Scholar
bbaf1357f6affeb983198758638b963d9f1f47ae
Cited by
200
References
67
Citations by year
2026: 19 · 2025: 24 · 2024: 31 · 2023: 27 · 2022: 28 · 2021: 24 · 2020: 25 · 2019: 20 · 2018: 2
FWCI
9.27
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Environmental Science & Technology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PolyU Institutional Research Archive (Hong Kong Polytechnic University) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China (021114380072)
  • Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China (2012ZX07101-005)
  • China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2016M600397)
  • Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (BK20150591)
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (81500515, 21677067, 91543205)
  • Jiangsu Provincial Environmental Monitoring Research Fund (1317, 1605)
  • Jiangsu Province (TH2016306)
  • Life Cycle of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Associated Wastes in China (5044)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Chemistry › Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances research
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis › Toxic Organic Pollutants Impact
  • Life Sciences › Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics › Pharmaceutical Science › Fluorine in Organic Chemistry
Keywords
per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, airborne particulate matter, suspect screening, emerging PFASs, fluorotelomer sulfonates, inhalation exposure, hazard quotient, China
MeSH terms
Carboxylic Acids, China, Fluorocarbons, Humans, Sulfonic Acids, Particulate Matter

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-07.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-07.

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