Self-reported health effects among community residents exposed to perfluorooctanoate.
Serious health effects due to perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) exposure are suspected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health status of nearby residents, with prolonged exposure to PFOA in their drinking water. A population of 566 white residents who were plaintiffs or potential plaintiffs in a lawsuit was evaluated by questionnaire for health history and symptoms. Standardized Prevalence Ratios were estimated using National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) data files for comparison rates. The exposed subjects reported statistically significant greater prevalence of angina, myocardial infarction, and stroke (SPR=8.07, 95% C.I.=6.54-9.95; SPR=1.91, 95% C.I.=1.40-2.62, and SPR=2.17, 95% C.I.=1.47-3.21, respectively), chronic bronchitis, shortness of breath on stairs, asthma (SPR=3.60, 95% C.I.=2.92-4.44; SPR=2.05, 95% C.I.=1.70-2.46; SPR=1.82, 95% C.I.=1.47-2.25, respectively), and other serious health problems. The increased prevalence of adverse health effects may be due to PFOA. Further study is needed.
pamela.mahoney@epidemiologyresources.com
Pamela
P
Anderson-Mahoney
Jenny
J
Kotlerman
Harpreet
H
Takhar
David
D
Gray
James
J
Dahlgren
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002210:Caprylates / Q000506:poisoning*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000506:poisoning*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009820:Ohio / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014903:West Virginia / Q000453:epidemiology
D002210:Caprylates; D005466:Fluorocarbons; C023036:perfluorooctanoic acid