At-Home Test Reveals PFAS in Ecology Center’s Staff Scientists
In our decade of research on PFAS, we have undertaken extensive testing on consumer goods and environmental media, including fish, lake foam, and air. Our aim has been to determine the types and amounts of PFAS present in these substances.
Our Healthy Stuff Lab researchers recently examined a more intimate medium for PFAS detection: their blood. Many people are curious about their personal exposure levels – including us. It is widely known that PFAS and other industrial chemicals circulate within the bloodstream of most Americans, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating that over 99% of the population have at least one type of PFAS in their bodies. Since PFAS levels gradually diminish after exposure ends, analyzing the chemicals present in one’s blood can offer insight into exposures that likely occurred in the past several years.
Motivated by our commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and helping others, our curious staff scientists, Gillian Miller and Jeff Gearhart, underwent PFAS blood testing using Eurofins’s at-home PFAS Exposure Blood Test.
Gillian’s Results
PFAS Analytes in Gillian’s Blood Samples Compared to National Median
|
Analyte |
Gillian's Eurofins Serum Equivalent |
Median in U.S. Population |
| PFBS | Not detected | - |
| PFHpA | Not detected | - |
| PFHxS | Not detected | 1.1 |
| PFOA | Not detected | 1.47 |
| PFNA | Not detected | 0.4 |
| PFOS | 0.53 | 4.3 |
| PFUnA | Not detected | (haven't found) |
Unit: ng/mL (ppb); median in US population data based on 50th percentile of the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data; the serum equivalent to whole blood is calculated per Eurofins’ standard.
Somewhat expected, Gillian’s results were below the national average, though lower than anticipated. Gillian expected to be on the low side for two reasons – she’s conscious about lifestyle exposure to PFAS, and studies have shown that for females in their late teens to early 40s, PFAS levels tend to be lower.
To limit lifestyle exposure, Gillian has lived without PFAS-coated carpet and furniture for many years. She often eats plant-based foods, thus reducing exposure to meat and dairy, which are more likely to be contaminated with PFAS. Her drinking water at home is reverse-osmosis filtered. Gillian notes, however, that there’s no such thing as a PFAS-free life. For example, she suspects her hiking gear from 20 years ago, including boots, pants, and jacket, is PFAS-coated. She suspects one of her new dog beds is, too.
Research suggests menstruation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding all lower a person’s PFAS levels. Menstruation rids the body of blood. Sadly, pollutants like PFAS, pesticides, and flame retardants are transferred to children during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
“I am sorry that my firstborn presumably received the most contaminants from my body,” said Gillian. “Regarding my low PFAS levels, I’m not smug. There was still a little PFOS in my blood, and I have plenty of other hazardous chemicals in my body. My blood was tested for another study a few years ago and was positive for a multitude of PCBs, flame retardants, and pesticides. My levels of those pollutants were mostly in the middle of the range for the study. I’m not sure anyone can escape old pollutants that were banned decades ago but remain in our environment.”
Jeff’s Results
PFAS Analytes in Jeff’s Blood Samples Compared to National Median
|
Analyte |
Jeff's Eurofins Serum Equivalent |
Median in U.S. Population |
|
PFBS |
Not detected |
- |
|
PFHpA |
0.21 |
- |
|
PFHxS |
1.69 |
1.1 |
|
PFOA |
1.44 |
1.47 |
|
PFNA |
Not detected |
0.4 |
|
PFOS |
3.8 |
4.3 |
|
PFUnA |
ND |
(haven't found) |
Unit: ng/mL (ppb); median in US population data based on 50th percentile of the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data; the serum equivalent to whole blood is calculated per Eurofins’ standard.
Jeff’s blood PFAS concentrations were closer to the national average, though his PFHxS was higher than the median. While his results are typical, he was disconcerted nonetheless.
“I suspected that I might be in the middle of the typical national exposures because of my side projects as a contractor, the products in my house, and other adventurous things I do,” said Jeff. “But seeing the numbers kinda pissed me off. Intellectually, I anticipated the result, yet it does break your heart when you see the results and know that I am at greater risk for certain health outcomes because of this.”
Jeff also suspects a new couch might be to blame for his elevated PFHxS.
Comparing At-Home Tests to Clinical Tests
We were also curious how the new at-home PFAS Exposure Blood Test compared to a clinical test. Home kits are new and less well-known than clinical tests. The home kit is a finger prick and measures PFAS in whole blood, while the blood draw takes blood from a vein, separates serum, and measures PFAS in serum. To compare the two, Jeff conducted both tests on his blood within an hour of each other.
PFAS Analytes in Blood Samples from Jeff Measured with Clinical Test Versus At-Home Testing Kit
|
Analyte |
Clinical Test: NMS Lab (Serum) |
Home Test: Eurofins Serum Equivalent |
|
PFBS |
ND |
ND |
|
PFHpA |
0.45 |
0.21 |
|
PFHxS |
1.9 |
1.69 |
|
PFOA |
1.8 |
1.44 |
|
PFNA |
0.3 |
ND |
|
PFOS |
1.8 |
3.8 |
|
PFUnA |
ND |
ND |
Caption: Unit: ng/mL (ppb); median in US population data based on 50th percentile of the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data; the serum equivalent to whole blood is calculated per Eurofins’ standard.
Overall, Jeff’s two tests matched quite well. The higher level found for PFOS by the home kit may be due to the fact that the test measured several forms of PFOS, while the clinical test measured only one form.
Scientists have examined the consistency between the two tests and found a very good correlation. Considering that study and Jeff’s two tests, our staff scientists feel confident that the home kit is accurate enough for people wanting a snapshot of their own levels. People should be aware, though, that there may be even more PFAS in the environment that are not captured in these blood tests.
Interest in Blood Testing is on the Rise in Michigan
The Michigan Department of Human Health and Human Services has been conducting biomonitoring for residents impacted by PFAS pollution. Biomonitoring assesses people’s exposure to chemicals by measuring the chemicals in blood or other fluids.
More than 1,000 residents from Belmont/Rockford and Parchment/CooperTownship areas are being monitored due to elevated PFAS levels in their drinking water. Participants were found to have higher PFOS and PFOA concentrations in their blood than the general U.S. population. However, both levels were found to decline once exposure had stopped. Other types of PFAS did not decrease, indicating that some sources of exposure may not yet be identified. In 2018 and 2019, in the North Kent County Exposure Assessment, the state found PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS in the blood levels of some participants to be higher than the general population’s 95th percentile.
The state currently seeks enrollees to participate in the Oscoda Area Exposure Assessment.
PFAS Pollution Prevention in the Great Lakes and Beyond
It’s tremendously disconcerting to know there are toxic chemicals circulating in our blood. But there are steps we can take to turn off the tap for good on PFAS pollution. Thankfully, there’s a lot of momentum.
Alongside the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network, we are advocating for Michigan state policy to reduce PFAS exposures. Our policy agenda includes asking the state legislature to require insurance agencies to cover blood tests for PFAS. A similar policy was introduced in Maine, and New Hampshire now requires insurance agencies to cover blood testing. The Senate also recently re-introduced a bill to ban PFAS in food packaging and contact materials. The Ecology Center is also working with PFAS-impacted community members and legislators to introduce a package of bills that would address prevention, supporting impacted communities, and clean-up.
Additionally, many states are passing legislation to address PFAS pollution. Actions include eliminating PFAS in food packaging, increasing regulation of PFAS in drinking water, banning PFAS in firefighter foam, and eliminating PFAS in textiles, carpeting, furniture, and apparel. A full list of government, retailers, and brand actions toward reducing PFAS can be found here.
On a federal level, the EPA has just proposed the first-ever national drinking water standards for six PFAS chemicals. These regulations are legally enforceable and would apply to public water systems to limit the amount of contamination in drinking water. The proposed standards are so low that they effectively say there is no safe level of PFAS exposure in drinking water.
You can help! Express your support for the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network’s Policy Agenda by signing on your name. Our sign-ons will be delivered to lawmakers to urge PFAS action at the state and federal level.
What Should You Do?
If you want to test your blood for PFAS, you can conduct an at-home kit or ask your doctor.
Unfortunately, many doctors are unfamiliar with testing for PFAS in blood. Here are some resources to help:
- For Quest Diagnostics, the reference codes when you tell your doctor that you want your blood tested for PFAS are Test Code 39307, CPT Code 82542
- You can also send your blood to Vista Analytics, a laboratory that specializes in testing blood as well as breast milk, fish tissue, products, water, soil, etc. for PFAS.
- After getting the test, the PFAS Exchange is an online tool to understand PFAS test results to understand your exposure.
To the best of your ability, limit your exposure to PFAS. Stainproof furniture and carpeting, waterproof clothing, “Glide” dental floss, windshield protectants, bike lubricants, and cleaning products can contain PFAS.
If you are concerned about PFAS in your stuff, let retailers know about your apprehensions. Consumer advocacy makes a big difference.
Be sure to tell your elected officials you want progressive action on PFAS. We can turn off the tap on PFAS pollution, but it will take all hands on deck to advocate for change. Stay tuned to the petitions we send out and sign on!