Systemic toxicity induced by topical application of perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), and perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) in a murine model

Perfluoroheptaoinc acid (PFHpA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), and perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) are synthetic chemicals belonging to the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) group that includes over 5,000 chemicals. PFHpA, PFHxA, and PFPeA are short-chain PFAS (C7, C6, C5, respectively) that have been labeled as a safer alternative to the legacy PFAS perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfate (PFOS) which have been linked to numerous health effects. This class of chemicals are incorporated into consumer products such as stain resistant carpeting and textiles, nanosprays, medical devices, and fire-fighting foams. There is a high potential for occupational exposure and in the environment, short-chain PFAS have been detected in a variety of water sources leading to concerns for dermal exposure, however, these studies are lacking. In previous studies from our lab, PFOA was demonstrated to be absorbed via the skin and immunomodulatory. Also, the short-chain PFAS, PFBA, was found to have systemic toxic effects on mice with dermal exposure. In the present study, the systemic toxicity of a 28-day dermal PFHpA, PFHxA, and PFPeA (1.25-5% w/v or v/v, or 31.25-125 mg/kg/dose) exposure was evaluated in a murine model.