Systemic toxicity induced by topical application of heptafluorobutyric acid (PFBA) in a murine model

Heptafluorobutyric acid (PFBA) is a synthetic chemical belonging to the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) group that includes over 5,000 chemicals. PFBA is a short-chain PFAS (C4) that has 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, PFBA has 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. In the present study, the systemic toxicity of a 28-day dermal PFBA (3.75-15% w/v, or 93.8-375 mg/kg/dose) exposure was evaluated in a murine model.