Health risk assessment of perfluorinated compounds in the drinking water of a watershed located in northwest China in 2024: a cross-sectional study

Key Points

• This research aims to evaluate the detection status and health risks of perfluorinated compounds in drinking water from a specific watershed in Northwest China.
• Cross-sectional study design conducted across various counties and cities
• Assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels in drinking water sources
• Statistical analysis of detection rates and health risk calculations using hazard quotients (HQ)
• Detection rates of PFAS showed significant differences among counties (P < 0.001)
• Hazard quotients exceeded 1 for most demographic groups in downstream areas, indicating health risks
• Males over 60 had HQ values greater than 2, highlighting increased vulnerability
• Age and gender significantly influenced perfluorobutanoic acid and perfluoropentanoic acid levels (P < 0.001)
• Upstream regions posed negligible health risks compared to downstream areas.

Abstract