A new article has recently been published in the journal Environmental Chemistry Letters. Entitled “Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in occupational settings: a review”, this literature review was conducted by a team of researchers from INRS, with contributions from Nathalie Grova and Rebiha Zerkef, both affiliated with NGERE and INRS.
PFAS: an occupational health issue too
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of persistent chemical compounds used in numerous industrial applications and consumer products. While their environmental impacts and exposure among the general population are receiving growing attention, occupational exposure remains insufficiently documented.
However, several occupational sectors may be affected, including the chemical industry, firefighting, textile processing, electronic waste recycling, metal processing, as well as certain agricultural and healthcare activities. Exposure may occur through inhalation, ingestion of contaminated dust, or skin contact.
Better assessment of exposure to improve risk prevention
The review provides an overview of current knowledge on PFAS biomonitoring methods, the different routes of exposure, and their potential or established health effects. In particular, the authors examine available data on immunotoxicity, hepatic and cardiovascular effects, carcinogenicity, effects on thyroid function and reproduction, as well as neurotoxicity.
The review also highlights several major limitations: despite the very large number of PFAS currently in existence, targeted analytical methods can only monitor a fraction of them. The authors therefore emphasize the need to develop complementary approaches, particularly non-targeted approaches, to obtain a more comprehensive picture of workers’ actual exposure.
In France, data on occupational exposure remain particularly limited. This review therefore highlights the need for further research to better characterize exposure, develop appropriate detection methods, and improve the prevention of occupational risks associated with PFAS.
This publication also represents an important milestone for Rebiha Zerkef, as it marks her first contribution to a scientific review article, which can be highlighted as part of her PhD work.
👏 Congratulations to Nathalie, Rebiha, and all the co-authors on this publication!
Reference: Cambrai-Erb A., Chalansonnet M., Cosnier F., et al. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in occupational settings: a review. Environmental Chemistry Letters (2026). Published online on September 29, 2026.
🔗 Read the Open Access article – DOI 10.1007/s10311-026-01930-2
