ABSTRACT This study investigated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in drinking water from a watershed in Northwest China, assessed their detection status across different counties and cities, and evaluated associated health risks. Significant differences in detection rates were observed (P 0.001). In downstream County C and City E, hazard quotient (HQ) values exceeded 1 for most demographic groups (except males aged 12–16), with HQ 2 in males over 60. Perfluorobutanoic acid levels differed significantly by age (P 0.001), while perfluoropentanoic acid varied by age and gender (P 0.001). Downstream County C and City E showed relatively high health risks, whereas upstream County A and B posed negligible risks.
Yang et al. (Tue,) studied this question.