Abstract
A series of 6:2 fluorotelomer ethoxylates (FTEOs) has been recently detected in human serum. Whether it has the potential to disrupt lipid metabolism in human populations remains largely unexplored. This study quantified serum concentrations of 6:2 FTEOs in 237 healthy Chinese adults, examined the gender- and age-specific differences in serum levels of 6:2 FTEOs, and investigated the associations between serum levels of 6:2 FTEOs and lipid profiles for the first time. Nine 6:2 FTEO homologues were detected in collected human serum, with detection frequencies of 22-81%. 6:2 FTEO8 and 6:2 FTEO9 were the more abundant 6:2 FTEO homologues in human serum, displaying the mean levels of 0.69 ng/mL (range < LOD-7.36 ng/mL) and 0.71 ng/mL (