283 - Association of Dietary Habits and Cooking Utensil Use With Blood PFAS Levels in Korean Children: A Hospital-Based Case–Control Study

Publication Number: 2273.283

Ji Hyen Lee, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, Republic of Korea

Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent chemicals that can be introduced through food, cooking utensils, and various environmental sources. Growing children are particularly vulnerable to such exposures, but only a few studies have evaluated the association between everyday lifestyle factors and PFAS blood concentrations in children.

Objective: This study aimed to examine whether cooking practices and dietary habits are related to PFAS levels among children and adolescents, and to identify specific behavioral factors that show significant associations.

Design/Methods: From September 2022 to June 2025, 63 children and adolescents (0-19 years) attending the Children's Environmental Health Clinic at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital were enrolled. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on cooking and dietary habits, including the use of coated cookware (frying pans, pots, electric rice cookers), intake of processed and packaged foods (canned beverages, frozen meals, cup drinks), and behaviors such as placing hot food in plastic containers or reheating in microwaves. Blood samples were collected from all participants and analyzed for PFOS, PFOA, and PFNA. Log-transformed PFAS concentrations were compared across behavior categories, and associations were further assessed using multivariable linear regression adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and socioeconomic status.

Results: A significant positive correlation was observed between the use of transparent, hard plastic spoons and blood levels of PFOA and PFHxS (P = 0.010 and P = 0.021, respectively). Similarly, more frequent use of transparent plastic tableware such as cups and bowls was significantly associated with higher concentrations of PFHxS and PFDeA (P = 0.005 and P = 0.007). In addition, frequent use of coated cooking containers (e.g., ovenware or air fryers) when preparing food for children was significantly associated with higher PFOS concentrations (P = 0.044).

Conclusion(s): Our study suggests that everyday cooking behaviors and the use of specific food-contact materials-particularly transparent hard plastic utensils and coated cookware-may be important determinants of PFAS exposure in children. These results highlight the need to raise awareness of potential household sources of PFAS exposure and emphasize the importance of choosing safer materials for food preparation in order to minimize PFAS exposure during childhood.

Fig 1. Use of transparent, hard plastic containers or utensils - spoon


Fig 2. Use of transparent, hard plastic containers or utensils - plastic tableware (cups and bowls)


Fig 3. Frequency of using coated containers (e.g., ovenware or air fryer) when cooking for children at home