Analysis of PFAS and toxic elements in serum and urine samples from the menuCH-Kids study: investigation of exposure factors

In Switzerland, potential health risk of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) are of concern. In the frame of the menuCH-Kids study, comprehensive data on sociodemographic, lifestyle, dietary and environmental factors have been collected with 1,800 urine and 800 serum samples of children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 across Switzerland. The aim of this study is to use menuCH-Kids biomarker data to evaluate the distribution of various PFAS, Cd, Pb and As in a Swiss population-based sample, to identify relevant exposure predictors, compare observed biomarker levels with estimated external exposures and with toxicological reference values. Data will be analysed using standard statistical methods accounting for selection bias, non-detects and missingness. Robustness of the findings will be evaluated with various sensitivity analyses. The results will improve our understanding of PFAS and toxic metal exposure predictors in Swiss children and adolescents, providing essential evidence for informed risk management.