about this participant:
Anonymous Adult 2, a volunteer from Chicago, IL, participated in the 2007 biomonitoring investigation entitled "EWG/Commonweal Study #7, consumer product chemicals in adults and teens." She gave blood and urine for the study on June 6, 2006 at age 51.
Location:
Chicago, IL
Participant's groups:
Study:
EWG/Commonweal Study #7, consumer product chemicals in adults and teens
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Sample Date:
June 6, 2006
health & safety concerns: |
chemicals found in this person |
| Brain and nervous system | 21 |
| Reproduction and fertility | 20 |
| Immune system (including sensitization and allergies) | 5 |
| Endocrine system | 5 |
| Chronic effects, general | 4 |
| Respiratory system | 3 |
| Birth defects and developmental delays | 2 |
| Cancer | 2 |
Participant: Anonymous Adult 2
Found 36-39 of 84 tested chemicals
Anonymous Adult 2's blood and urine contained 36-39 of 84 industrial compounds, pollutants and other chemicals tested, including chemicals linked to brain and nervous system toxicity, reproductive toxicity and fertility problems, and immune system toxicity.
- Mercury exposure above the federal government's safe level
- This participant's samples show the highest levels of PBDE-15, PBDE-37 compared to all others in EWG studies
- This participant's samples show above average levels of PFBA (Perfluorobutyric acid), Mercury, total, PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonate) and PBDE-203 compared to all others in EWG studies
Summary of chemicals found in Anonymous Adult 2
| chemical family | level found | health effects | exposure routes |
| Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) | moderate | Reproduction and fertility, Brain and nervous system | Foam furniture, carpet padding, computers, televisions, contaminated house dust, food |
| Phthalates | low | Cosmetics, paint, soft plastic, food packaging, and other consumer products | |
| Triclosan | found, not quantified | Endocrine system, Skin | Antibacterial soap, toothpaste, cosmetics, cleaning products, shoe insoles, plastic cutting boards, other antibacterial items |
| Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) | moderate | Birth defects and developmental delays, Cancer, Endocrine system | Stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets, pans |
| Nitro- and polycylic- musks | moderate | Endocrine system | Cosmetics, perfumes, cleaning agents, detergents, soaps |
| Mercury | high | Brain and nervous system | Seafood, flu shots/vaccines, dental fillings |
| Methylmercury | high | Dietary sources, particularly seafood | |
| Lead | moderate | Lead-based paint in older homes, household dust, vinyl products, tap water | |
| BADGE-4OH | moderate | Endocrine system | Food can linings, dental sealants |
Detailed report by chemical (return to summary)
polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes)
16-19 of 46 found
Fire retardants in furniture foam, computers, and televisions. Accumulate in human tissues. May harm brain development.
- cumulative level found: 19.2 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (45th %ile)
- Moderate vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (26th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
| 1.11 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 314 |
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Total Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
Dibrominated diphenyl ethers
Brominated fire retardants used in polyurethan foam and plastics. These PBDEs are neurotoxic and persist in people and the environment. They were withdrawn from the market in the U.S. in 2005.
- level found: 2.61 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [AO]
- High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 3.23 | |
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Heptabrominated diphenyl ethers
Brominated flame retardants used in plastics. Break down into more toxic and persistent forms in the environment. Withdrawn from the market in the U.S. in 2005.
- level found: 0.324 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [JA]
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (75th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 4.31 | |
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Hexabrominated diphenyl ethers
Brominated fire retardants used in foam and plastics. Break down into more toxic and persistent forms in the environment. Withdrawn from the market in the U.S. in 2005.
- level found: 0.0366 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [JA]
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (62nd %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.59 | |
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- level found: 2.24 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [A]
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (27th %ile)
| 0.238 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 76.9 |
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- level found: 0.145 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [JA]
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (50th %ile)
- Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (15th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 2.73 | |
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- level found: 0.0621 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [KJA]
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (74th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.488 | |
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Octabrominated diphenyl ethers
Brominated flame retardants used in plastics. Break down into more toxic and persistent forms in the environment. Withdrawn from the market in the U.S. in 2005.
- level found: 0.159 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [KJA]
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 16.5 | |
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Pentabrominated diphenyl ethers
Brominated fire retardants used in polyurethan foam and plastics. These PBDEs are neurotoxic and persist in people and the environment. They were withdrawn from the market in the U.S. in 2005.
- level found: 1.1 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [A]
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (34th %ile)
- Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (23rd %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 32.6 | |
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- level found: 0.137 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [JA]
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (57th %ile)
- Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (17th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 2.27 | |
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In PBDE chemical family - fire retardant in furniture foam, computers, televisions; may harm brain development and hormone systems.
- level found: 1.52 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [A]
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (45th %ile)
- Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (24th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 31.2 | |
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Tetrabrominated diphenyl ethers
Brominated fire retardants used in polyurethan foam and plastics. These PBDEs are neurotoxic and persist in people and the environment. They were withdrawn from the market in the U.S. in 2005.
In PBDE chemical family - fire retardant in furniture foam, computers, televisions; may harm brain development and hormone systems.
- level found: 8.71 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [A]
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (44th %ile)
- Moderate vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (30th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 143 | |
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- level found: 0.138 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [JA]
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (75th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 1.26 | |
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- level found: 0.11 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [JA]
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (77th %ile)
- Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (16th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 1.33 | |
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Tribrominated diphenyl ethers
Brominated fire retardants used in polyurethan foam and plastics. These PBDEs are neurotoxic and persist in people and the environment. They were withdrawn from the market in the U.S. in 2005.
- level found: 0.0546 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [KJA]
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (74th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.673 | |
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- level found: 1.47 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [JA]
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (82nd %ile)
- High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)
| 0.0385 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 6.17 |
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- level found: 0.386 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [JA]
- High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.386 | |
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phthalates
5 of 7 found
In cosmetics, paint, and plastics. Linked to sperm damage and birth defects of male reproductive system.
- cumulative level found: 156 ug/g creatinine in urine
- Low vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (17th %ile)
- Low vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (24th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
| 102 | ug/g creatinine in urine | 10800 |
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Total Phthalates
Mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl)phthalate
Breakdown product of bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), used in plastics; fetal and adult exposure to DEHP in animals is linked to male reproductive issues.
- level found: 24.9 ug/g creatinine in urine [A]
- Low vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (23rd %ile)
- Moderate vs 5,479 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (64th %ile)
| 5.64 | ug/g creatinine in urine | 6960 |
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Mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl)phthalate
Breakdown product of bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), used in plastics; fetal and adult exposure to DEHP in animals is linked to male reproductive issues.
- level found: 14.6 ug/g creatinine in urine [A]
- Low vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (13th %ile)
- Moderate vs 5,479 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (58th %ile)
| 5.98 | ug/g creatinine in urine | 2850 |
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Formed from dibutyl phthalates, used in nail polish, cosmetics, and other consumer products; linked to birth defects and male reproductive issues.
- level found: 55.8 ug/g creatinine in urine [A]
- Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (49th %ile)
- High vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (87th %ile)
| 7.53 | ug/g creatinine in urine | 250 |
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Breakdown product of benzylbutyl phthalate, used in vinyl flooring, car-care products, some cosmetics. Fetal and adult exposures are linked to male reproductive problems.
- level found: 13.7 ug/g creatinine in urine [A]
- Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (38th %ile)
- Moderate vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (50th %ile)
| 2.73 | ug/g creatinine in urine | 436 |
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Breakdown product of diethyl phthalate, used in consumer products, fragrances. Fetal and adult exposures are linked to male reproductive problems.
- level found: 47.2 ug/g creatinine in urine [A]
- Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (48th %ile)
- Low vs 8,015 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (16th %ile)
| 9.38 | ug/g creatinine in urine | 849 |
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triclosan
1 of 1 found
Antibacterial agent (pesticide) in liquid hand soap, toothpaste, cosmetics, cleaning products, footwear, and plastic products labeled "antibacterial." Triclosan may disrupt thyroid hormones, and can form several chemicals with health and environmental concerns.
- level found: found, but not quantified
perfluorochemicals (pfcs)
8 of 13 found
Includes Teflon, Scotchgard, Stainmaster. Linked to cancer and birth defects.
- cumulative level found: 37.7 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (79th %ile)
- Moderate vs 3,959 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (65th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
| 2.63 | ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 77.7 |
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Total Perfluorochemicals (PFCs)
Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. A 4-carbon version of PFOA; persistent.
- level found: 1.2 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
| ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 1.51 | |
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PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic acid)
Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. A 7-carbon version of PFOA; persistent.
- level found: found, but not quantified
PFHxA (Perfluorohexanoic acid)
Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging and household products. Highly persistent in people and the environment.
- level found: found, but not quantified
Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. A 9-carbon version of PFOA; persistent; bioaccumulative.
- level found: 1.7 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (66th %ile)
- High vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (87th %ile)
| ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 5.85 | |
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Used to make Teflon pan coatings; breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings. Likely human carcinogen. Found in most people. Being phased out of some products.
- level found: 3.98 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (55th %ile)
- Moderate vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (59th %ile)
| 0.366 | ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 10.1 |
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PFUnA (Perfluoroundecanoic acid)
Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. An 11-carbon version of PFOA; persistent; bioaccumulative.
- level found: found, but not quantified
PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonate)
In fire fighting foams and carpet treatments. Phased out of consumer products by 3M in 2000 over health concerns.
- level found: 1.73 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (40th %ile)
- Moderate vs 1,591 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (49th %ile)
| ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 13.1 | |
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PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonate)
Active ingredient in Scotchgard prior to 2000. Phase out forced by EPA because concentrations in human blood close to levels that harm lab animals.
- level found: 29.1 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (84th %ile)
- Moderate vs 1,591 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (55th %ile)
| 1.07 | ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 64.1 |
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nitro- and polycylic- musks
2 of 9 found
Fragrance ingredients. Build up in human tissues. May harm hormone system.
- cumulative level found: 0.57 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (65th %ile)
| ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum | 4.23 | |
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Total Nitro- and polycylic- musks
Synthetic fragrance in cosmetics, cleaning agents, detergents, air fresheners, perfumes. Suspected hormone disruptor. Prevents cells from blocking entry of toxins in animal study. Bioaccumulative.
- level found: 0.42 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (74th %ile)
| ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum | 3.6 | |
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Synthetic fragrance in cosmetics, detergents, cigarettes. Suspected hormone disruptor. Prevents cells from blocking entry of toxins in animal study. Bioaccumulative.
- level found: 0.15 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (72nd %ile)
| ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum | 1.6 | |
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metals
3 of 3 found
Neurotoxic heavy metal linked to IQ deficits and behavioral problems. Found in dust from chipping lead paint in older homes, and in some tap water.
- level found: 1 ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood [*]
- Moderate vs 71 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (30th %ile)
- Moderate vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (31st %ile)
| 0.222 | ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood | 4.7 |
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Mercury is used in dental fillings and to preserve vaccines; it is also a common pollutant in seafood. Mercury harms brain development and function.
- level found: 6.34 ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood
- High vs 40 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (85th %ile)
- High vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)
| 7.0E-5 | ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood | 12 |
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Forms from mercury, a pollutant from coal-fired power plants and other sources. Methylmercury accumulates in seafood and harms brain development and function.
- level found: 5.87 ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood
- High vs 88 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (78th %ile)
- High vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (98th %ile)
| ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood | 25.9 | |
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bisphenol a & badge
1 of 2 found
Metabolite of BADGE, used to make metal food can linings. Linked to hormone activity, skin and immune system toxicity and cancer.
- level found: 10.6 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum [C]
- Moderate vs 41 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (57th %ile)
| ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 174 | |
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Chemicals not found in Anonymous Adult 2
45 chemicals
4-tert-Octylphenol, Nonylphenol, Bisphenol A, Cashmeran, Musk ketone, Traseolide, Celestolide, Musk moskene, Musk xylene, Musk tibetene, Perchlorate, PFDA (Perfluorodecanoic acid), PFOSA (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), PFPeA (Perfluoro-n-pentanoic acid), PFDoA (Perfluorododecanoic acid), PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonate), Mono-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, Monomethyl phthalate, PBDE-208, PBDE-209, PBDE-206, PBDE-207, PBDE-128, PBDE-30, PBDE-12, PBDE-11, PBDE-79, PBDE-35, PBDE-77, PBDE-126, PBDE-10, PBDE-8, PBDE-7, PBDE-32, PBDE-13, PBDE-75, PBDE-120, PBDE-71, PBDE-116, PBDE-119, PBDE-105, PBDE-190, PBDE-51, PBDE-140, PBDE-181
References/Notes
[1] CDC (2005). National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, Centers for Disease Control. http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/. (Methylmercury results have been compared to total mercury in CDC biomonitoring.)
[*] Concentration was above detection limits but below practical quantification limits and should be considered an estimate
[A] Represents an average of two or more test results
[J] Concentration is below the lowest method calibration limit
[K] Peak detected but did not meet quantification criteria; concentration is unconfirmed
[C] BADGE-40H concentrations varied reproducibly between sampling vials, reflecting evidence of background contamination or blood composition differences between vials.
[O] Accuracy of test result not verified by laboratory. Data provided for informational purposes.
[2] The chemicals co-eluted in the laboratory analysis.
See results for this participant's group
