about this participant:

Bill Moyers, a television producer from New Jersey, participated in the 2003 biomonitoring investigation entitled "EWG/Commonweal Study #1, industrial chemicals and pesticides in adults." He gave blood and urine for the study at age 68.

During his 25 years in broadcasting, Bill Moyers has pursued a broad spectrum of journalism. In presenting Moyers with one of his two prestigious Gold Batons, the highest honor of the Alfred I. DuPont Columbia University Awards, Columbia University President Michael Sovern called Moyers "a unique voice, still seeking new frontiers in television, daring to assume that viewing audiences are willing to think and learn." Moyers reported the results of his body burden tests in his Emmy award-winning expose of the chemical industry, "Trade Secrets: A Moyers Reports," which first aired on PBS in March, 2001.

Related links:
Location:

New Jersey

Participant's groups:

Senior, Male

Study:

EWG/Commonweal Study #1, industrial chemicals and pesticides in adults



health & safety concerns:
chemicals found in this person
Immune system (including sensitization and allergies)48
Brain and nervous system36
Birth defects and developmental delays13
Reproduction and fertility3
Gastrointestinal (including liver)1
Endocrine system1
Chronic effects, general1
Respiratory system1



picture of Bill Moyers

Participant: Bill Moyers
Found 77.2-87 of 214 tested chemicals

Bill Moyers's blood and urine contained 77.2-87 of 214 industrial compounds, pollutants and other chemicals tested, including chemicals linked to immune system toxicity, brain and nervous system toxicity, and birth defects and developmental delays.

Summary of chemicals found in Bill Moyers

chemical family level found health effects exposure routes
Volatile and semivolatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs)found, not quantified Contaminated indoor and outdoor air
Phthalatesfound, not quantifiedEndocrine system Cosmetics, paint, soft plastic, food packaging, and other consumer products
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)highBrain and nervous system, Immune system (including sensitization and allergies) Dietary sources, fatty meat, dairy and fish
Organochlorine Pesticides (OCs)lowReproduction and fertility Contaminated food and drinking water
Chlorinated dioxins & furanshighImmune system (including sensitization and allergies), Birth defects and developmental delays Dietary sources, fatty meat, dairy and fish
Organophosphate Pesticide metabolites (OPs)moderateBrain and nervous system Contaminated food and drinking water
Leadhigh Lead-based paint in older homes, household dust, vinyl products, tap water
Methylmercuryhigh Dietary sources, particularly seafood

Detailed report by chemical (return to summary)

volatile and semivolatile organic compounds (vocs and svocs)

29 of 76 found

Used in wide range of household, craft, and industrial products. Common tap water and air pollutants. Includes neurotoxins and carcinogens.

  • cumulative level found: found, but not quantified

found in 9 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


Total Volatile and semivolatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs)

  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 8 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 1 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 7 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 2 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 9 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 8 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 8 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 7 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 5 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


People are exposed to chemicals from air or from contaminated tap water. In humans cause respiratory irritation, cancer, kidney and liver damage, and birth defects.

  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 3 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 2 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 9 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 9 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 9 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 5 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 9 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


Cyclohexane causes neurological, respiratory, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney, developmental, and cardiovascular toxicity in animals. Irritate the eyes and skin in humans.

  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 9 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 1 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 9 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 9 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 9 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 9 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 6 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


Industrial solvent; in humans, damages nervous system; in animals, fetal and adult exposure causes significant neurotoxicity.

  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 9 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 9 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 3 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 7 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 2 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 1 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


phthalates

4 of 6 found

In cosmetics, paint, and plastics. Linked to sperm damage and birth defects of male reproductive system.

  • cumulative level found: found, but not quantified

found in 9 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


Total Phthalates

Used in soft plastics like PVC. Associated with male reproductive system toxicity in people and animals.

  • level found: 302 ug/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 9 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (67th %ile)
ug/g (lipid weight) in blood serum905


Used in nail polish, cosmetics, and other consumer products; linked to birth defects and male reproductive issues.

  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 9 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


Used in consumer products, particularly those containing fragrances. Linked to male reproductive problems in people; animal studies indicate multiple toxicities.

  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 8 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


Used in insect repellant, plastic, rocket propellant. DMP is linked to liver toxicity, and its breakdown product is linked to male reproductive system problems in people.

  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 6 of 9 people, but not quantified

 


polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs)

24.2-34 of 77 found

Banned industrial insulators and lubricants. Cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • cumulative level found: 240 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (77th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
2.95ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum600


Total Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 9.67 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum19.4


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 1.91 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum5.08


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 18.3 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (86th %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (84th %ile)
0.0371ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum34.3


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 3.19 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (92nd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum3.67


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 4.34 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (86th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (64th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum6.74


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 71.8 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (92nd %ile)
0.211ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum112


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 6.08 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (86th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum8.68


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 19.7 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (90th %ile)
0.0607ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum36.4


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 4.03 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum5.15


  • level found: 2.69 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (84th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum3.83


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 2.94 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (92nd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum3.95


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 35.9 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (81st %ile)
0.297ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum72.6


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 5.83 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (75th %ile)
0.0243ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum14


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 48.9 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (78th %ile)
0.379ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum96.5


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 14.6 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (93rd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum14.6


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 3.3 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (86th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (41st %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum14.3


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 4.84 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (92nd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum29


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 2.7 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (92nd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum13.7


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 10.6 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
  • High vs 2,547 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (78th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum34


  • level found: 9.61 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
  • High vs 2,547 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (82nd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum12.3


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 14.8 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum40


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 16.4 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
  • High vs 2,547 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (90th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum17.4


  • level found: 2.9 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (92nd %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (23rd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum4.98


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 16.7 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (92nd %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (83rd %ile)
0.212ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum30.8


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 1.4 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum8.85


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 10.3 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (84th %ile)
0.0828ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum14.9


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 1.47 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (86th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (32nd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum4.47


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 2 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (19th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum3.46


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 16 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (92nd %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (86th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum25.4


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 2.21 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (86th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum2.83


In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.

  • level found: 3.61 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 2,274 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (61st %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum5.81


organochlorine pesticides (ocs)

3 of 23 found

Includes DDT, chlordane, other pesticides. Largely banned in the U.S. Build up in the human body over time. Cause cancer and reproductive harm.

  • cumulative level found: 3.08 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (34th %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (12th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
0.615ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum2830


Total Organochlorine Pesticides (OCs)

Organochlorine chemical, a class largely banned in the U.S. that builds up in the body over time, linked to cancer and reproductive harm.

  • level found: 0.114 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (19th %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (12th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum2560


Organochlorine chemical, a class largely banned in the U.S. that builds up in the body over time, linked to cancer and reproductive harm.

  • level found: 0.24 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (67th %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (18th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum75.3


Organochlorine chemical, a class largely banned in the U.S. that builds up in the body over time, linked to cancer and reproductive harm.

  • level found: 2.73 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum2.73


chlorinated dioxins & furans

13 of 17 found

Pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, and incineration. Cause cancer and may harm hormone system.

  • cumulative level found: 1400 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (92nd %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
5pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum1860


Total Chlorinated dioxins & furans

Chlorinated dioxins are unwanted byproducts of the manufacture and burning of products that contain chlorine. Dioxins cause cancer in humans, and they are generally considered to be among the most toxic environmental contaminants known to man. As a class, dioxins are extremely toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and lipophilic ("fat-loving"). This means that dioxins build up and are stored in fatty tissues and fluids, such as breast milk, and can be passed on to fetuses and infants during pregnancy and lactation. Most people are exposed to dioxin through the food they eat, primarily from meat, dairy, fish and eggs.

In humans, dioxins are associated with cancer, skin lesions, damage to the nervous system and immune system, altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, thyroid disruption, altered menstrual cycling, and cardiovascular effects.

In laboratory animals, dioxins are known to cause a variety of effects including cancer and impaired reproductive, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, neurological and metabolic function. In addition, dioxins cause skin disease and birth defects.

In dioxin family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.

  • level found: 125 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (96th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum125


Chlorinated furans, also called chlorinated dibenzofurans or CDFs, are toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and lipophilic ("fat-loving""). This means that CDFs build up and are stored in fatty tissues and fluid, such as breast milk, and can be passed on to fetuses and infants during pregnancy and lactation.

In humans, CDFs are associated with premature birth and abnormal development, liver toxicity, skin disease, eye inflammation, and damage to the nervous, immune, endocrine, and reproductive systems (ATSDR 1994b).

In laboratory animals, CDFs are known to cause a variety of effects including damage to the reproductive, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. In addition, CDFs harm the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, and cause birth defects (ATSDR 1994b).

In chlorinated furan family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.

  • level found: 18.9 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (92nd %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (95th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum61.4


In chlorinated furan family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.

  • level found: 1.84 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [M]
  • High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
  • High vs 2,547 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum20


Chlorinated dioxins are unwanted byproducts of the manufacture and burning of products that contain chlorine. Dioxins cause cancer in humans, and they are generally considered to be among the most toxic environmental contaminants known to man. As a class, dioxins are extremely toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and lipophilic ("fat-loving"). This means that dioxins build up and are stored in fatty tissues and fluids, such as breast milk, and can be passed on to fetuses and infants during pregnancy and lactation. Most people are exposed to dioxin through the food they eat, primarily from meat, dairy, fish and eggs.

In humans, dioxins are associated with cancer, skin lesions, damage to the nervous system and immune system, altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, thyroid disruption, altered menstrual cycling, and cardiovascular effects.

In laboratory animals, dioxins are known to cause a variety of effects including cancer and impaired reproductive, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, neurological and metabolic function. In addition, dioxins cause skin disease and birth defects.

In dioxin family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.

  • level found: 9.26 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
  • High vs 2,547 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (93rd %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum11.4


In dioxin family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.

  • level found: 58.3 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (88th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum63.7


In dioxin family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.

  • level found: 7.32 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [M]
  • High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (86th %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (83rd %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum24.3


Chlorinated furans, also called chlorinated dibenzofurans or CDFs, are toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and lipophilic ("fat-loving""). This means that CDFs build up and are stored in fatty tissues and fluid, such as breast milk, and can be passed on to fetuses and infants during pregnancy and lactation.

In humans, CDFs are associated with premature birth and abnormal development, liver toxicity, skin disease, eye inflammation, and damage to the nervous, immune, endocrine, and reproductive systems (ATSDR 1994b).

In laboratory animals, CDFs are known to cause a variety of effects including damage to the reproductive, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. In addition, CDFs harm the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, and cause birth defects (ATSDR 1994b).

In chlorinated furan family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.

  • level found: 7.43 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [M]
  • High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (85th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum24.3


In chlorinated furan family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.

  • level found: 7.54 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (91st %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum22.9


In chlorinated furan family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.

  • level found: 3.76 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [M]
  • High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum13.6


Chlorinated dioxins are unwanted byproducts of the manufacture and burning of products that contain chlorine. Dioxins cause cancer in humans, and they are generally considered to be among the most toxic environmental contaminants known to man. As a class, dioxins are extremely toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and lipophilic ("fat-loving"). This means that dioxins build up and are stored in fatty tissues and fluids, such as breast milk, and can be passed on to fetuses and infants during pregnancy and lactation. Most people are exposed to dioxin through the food they eat, primarily from meat, dairy, fish and eggs.

In humans, dioxins are associated with cancer, skin lesions, damage to the nervous system and immune system, altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, thyroid disruption, altered menstrual cycling, and cardiovascular effects.

In laboratory animals, dioxins are known to cause a variety of effects including cancer and impaired reproductive, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, neurological and metabolic function. In addition, dioxins cause skin disease and birth defects.

In dioxin family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.

  • level found: 1100 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum1590


Chlorinated furans, also called chlorinated dibenzofurans or CDFs, are toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and lipophilic ("fat-loving""). This means that CDFs build up and are stored in fatty tissues and fluid, such as breast milk, and can be passed on to fetuses and infants during pregnancy and lactation.

In humans, CDFs are associated with premature birth and abnormal development, liver toxicity, skin disease, eye inflammation, and damage to the nervous, immune, endocrine, and reproductive systems (ATSDR 1994b).

In laboratory animals, CDFs are known to cause a variety of effects including damage to the reproductive, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. In addition, CDFs harm the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, and cause birth defects (ATSDR 1994b).

In chlorinated furan family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.

  • level found: 30.5 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum97.1


Chlorinated dioxins are unwanted byproducts of the manufacture and burning of products that contain chlorine. Dioxins cause cancer in humans, and they are generally considered to be among the most toxic environmental contaminants known to man. As a class, dioxins are extremely toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and lipophilic ("fat-loving"). This means that dioxins build up and are stored in fatty tissues and fluids, such as breast milk, and can be passed on to fetuses and infants during pregnancy and lactation. Most people are exposed to dioxin through the food they eat, primarily from meat, dairy, fish and eggs.

In humans, dioxins are associated with cancer, skin lesions, damage to the nervous system and immune system, altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, thyroid disruption, altered menstrual cycling, and cardiovascular effects.

In laboratory animals, dioxins are known to cause a variety of effects including cancer and impaired reproductive, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, neurological and metabolic function. In addition, dioxins cause skin disease and birth defects.

In dioxin family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.

  • level found: 11.6 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [M]
  • High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
  • High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (95th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum14.5


Chlorinated furans, also called chlorinated dibenzofurans or CDFs, are toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and lipophilic ("fat-loving""). This means that CDFs build up and are stored in fatty tissues and fluid, such as breast milk, and can be passed on to fetuses and infants during pregnancy and lactation.

In humans, CDFs are associated with premature birth and abnormal development, liver toxicity, skin disease, eye inflammation, and damage to the nervous, immune, endocrine, and reproductive systems (ATSDR 1994b).

In laboratory animals, CDFs are known to cause a variety of effects including damage to the reproductive, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. In addition, CDFs harm the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, and cause birth defects (ATSDR 1994b).

In chlorinated furan family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.

  • level found: 9.76 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum11.7


metals

2 of 5 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: 3 ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood
  • High vs 71 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (82nd %ile)
  • High vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (86th %ile)
0.222ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood4.7


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: 4 ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood
  • Moderate vs 88 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (66th %ile)
  • High vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (96th %ile)
ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood25.9


organophosphate pesticide metabolites (ops)

2 of 9 found

Breakdown products from pesticides, including Dursban, formerly used in homes and currently used on produce. Can damage brain development.

  • cumulative level found: 30 ppb in urine
  • Moderate vs 9 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (67th %ile)
4ppb in urine70.4


Total Organophosphate Pesticide metabolites (OPs)

Organophosphate pesticides were previously marketed for home use and are now used on produce. Known neurotoxins that are particularly toxic to developing fetuses, infants and children.

  • level found: 9 ppb in urine
  • Moderate vs 9 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (56th %ile)
ppb in urine28


Organophosphate pesticides were previously marketed for home use and are now used on produce. Known neurotoxins that are particularly toxic to developing fetuses, infants and children.

  • level found: 21 ppb in urine
  • High vs 9 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ppb in urine21


Chemicals not found in Bill Moyers

127 chemicals

4-tert-Octylphenol, 2,3,7,8-TCDF (tetrafuran), 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF (pentafuran), 2,3,7,8-TCDD (tetradioxin), 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDF (hexafuran), Chromium, Arsenic (inorganic only), Cadmium, 4,4'-DDD, Aldrin, alpha-Endosulphan, beta-Endosulphan, alpha-Chlordane, Dieldrin, Endosulphan Sulphate, Endrin, Endrin Ketone, alpha-BHC, Heptachlor, Heptachlor Epoxide, Endrin aldehyde, Hexachlorobenzene, gamma-BHC (Lindane), beta-BHC, delta-BHC, gamma-Chlordane, Mirex, Pentachlorophenol, Diethylphosphorodithidate (DEDTP), Dimethylphosphorodithidate (DMDTP), Diethylphosphate (DEP), Diethylphosphorothidate (DEPT), Malathion Dicarboxylic Acid, Malathion Mono-Carboxylic Acid, Chlorpyrifos metabolite (3,5,6-TCP), Butyl benzyl phthalate, Di-n-octyl phthalate, PCB-101, PCB-84, PCB-166, PCB-82, PCB-195, PCB-200, PCB-207, PCB-42, PCB-185, PCB-86, PCB-97, PCB-119, PCB-91, PCB-189, PCB-205, PCB-158, PCB-114, PCB-123, PCB-120, PCB-77, PCB-126, PCB-169, PCB-79, PCB-80, PCB-37, PCB-81, PCB-110, PCB-151, PCB-149, PCB-168, PCB-18, PCB-47, PCB-44, PCB-49, PCB-70, PCB-87, PCB-64, PCB-60, PCB-141, PCB-179, PCB-174, PCB-191, PCB-92, Methyl ester 9,12-Hexadecadienoic acid, 9-Hexadecenoic acid, bis(1-methylpropyl) ester Hexanedioic acid, n-Tetradecanoic acid, Oleic acid, 1-Tetradecanol, 2-Decanol, 5-Methyl-2-heptanol, 7-methyl-7-Heptadecanol, (Z)-9,17-Octadecadienal, tetradecanal, 2,2,3,3-Tetramethylhexane, 2,4,6-trimethyl-Decane, 2,5,6-trimethyl-Decane, 3-bromo-Decane, 6-ethyl-2-methyl-Decane, 2,6-dimethyl Heptadecane, Hexacosane, n-Docosane, n-Octacosane, (1,1-dimethylbutyl) Oxirane, 3-bromo-3-methyl Pentane, Tetratetracontane, 5-propyl-Tridecane, 1,E-11,Z-13-Hexadecatriene, 17-Pentatriacontene, 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-Hexadecene, (E)-3-Octadecene, o-(phenylmethyl)-Hydroxylamine, (3-octylundecyl)-Benzene, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-methyl-Phenol, 3-isopentyl Sydnone, 2-propenylidene-Cyclobutene, 2-hydroxy-Cyclopentadecanone, 1-ethyl-1-methyl-Cyclopentane, 1-methyl-2-propyl-Cyclopentane, Ethylcyclohexane, Didodecyl 3,3-thiodipropionate, 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, 2-Nonanone, dihydro-5-(1-methylethyl)-3(2H)-Furanone, 4,6-dimethyl-5-Hepten-2-one, alpha-Toluenesulfonyl chloride, Cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate, Mono(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, Ethyl Benzene, ortho-Xylene

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.)

[2] The chemicals co-eluted in the laboratory analysis.

[M] Estimated concentration that represents a maximum bound

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