about this participant:

The Red Cross collected umbilical cord blood from an anonymous newborn on this baby's day of birth, August 11, 2004, at a U.S. hospital.

Related links:
Location:

USA

Participant's groups:

In Utero/newborn

Study:

EWG/Commonweal Study #4, industrial chemicals and pesticides in cord blood



health & safety concerns:
chemicals found in this person
Brain and nervous system79
Immune system (including sensitization and allergies)78
Reproduction and fertility40
Gastrointestinal (including liver)31
Birth defects and developmental delays7
Cancer2
Endocrine system1
Kidney and renal system1



picture of Baby #1

Participant: Baby #1
Found 115.5-154 of 413 tested chemicals

Baby #1's cord blood contained 115.5-154 of 413 industrial compounds, pollutants and other chemicals tested, including chemicals linked to brain and nervous system toxicity, immune system toxicity, and reproductive toxicity and fertility problems.

Summary of chemicals found in Baby #1

chemical family level found health effects exposure routes
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)moderateBrain and nervous system, Immune system (including sensitization and allergies) Dietary sources, fatty meat, dairy and fish
Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs)moderateGastrointestinal (including liver) Dietary sources, fatty meat, dairy and fish
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)lowReproduction and fertility, Brain and nervous system Foam furniture, carpet padding, computers, televisions, contaminated house dust, food
Organochlorine Pesticides (OCs)lowReproduction and fertility Contaminated food and drinking water
Chlorinated dioxins & furansmoderateImmune system (including sensitization and allergies), Birth defects and developmental delays Dietary sources, fatty meat, dairy and fish
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)highReproduction and fertility Air polluted by vehicles or factories, burned and fatty food
Perfluorochemicals (PFCs)moderateCancer, Birth defects and developmental delays, Endocrine system Stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets, pans
Brominated dioxins & furansmoderateImmune system (including sensitization and allergies) Dietary sources, fatty meat, dairy and fish
Methylmercurymoderate Dietary sources, particularly seafood

Detailed report by chemical (return to summary)

polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs)

41.5-65 of 209 found

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

  • cumulative level found: 4.31 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (12th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (40th %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: 0.0604 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (27th %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: 0.163 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (15th %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (16th %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: 0.0211 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (20th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum3.67


  • level found: 0.0244 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 26 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (24th %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (15th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum5.76


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

  • level found: 0.0396 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (20th %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (14th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum6.74


  • level found: 0.0181 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 26 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (12th %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (14th %ile)
0.0119ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum10


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

  • level found: 0.764 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (15th %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (14th %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: 0.0952 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (20th %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (14th %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: 0.117 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (12th %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (14th %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: 0.0259 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (26th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum5.15


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

  • level found: 0.0207 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (46th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum8.96


  • level found: 0.646 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 26 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (20th %ile)
0.297ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum72.6


  • level found: 0.0174 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 26 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (27th %ile)
0.00898ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum2.63


  • level found: 0.0104 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 26 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (27th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum2.01


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

  • level found: 0.0489 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (6th %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (14th %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: 0.919 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (15th %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (13th %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: 0.0459 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (15th %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (14th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum14.6


  • level found: 0.0452 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (26th %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (13th %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: 0.0759 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 25 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (64th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum1.74


  • level found: 0.134 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 25 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (68th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.319


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

  • level found: 0.0548 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (18th %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: 0.114 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (18th %ile)
  • Low vs 2,547 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (12th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum34


  • level found: 0.0359 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (40th %ile)
  • Low vs 2,547 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (14th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum5.57


  • level found: 0.0807 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (23rd %ile)
  • Low vs 2,547 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (11th %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: 0.133 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (32nd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum40


  • level found: 0.0111 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 26 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (12th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum11.7


  • level found: 0.0911 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (20th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum22.4


  • level found: 0.00481 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 26 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (16th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.353


  • level found: 0.00148 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 26 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (8th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.836


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

  • level found: 0.212 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (3rd %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (14th %ile)
0.212ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum30.8


  • level found: 0.122 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 26 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (12th %ile)
0.0828ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum14.9


  • level found: 0.00111 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (63rd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.0419


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

  • level found: 0.0189 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (40th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum3.18


  • level found: 0.00222 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 26 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (24th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.0231


  • level found: 0.00296 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 26 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (58th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.0118


  • level found: 0.0063 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 26 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (54th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.0425


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

  • level found: 0.0063 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (52nd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum1.65


  • level found: 0.154 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 26 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (27th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum23.4


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

  • level found: 0.00926 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (26th %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (14th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum3.46


  • level found: 0.0437 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 25 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (36th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum5.11


  • level found: 0.00037 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 25 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (52nd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.00728


  • level found: 0.00926 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 25 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (72nd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.0185


  • level found: 0.0115 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 25 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (48th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.138


polychlorinated naphthalenes (pcns)

19-31 of 70 found

Wood preservatives, varnishes, machine lubricating oils, waste incineration. Cause liver and kidney damage.

  • cumulative level found: 0.964 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (70th %ile)
0.0743ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum3.43


Total Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs)

  • level found: 0.0192 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (96th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.0223


  • level found: 0.0318 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.0318


  • level found: 0.0262 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (92nd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.13


  • level found: 0.0474 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.307


  • level found: 0.0269 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (70th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.719


  • level found: 0.031 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (87th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.0915


  • level found: 0.132 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (70th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum3.11


PCNs are toxic and persistent. They bioaccumulate in people and are stored in fatty tissues. The toxic effects of chemicals are similar to dioxin.

  • level found: 0.084 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (92nd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.188


PCNs are toxic and persistent. They bioaccumulate in people and are stored in fatty tissues. The toxic effects of chemicals are similar to dioxin.

  • level found: 0.0193 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.113


  • level found: 0.0303 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (74th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.392


  • level found: 0.0563 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (96th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.0664


  • level found: 0.0511 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (79th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.0886


  • level found: 0.0708 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.0708


  • level found: 0.0807 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.126


  • level found: 0.0251 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (92nd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.0379


  • level found: 0.0739 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.0739


  • level found: 0.0273 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (92nd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.0295


  • level found: 0.0802 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (66th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.318


  • level found: 0.0502 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (87th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.076


polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes)

11-13 of 46 found

Fire retardants in furniture foam, computers, and televisions. Accumulate in human tissues. May harm brain development.

  • cumulative level found: 3.74 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (8th %ile)
  • Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (13th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
1.11ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum314


Total Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)

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: 0.0519 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (44th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum4.31


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: 0.48 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (6th %ile)
0.238ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum76.9


Brominated fire retardants currently used in plastics and fabric. The major use is in electronic devices; the minor use is as a backcoating on industrial fabrics. Are directly toxic to mammals and breakdown to more dangerous forms in the environment.

  • level found: 0.0519 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (81st %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum19.9


  • level found: 2.03 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (93rd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum19


  • level found: 0.83 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (91st %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum14.7


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: 0.134 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (79th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum16.5


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: 0.0496 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (37th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum1.26


  • level found: 0.037 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (50th %ile)
  • Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (16th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum1.33


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: 0.0259 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (52nd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.673


  • level found: 0.0437 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (2nd %ile)
  • Moderate vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (29th %ile)
0.0385ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum6.17


  • level found: 0.00593 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.0211


organochlorine pesticides (ocs)

19 of 28 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: 24.7 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] (12th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
0.615ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum2830


Total Organochlorine Pesticides (OCs)

  • level found: 1.53 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (97th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum4.53


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: 7.78 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (60th %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: 0.216 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (93rd %ile)
  • High vs 2,547 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (96th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.345


  • level found: 0.275 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (97th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.307


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: 0.372 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (71st %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum7.75


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: 0.978 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (63rd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum37.1


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: 0.351 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 18 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (50th %ile)
0.0972ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum7.4


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: 2.61 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (71st %ile)
  • Low vs 2,547 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (18th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum35.2


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: 2.32 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum2.32


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: 0.0393 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (86th %ile)
  • High vs 2,547 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.94


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: 0.493 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.995


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: 0.391 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 26 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum1.28


  • level found: 0.24 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (97th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.251


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: 0.562 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] (21st %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum12.6


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: 3.9 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (71st %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (20th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum24.4


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: 0.216 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (60th %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (15th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum11.3


  • level found: 0.0948 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 18 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (67th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.291


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: 1.72 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 18 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (50th %ile)
  • Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (20th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum35.7


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: 0.606 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 18 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (39th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum86.4


chlorinated dioxins & furans

5 of 17 found

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

  • cumulative level found: 59.3 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (30th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (46th %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: 10.4 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (36th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (38th %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: 0.741 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (33rd %ile)
  • Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (44th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum61.4


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: 7.41 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (45th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (58th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum63.7


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: 0.741 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (36th %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: 40 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (30th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum1590


polyaromatic hydrocarbons (pahs)

7 of 18 found

Pollutants from burning gasoline and garbage. Linked to cancer. Accumulate in food chain.

  • cumulative level found: 384 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 8 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
130ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum384


Total Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

  • level found: 40.2 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 8 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
14.7ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum40.2


  • level found: 23.2 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 8 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
9.44ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum23.2


PAHs are toxic byproduct of combustion. Humans exposed through air or diet. Probable carcinogens. In animals cause birth defects, affect skin, blood, reproductive and immune systems.

  • level found: 19.9 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 8 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (88th %ile)
10ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum21.3


  • level found: 42.1 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 8 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
14ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum42.1


  • level found: 199 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 8 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
17.8ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum199


  • level found: 51.2 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 8 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
24.2ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum51.2


  • level found: 8.89 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 8 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (13th %ile)
8.89ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum89.7


perfluorochemicals (pfcs)

6 of 12 found

Includes Teflon, Scotchgard, Stainmaster. Linked to cancer and birth defects.

  • cumulative level found: 5.36 ng/g (wet weight) in whole blood
  • Moderate vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (57th %ile)
0.736ng/g (wet weight) in whole blood27.8


Total Perfluorochemicals (PFCs)

Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. A 7-carbon version of PFOA; persistent.

  • level found: 0.103 ng/g (wet weight) in whole blood
  • Moderate vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (74th %ile)
ng/g (wet weight) in whole blood0.324


Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging and household products. Highly persistent in people and the environment.

  • level found: 0.486 ng/g (wet weight) in whole blood
  • Moderate vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (74th %ile)
ng/g (wet weight) in whole blood0.778


Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. A 9-carbon version of PFOA; persistent; bioaccumulative.

  • level found: 0.0325 ng/g (wet weight) in whole blood
  • Moderate vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (40th %ile)
ng/g (wet weight) in whole blood0.686


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: 1.04 ng/g (wet weight) in whole blood
  • Moderate vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (57th %ile)
0.176ng/g (wet weight) in whole blood4.2


In fire fighting foams and carpet treatments. Phased out of consumer products by 3M in 2000 over health concerns.

  • level found: 1.37 ng/g (wet weight) in whole blood
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (92nd %ile)
ng/g (wet weight) in whole blood5.52


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: 2.33 ng/g (wet weight) in whole blood
  • Moderate vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (48th %ile)
0.352ng/g (wet weight) in whole blood16.2


brominated dioxins & furans

6-7 of 12 found

Contaminants in flame retardants, pollutants from plastics. May harm hormone system.

  • cumulative level found: 299 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (87th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (56th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum1440


Total Brominated dioxins & furans

  • level found: 118 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (87th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum751


  • level found: 53.3 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum53.3


  • level found: 73.3 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (87th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum452


  • level found: 25.9 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (92nd %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum60.8


  • level found: 17.8 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (92nd %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum25.5


  • level found: 11.1 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 23 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum11.1


metals

1 of 1 found

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: 0.84 ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood
  • Moderate vs 88 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (33rd %ile)
  • Moderate vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (61st %ile)
ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood25.9


Chemicals not found in Baby #1

259 chemicals

1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-OBDF (octafuran), 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxBDD (hexadioxin), 1,2,3,7,8-PeBDD (pentadioxin), 2,3,7,8-TBDD (tetradioxin), 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-OBDD (octadioxin), 2,3,7,8-TCDD (tetradioxin), 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD (pentadioxin), 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDD (hexadioxin), 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDD (hexadioxin), 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF (pentafuran), 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF (hexafuran), 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDF (hexafuran), 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF (hexafuran), 1,2,3,4,7,8,9-HpCDF (heptafuran), 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-OCDF (octafuran), 2,3,7,8-TCDF (tetrafuran), 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF (pentafuran), delta-BHC, 4,4'-DDT, Methoxychlor, 2,4'-DDD, 2,4'-DDE, 2,4'-DDT, alpha-Endosulphan, beta-Endosulphan, Endrin Ketone, PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonate), PFDA (Perfluorodecanoic acid), PFDoA (Perfluorododecanoic acid), PFPeA (Perfluoro-n-pentanoic acid), PFTA (Perfluorotetradecanoic acid), PFUnA (Perfluoroundecanoic acid), Acenaphthylene, Benz[a]anthracene, Benzo[a]pyrene, Benzo[b/j]fluoranthene, Benzo[e]pyrene, Benzo[ghi]perylene, Benzo[k]fluoranthene, Chrysene, Dibenz[ah]anthracene, Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, Perylene, PBDE-119, PBDE-120, PBDE-12, PBDE-13, PBDE-138, PBDE-166, PBDE-8, PBDE-11, PBDE-209, PBDE-128, PBDE-181, PBDE-140, PBDE-85, PBDE-154, PBDE-99, PBDE-155, PBDE-100, PBDE-47, PBDE-51, PBDE-190, PBDE-105, PBDE-116, PBDE-71, PBDE-75, PBDE-30, PBDE-32, PBDE-7, PBDE-10, PBDE-126, PBDE-77, PBDE-79, PBDE-37, PBDE-15, PCB-87, PCB-125, PCB-86, PCB-97, PCB-108, PCB-119, PCB-95, PCB-98, PCB-93, PCB-100, PCB-102, PCB-151, PCB-135, PCB-154, PCB-41, PCB-71, PCB-40, PCB-101, PCB-90, PCB-113, PCB-124, PCB-107, PCB-110, PCB-115, PCB-12, PCB-13, PCB-166, PCB-128, PCB-143, PCB-134, PCB-139, PCB-140, PCB-149, PCB-147, PCB-18, PCB-30, PCB-197, PCB-200, PCB-21, PCB-33, PCB-49, PCB-69, PCB-50, PCB-53, PCB-88, PCB-91, PCB-8, PCB-52, PCB-64, PCB-78, PCB-141, PCB-137, PCB-179, PCB-174, PCB-201, PCB-208, PCB-89, PCB-181, PCB-182, PCB-43, PCB-92, PCB-94, PCB-106, PCB-164, PCB-111, PCB-165, PCB-112, PCB-63, PCB-67, PCB-68, PCB-72, PCB-73, PCB-27, PCB-32, PCB-10, PCB-4, PCB-16, PCB-82, PCB-207, PCB-175, PCB-131, PCB-132, PCB-176, PCB-84, PCB-136, PCB-204, PCB-184, PCB-142, PCB-144, PCB-148, PCB-186, PCB-188, PCB-145, PCB-150, PCB-152, PCB-46, PCB-96, PCB-17, PCB-155, PCB-103, PCB-104, PCB-19, PCB-54, PCB-5, PCB-6, PCB-55, PCB-56, PCB-105, PCB-189, PCB-205, PCB-158, PCB-122, PCB-159, PCB-162, PCB-192, PCB-161, PCB-57, PCB-58, PCB-22, PCB-114, PCB-123, PCB-120, PCB-121, PCB-23, PCB-34, PCB-24, PCB-7, PCB-9, PCB-11, PCB-35, PCB-77, PCB-126, PCB-169, PCB-79, PCB-127, PCB-36, PCB-80, PCB-37, PCB-81, PCB-38, PCB-39, PCB-14, PCB-3, PCB-15, PCN-27, PCN-30, PCN-39, PCN-17, PCN-25, PCN-19, PCN-20, PCN-36, PCN-45, PCN-50, PCN-51, PCN-53, PCN-55, PCN-64, PCN-68, PCN-63, PCN-65, PCN-49, PCN-69, PCN-70, PCN-54, PCN-56, PCN-31, PCN-13, PCN-57, PCN-58, PCN-59, PCN-32, PCN-61, PCN-62, PCN-15, PCN-16, PCN-41, PCN-18, PCN-44, PCN-22, PCN-6, PCN-9, PCN-26

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.

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