GROUP:

EWG Study #6, consumer product chemicals in mothers and daughters

health & safety concerns:	chemicals found
	on average	indivi- dual range	entire group
Reproduction and fertility	20	5-32	39
Brain and nervous system	20	5-32	39
Immune system (including sensitization and allergies)	5	4-6	6
Respiratory system	4	3-4	4
Endocrine system	2	1-3	3
Cancer	2	2-2	2
Birth defects and developmental delays	2	2-2	2
Chronic effects, general	2	2-2	2

Group members:

(22 People)

Participant #1
Participant #10
Fred Gellert
Adelaide Gomer
Ann Hunter-Welborn
Jesse Johnson
Anonymous Adult
Winsome McIntosh
Judi Shils
Participant #18
Lynde Uihlein
Participant #2
Participant #20
Jessica Welborn
Alicia Wittink
Irene Crowe
Martha Davis
Emily Sayrs
Participant #6
Anonymous Adult RN7
Anonymous Teen 22
Anonymous Adult RN9

Locations:

CA, USA
Belvedere, CA
Ithaca, NY
Encinitas, CA
New York, NY
Washington, DC
Ross, CA
VA, USA
Milwaukee, WI
CO, USA
San Francisco, CA
Littleton, CO
MD, USA

about this group:

In generations from grandparents to children, tests revealed 56 common consumer product chemicals, including plastic softeners, flame retardants, and stain repellants. Four mother-daughter pairs and 14 other people from across the country learned of their common exposures to untested mixtures of chemicals.

Group: EWG Study #6, consumer product chemicals in mothers and daughters
Found 51-56 of 70 tested chemicals (22 participants)

The blood and urine of the "EWG Study #6, consumer product chemicals in mothers and daughters" group contained 51-56 of 70 industrial compounds, pollutants and other chemicals tested, including chemicals linked to reproductive toxicity and fertility problems, brain and nervous system toxicity, and immune system toxicity.

Summary of chemicals found in EWG Study #6, consumer product chemicals in mothers and daughters

chemical family	level found in group	health effects	exposure routes
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)	9% high 55% moderate 36% low	Reproduction and fertility, Brain and nervous system	Foam furniture, carpet padding, computers, televisions, contaminated house dust, food
Bisphenol A	32% high		Polycarbonate plastics, food can linings, dental sealants
Perfluorochemicals (PFCs)	27% high 50% moderate 23% low	Cancer, Birth defects and developmental delays, Endocrine system	Stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets, pans
Lead	55% high 41% moderate 5% low		Lead-based paint in older homes, household dust, vinyl products, tap water
Methylmercury	82% high 14% moderate 5% low		Dietary sources, particularly seafood
BADGE-4OH	41% high 45% moderate	Endocrine system	Food can linings, dental sealants
Phthalates	27% high 64% moderate 9% low	Endocrine system	Cosmetics, paint, soft plastic, food packaging, and other consumer products

Detailed report by chemical (return to summary)

polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes)

33-38 of 46 found

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

• geometric mean: 16.3 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 26.3 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
    [excludes PBDE-154/PBB-153]
• found in 22 of 22 people in the group (vs. 2,037 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Judi Shils, Winsome McIntosh, Irene Crowe, Lynde Uihlein, Jesse Johnson, Anonymous Adult RN9, Anonymous Teen 22, Participant #2, Fred Gellert, Anonymous Adult, Alicia Wittink, Participant #1, Anonymous Adult RN7, Jessica Welborn, Participant #10, Adelaide Gomer, Emily Sayrs, Martha Davis, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Participant #20, Participant #18, Participant #6

1.11	ng/g lipids in blood serum	314

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.

PBDE-10

• geometric mean: 0.0531 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.052 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 22 people in the group (vs. 1 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adelaide Gomer

0.103	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.103

PBDE-11 & PBDE-8 [2]

• geometric mean: 0.0113 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.00745 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 22 people in the group (vs. 7 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Participant #1

0.0134	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.039

PBDE-15

• geometric mean: 0.0921 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0634 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 22 of 22 people in the group (vs. 64 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Jesse Johnson, Judi Shils, Anonymous Adult, Irene Crowe, Lynde Uihlein, Winsome McIntosh, Alicia Wittink, Fred Gellert, Anonymous Teen 22, Anonymous Adult RN9, Participant #6, Martha Davis, Adelaide Gomer, Emily Sayrs, Participant #2, Participant #20, Participant #18, Participant #10, Jessica Welborn, Anonymous Adult RN7, Participant #1, Ann Hunter-Welborn

0.00566	ng/g lipids in blood serum	3.23

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.

PBDE-181

• geometric mean: 0.0913 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0907 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 22 people in the group (vs. 2 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Participant #18

0.177	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.286

PBDE-183

• geometric mean: 0.156 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0626 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 20 of 22 people in the group (vs. 73 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Jesse Johnson, Judi Shils, Participant #2, Irene Crowe, Participant #20, Anonymous Teen 22, Alicia Wittink, Anonymous Adult, Participant #10, Participant #1, Anonymous Adult RN9, Martha Davis, Participant #6, Anonymous Adult RN7, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Emily Sayrs, Jessica Welborn, Adelaide Gomer, Fred Gellert, Participant #18

0.0122	ng/g lipids in blood serum	4.31

PBDE-190

• geometric mean: 0.0329 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0117 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 16 of 22 people in the group (vs. 32 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Lynde Uihlein, Irene Crowe, Judi Shils, Jesse Johnson, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Jessica Welborn, Anonymous Teen 22, Participant #10, Martha Davis, Participant #6, Emily Sayrs, Alicia Wittink, Fred Gellert, Anonymous Adult RN9, Participant #1, Participant #18

0.00588	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.782

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.

PBDE-128

• geometric mean: 0.0081 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.00821 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 22 people in the group (vs. 2 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Jesse Johnson

0.0157	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.114

PBDE-138 & PBDE-166 [2]

• geometric mean: 0.0421 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0313 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 8 of 22 people in the group (vs. 51 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Fred Gellert, Participant #10, Martha Davis, Emily Sayrs, Participant #20, Participant #18, Participant #6, Adelaide Gomer

0.0262	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.59

PBDE-140

• geometric mean: 0.0286 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0176 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 18 of 22 people in the group (vs. 55 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Lynde Uihlein, Jesse Johnson, Anonymous Teen 22, Anonymous Adult RN9, Participant #10, Fred Gellert, Martha Davis, Anonymous Adult RN7, Alicia Wittink, Anonymous Adult, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Participant #1, Emily Sayrs, Jessica Welborn, Participant #20, Participant #18, Adelaide Gomer, Participant #6

0.0025	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.54

PBDE-153

• geometric mean: 3.28 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 4.1 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 22 of 22 people in the group (vs. 116 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Judi Shils, Participant #2, Anonymous Teen 22, Anonymous Adult RN9, Winsome McIntosh, Fred Gellert, Anonymous Adult RN7, Irene Crowe, Lynde Uihlein, Jesse Johnson, Martha Davis, Participant #10, Emily Sayrs, Participant #18, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Jessica Welborn, Participant #1, Anonymous Adult, Participant #20, Adelaide Gomer, Alicia Wittink, Participant #6

0.238	ng/g lipids in blood serum	76.9

PBDE-154

• geometric mean: 0.205 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.511 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 9 of 22 people in the group (vs. 1,110 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Fred Gellert, Participant #10, Martha Davis, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Emily Sayrs, Participant #20, Adelaide Gomer, Participant #6, Participant #18

0.0068	ng/g lipids in blood serum	2.73

PBDE-155

• geometric mean: 0.0318 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0403 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 15 of 22 people in the group (vs. 63 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Jesse Johnson, Martha Davis, Participant #10, Participant #1, Irene Crowe, Emily Sayrs, Jessica Welborn, Anonymous Adult RN7, Fred Gellert, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Adelaide Gomer, Anonymous Adult, Participant #20, Participant #18, Participant #6

0.0184	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.488

Nonabrominated diphenyl ethers

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.

PBDE-206

• geometric mean: 1.11 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 22 people in the group (vs. 24 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Participant #18

	ng/g lipids in blood serum	19.9

PBDE-207

• geometric mean: 1.13 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 22 people in the group (vs. 32 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Participant #18

	ng/g lipids in blood serum	19

PBDE-208

• geometric mean: 1.13 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 22 people in the group (vs. 29 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Participant #18

	ng/g lipids in blood serum	14.7

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.

PBDE-203

• geometric mean: 0.107 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 6 of 22 people in the group (vs. 54 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Jesse Johnson, Participant #10, Anonymous Adult RN9, Anonymous Adult RN7, Fred Gellert, Participant #18

	ng/g lipids in blood serum	16.5

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.

PBDE-100

• geometric mean: 1.38 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 3.03 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 18 of 22 people in the group (vs. 1,918 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Lynde Uihlein, Jesse Johnson, Anonymous Adult RN9, Anonymous Teen 22, Participant #2, Adelaide Gomer, Fred Gellert, Anonymous Adult, Anonymous Adult RN7, Participant #10, Participant #1, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Martha Davis, Jessica Welborn, Emily Sayrs, Participant #20, Participant #18, Participant #6

0.00528	ng/g lipids in blood serum	32.6

PBDE-119 & PBDE-120 [2]

• geometric mean: 0.0228 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 16 of 22 people in the group (vs. 25 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Teen 22, Anonymous Adult RN9, Lynde Uihlein, Jesse Johnson, Fred Gellert, Participant #10, Martha Davis, Emily Sayrs, Alicia Wittink, Adelaide Gomer, Participant #20, Participant #1, Irene Crowe, Anonymous Adult, Participant #18, Participant #6

0.0121	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.27

PBDE-126

• geometric mean: 0.00213 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.00192 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 2 of 22 people in the group (vs. 2 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Fred Gellert, Participant #18

0.00369	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.0224

PBDE-85

• geometric mean: 0.181 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.839 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 9 of 22 people in the group (vs. 512 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Fred Gellert, Participant #10, Martha Davis, Emily Sayrs, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Participant #20, Participant #18, Adelaide Gomer, Participant #6

0.000971	ng/g lipids in blood serum	2.27

PBDE-99

In PBDE chemical family - fire retardant in furniture foam, computers, televisions; may harm brain development and hormone systems.

• geometric mean: 2.17 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 4.32 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 10 of 22 people in the group (vs. 1,395 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Fred Gellert, Participant #10, Emily Sayrs, Anonymous Adult RN7, Martha Davis, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Adelaide Gomer, Participant #20, Participant #6, Participant #18

0.0786	ng/g lipids in blood serum	31.2

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.

PBDE-47

In PBDE chemical family - fire retardant in furniture foam, computers, televisions; may harm brain development and hormone systems.

• geometric mean: 8.19 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 15 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 19 of 22 people in the group (vs. 1,975 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Jesse Johnson, Lynde Uihlein, Anonymous Adult RN9, Alicia Wittink, Anonymous Teen 22, Participant #2, Anonymous Adult, Fred Gellert, Adelaide Gomer, Participant #1, Anonymous Adult RN7, Jessica Welborn, Emily Sayrs, Participant #10, Martha Davis, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Participant #20, Participant #18, Participant #6

0.33	ng/g lipids in blood serum	143

PBDE-49

• geometric mean: 0.0882 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0647 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 15 of 22 people in the group (vs. 64 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Fred Gellert, Anonymous Adult RN9, Anonymous Teen 22, Emily Sayrs, Martha Davis, Anonymous Adult, Participant #2, Adelaide Gomer, Participant #10, Participant #1, Anonymous Adult RN7, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Participant #20, Participant #6, Participant #18

0.0158	ng/g lipids in blood serum	1.26

PBDE-51

• geometric mean: 0.013 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.00557 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 18 of 22 people in the group (vs. 28 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Lynde Uihlein, Jesse Johnson, Anonymous Adult RN9, Anonymous Teen 22, Participant #2, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Irene Crowe, Anonymous Adult RN7, Adelaide Gomer, Fred Gellert, Emily Sayrs, Anonymous Adult, Participant #20, Martha Davis, Participant #10, Participant #1, Participant #6, Participant #18

0.00522	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.191

PBDE-66

• geometric mean: 0.0853 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.337 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 16 of 22 people in the group (vs. 449 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult RN9, Anonymous Teen 22, Fred Gellert, Participant #2, Anonymous Adult, Adelaide Gomer, Emily Sayrs, Participant #1, Jessica Welborn, Anonymous Adult RN7, Participant #10, Martha Davis, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Participant #20, Participant #6, Participant #18

0.0224	ng/g lipids in blood serum	1.33

PBDE-71

• geometric mean: 0.0102 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.00579 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 10 of 22 people in the group (vs. 23 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Teen 22, Emily Sayrs, Fred Gellert, Anonymous Adult RN7, Alicia Wittink, Participant #10, Martha Davis, Participant #1, Adelaide Gomer, Participant #18

0.008	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.273

PBDE-75

• geometric mean: 0.0111 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.00491 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 16 of 22 people in the group (vs. 27 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Lynde Uihlein, Anonymous Adult RN9, Participant #2, Anonymous Teen 22, Fred Gellert, Anonymous Adult RN7, Jessica Welborn, Participant #10, Adelaide Gomer, Emily Sayrs, Participant #20, Participant #1, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Martha Davis, Participant #6, Participant #18

0.00386	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.128

PBDE-77

• geometric mean: 0.00471 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.00467 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 22 people in the group (vs. 2 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Ann Hunter-Welborn

0.00913	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.0138

PBDE-79

• geometric mean: 0.0349 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0163 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 14 of 22 people in the group (vs. 44 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult RN9, Anonymous Teen 22, Fred Gellert, Emily Sayrs, Adelaide Gomer, Martha Davis, Participant #20, Participant #10, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Participant #1, Anonymous Adult RN7, Jessica Welborn, Participant #18, Participant #6

0.00643	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.823

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.

PBDE-17 & PBDE-25 [2]

• geometric mean: 0.075 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0224 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 16 of 22 people in the group (vs. 63 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult RN9, Participant #20, Anonymous Adult RN7, Anonymous Teen 22, Participant #2, Jessica Welborn, Alicia Wittink, Fred Gellert, Adelaide Gomer, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Emily Sayrs, Participant #1, Martha Davis, Participant #10, Participant #6, Participant #18

0.0141	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.673

PBDE-28 & PBDE-33 [2]

• geometric mean: 0.558 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.3 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 22 of 22 people in the group (vs. 100 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Jesse Johnson, Irene Crowe, Lynde Uihlein, Judi Shils, Winsome McIntosh, Anonymous Adult, Alicia Wittink, Anonymous Teen 22, Fred Gellert, Anonymous Adult RN9, Anonymous Adult RN7, Emily Sayrs, Jessica Welborn, Participant #2, Adelaide Gomer, Participant #1, Participant #20, Participant #10, Martha Davis, Participant #18, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Participant #6

0.0385	ng/g lipids in blood serum	6.17

PBDE-35

• geometric mean: 0.00212 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.00232 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 5 of 22 people in the group (vs. 18 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Teen 22, Anonymous Adult RN9, Emily Sayrs, Martha Davis, Participant #20

0.00307	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.0211

PBDE-37

• geometric mean: 0.00691 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.00639 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 22 people in the group (vs. 16 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Emily Sayrs

0.00866	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.386

bisphenol a & badge

2 of 2 found

BADGE-4OH

Metabolite of BADGE, used to make metal food can linings. Linked to hormone activity, skin and immune system toxicity and cancer.

• geometric mean: 17.3 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 9.33 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 19 of 22 people in the group (vs. 30 of 41 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult, Anonymous Adult RN7, Judi Shils, Participant #1, Anonymous Adult RN9, Adelaide Gomer, Winsome McIntosh, Emily Sayrs, Irene Crowe, Participant #2, Jessica Welborn, Participant #18, Participant #6, Participant #20, Jesse Johnson, Participant #10, Martha Davis, Fred Gellert, Anonymous Teen 22

3.02	ng/mL in blood serum	174

Bisphenol A

Detected in polycarbonate plastic, dental sealants, and resins that line metal cans. Linked to hormone disruption, birth defects, cancer with effects at very low doses.

• geometric mean: 1.16 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 0.456 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 7 of 22 people in the group (vs. 16 of 51 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Participant #18, Judi Shils, Anonymous Adult, Winsome McIntosh, Jesse Johnson, Participant #6, Jessica Welborn

0.445	ng/mL in blood serum	8.61

perfluorochemicals (pfcs)

7 of 13 found

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

• geometric mean: 27.7 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 22.7 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 22 of 22 people in the group (vs. 3,684 of 3,959 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Jessica Welborn, Participant #1, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Judi Shils, Emily Sayrs, Adelaide Gomer, Alicia Wittink, Martha Davis, Fred Gellert, Participant #6, Anonymous Teen 22, Participant #20, Lynde Uihlein, Anonymous Adult, Anonymous Adult RN7, Participant #2, Anonymous Adult RN9, Irene Crowe, Jesse Johnson, Participant #10, Participant #18, Winsome McIntosh

2.63	ng/mL in blood serum	77.7

PFDA (Perfluorodecanoic acid)

Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. A 10-carbon version of PFOA; persistent; bioaccumulative.

• geometric mean: 0.419 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 0.245 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 10 of 22 people in the group (vs. 579 of 2,368 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Participant #2, Martha Davis, Participant #1, Winsome McIntosh, Anonymous Adult RN7, Anonymous Adult, Participant #18, Lynde Uihlein, Irene Crowe, Jesse Johnson

0.218	ng/mL in blood serum	1.47

PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic acid)

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

• geometric mean: 0.438 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 0.209 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 3 of 22 people in the group (vs. 160 of 2,368 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult RN7, Anonymous Teen 22, Anonymous Adult RN9

	ng/mL in blood serum	2.94

PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid)

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

• geometric mean: 1.48 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 0.63 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 22 of 22 people in the group (vs. 2,058 of 2,368 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Ann Hunter-Welborn, Jessica Welborn, Emily Sayrs, Anonymous Teen 22, Participant #6, Judi Shils, Adelaide Gomer, Participant #1, Participant #2, Alicia Wittink, Fred Gellert, Martha Davis, Participant #20, Anonymous Adult RN7, Anonymous Adult RN9, Anonymous Adult, Lynde Uihlein, Winsome McIntosh, Participant #10, Jesse Johnson, Participant #18, Irene Crowe

0.283	ng/mL in blood serum	5.85

PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid)

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.

• geometric mean: 4.39 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 2.19 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 22 of 22 people in the group (vs. 2,085 of 2,368 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Alicia Wittink, Judi Shils, Jessica Welborn, Emily Sayrs, Lynde Uihlein, Participant #1, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Adelaide Gomer, Martha Davis, Participant #2, Anonymous Adult, Anonymous Teen 22, Participant #20, Fred Gellert, Jesse Johnson, Participant #6, Anonymous Adult RN7, Anonymous Adult RN9, Irene Crowe, Winsome McIntosh, Participant #18, Participant #10

0.366	ng/mL in blood serum	10.1

PFUnA (Perfluoroundecanoic acid)

Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. An 11-carbon version of PFOA; persistent; bioaccumulative.

• geometric mean: 0.538 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 0.212 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 12 of 22 people in the group (vs. 174 of 2,368 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Alicia Wittink, Participant #1, Participant #18, Participant #2, Fred Gellert, Martha Davis, Anonymous Adult RN7, Participant #20, Anonymous Adult, Winsome McIntosh, Irene Crowe, Jesse Johnson

	ng/mL in blood serum	1.76

PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonate)

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

• geometric mean: 2.62 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 1.67 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 21 of 22 people in the group (vs. 1,527 of 1,591 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Judi Shils, Anonymous Teen 22, Participant #1, Lynde Uihlein, Emily Sayrs, Participant #20, Participant #2, Martha Davis, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Fred Gellert, Anonymous Adult, Anonymous Adult RN7, Anonymous Adult RN9, Participant #10, Jesse Johnson, Participant #6, Alicia Wittink, Winsome McIntosh, Irene Crowe, Adelaide Gomer, Participant #18

	ng/mL in blood serum	13.1

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.

• geometric mean: 17.8 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 26.2 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 22 of 22 people in the group (vs. 1,580 of 1,591 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Jessica Welborn, Participant #1, Adelaide Gomer, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Judi Shils, Emily Sayrs, Alicia Wittink, Martha Davis, Fred Gellert, Participant #6, Anonymous Teen 22, Participant #20, Anonymous Adult, Lynde Uihlein, Irene Crowe, Anonymous Adult RN7, Anonymous Adult RN9, Participant #10, Jesse Johnson, Participant #2, Participant #18, Winsome McIntosh

1.07	ng/mL in blood serum	64.1

metals

2 of 2 found

Lead

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.

• geometric mean: 2.52 ug/dL in whole blood (vs. 1.33 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 22 of 22 people in the group (vs. 7,896 of 8,373 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Teen 22, Anonymous Adult RN9, Jessica Welborn, Judi Shils, Winsome McIntosh, Anonymous Adult RN7, Emily Sayrs, Fred Gellert, Adelaide Gomer, Jesse Johnson, Participant #10, Lynde Uihlein, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Alicia Wittink, Participant #6, Martha Davis, Participant #18, Participant #2, Participant #20, Participant #1, Irene Crowe, Anonymous Adult

0.222	ug/dL in whole blood	4.7

Methylmercury

Forms from mercury, a pollutant from coal-fired power plants and other sources. Methylmercury accumulates in seafood and harms brain development and function.

• geometric mean: 3.2 ug/L in whole blood (vs. 0.56 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 22 of 22 people in the group (vs. 7,584 of 8,373 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Participant #10, Judi Shils, Participant #6, Alicia Wittink, Emily Sayrs, Jessica Welborn, Anonymous Teen 22, Anonymous Adult RN9, Participant #18, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Anonymous Adult, Participant #1, Winsome McIntosh, Participant #2, Irene Crowe, Participant #20, Lynde Uihlein, Anonymous Adult RN7, Martha Davis, Fred Gellert, Adelaide Gomer, Jesse Johnson

0.0735	ug/L in whole blood	25.9

phthalates

7 of 7 found

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

• geometric mean: 389 ug/g creatinine in urine (vs. 315 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 22 of 22 people in the group (vs. 7,928 of 8,020 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult RN9, Jessica Welborn, Fred Gellert, Winsome McIntosh, Participant #10, Lynde Uihlein, Participant #20, Anonymous Teen 22, Participant #2, Martha Davis, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Participant #18, Irene Crowe, Anonymous Adult RN7, Judi Shils, Participant #1, Anonymous Adult, Participant #6, Emily Sayrs, Jesse Johnson, Alicia Wittink, Adelaide Gomer

102	ug/g creatinine in urine	10800

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.

• geometric mean: 74.7 ug/g creatinine in urine (vs. 18.4 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 22 of 22 people in the group (vs. 5,379 of 5,479 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Fred Gellert, Emily Sayrs, Participant #10, Anonymous Teen 22, Jessica Welborn, Anonymous Adult RN9, Anonymous Adult RN7, Martha Davis, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Anonymous Adult, Winsome McIntosh, Participant #20, Lynde Uihlein, Irene Crowe, Participant #1, Participant #18, Participant #2, Participant #6, Judi Shils, Adelaide Gomer, Jesse Johnson, Alicia Wittink

5.64	ug/g creatinine in urine	6960

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.

• geometric mean: 37.1 ug/g creatinine in urine (vs. 12.7 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 22 of 22 people in the group (vs. 5,364 of 5,479 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Fred Gellert, Emily Sayrs, Anonymous Adult RN9, Participant #10, Jessica Welborn, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Anonymous Teen 22, Martha Davis, Anonymous Adult RN7, Winsome McIntosh, Anonymous Adult, Irene Crowe, Participant #20, Lynde Uihlein, Participant #2, Participant #18, Participant #1, Participant #6, Judi Shils, Jesse Johnson, Alicia Wittink, Adelaide Gomer

5.98	ug/g creatinine in urine	2850

Mono-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate

Breakdown product of bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), used in plastics. Linked to male reproductive issues in people and animals.

• geometric mean: 8.27 ug/g creatinine in urine (vs. 2.96 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 21 of 22 people in the group (vs. 7,143 of 8,020 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Fred Gellert, Participant #10, Anonymous Teen 22, Anonymous Adult RN7, Jessica Welborn, Emily Sayrs, Irene Crowe, Anonymous Adult, Martha Davis, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Participant #18, Winsome McIntosh, Participant #20, Participant #2, Participant #6, Lynde Uihlein, Participant #1, Judi Shils, Jesse Johnson, Adelaide Gomer, Alicia Wittink

1.45	ug/g creatinine in urine	829

Mono-butyl phthalate

Formed from dibutyl phthalates, used in nail polish, cosmetics, and other consumer products; linked to birth defects and male reproductive issues.

• geometric mean: 78 ug/g creatinine in urine (vs. 20.3 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 22 of 22 people in the group (vs. 7,916 of 8,020 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Irene Crowe, Winsome McIntosh, Anonymous Adult RN9, Fred Gellert, Jessica Welborn, Participant #20, Judi Shils, Participant #10, Jesse Johnson, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Alicia Wittink, Participant #1, Emily Sayrs, Anonymous Adult, Participant #18, Lynde Uihlein, Participant #2, Martha Davis, Participant #6, Anonymous Adult RN7, Anonymous Teen 22, Adelaide Gomer

7.53	ug/g creatinine in urine	250

Monobenzyl phthalate

Breakdown product of benzylbutyl phthalate, used in vinyl flooring, car-care products, some cosmetics. Fetal and adult exposures are linked to male reproductive problems.

• geometric mean: 30.4 ug/g creatinine in urine (vs. 13.6 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 22 of 22 people in the group (vs. 7,917 of 8,020 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Alicia Wittink, Anonymous Adult RN9, Fred Gellert, Anonymous Adult RN7, Lynde Uihlein, Winsome McIntosh, Adelaide Gomer, Participant #18, Participant #20, Jessica Welborn, Anonymous Teen 22, Judi Shils, Participant #2, Participant #10, Martha Davis, Irene Crowe, Emily Sayrs, Jesse Johnson, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Participant #1, Anonymous Adult, Participant #6

2.73	ug/g creatinine in urine	436

Monoethyl phthalate

Breakdown product of diethyl phthalate, used in consumer products, fragrances. Fetal and adult exposures are linked to male reproductive problems.

• geometric mean: 62.5 ug/g creatinine in urine (vs. 166 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 22 of 22 people in the group (vs. 7,922 of 8,015 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Jessica Welborn, Anonymous Adult RN9, Judi Shils, Alicia Wittink, Lynde Uihlein, Winsome McIntosh, Participant #20, Anonymous Teen 22, Participant #2, Anonymous Adult, Jesse Johnson, Participant #10, Participant #18, Fred Gellert, Anonymous Adult RN7, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Adelaide Gomer, Participant #6, Martha Davis, Participant #1, Irene Crowe, Emily Sayrs

9.38	ug/g creatinine in urine	849

Monomethyl phthalate

Breakdown product of dimethyl phthalate, used in insect repellant, plastic, rocket propellant. Fetal and adult exposures are linked to male reproductive problems in people.

• geometric mean: 7.85 ug/g creatinine in urine (vs. 1.31 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 12 of 22 people in the group (vs. 4,274 of 5,479 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Martha Davis, Jessica Welborn, Emily Sayrs, Participant #2, Participant #6, Irene Crowe, Participant #18, Participant #1, Participant #20, Ann Hunter-Welborn, Anonymous Adult RN7, Anonymous Adult

3.25	ug/g creatinine in urine	323

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.