about this participant:

Adelaide Gomer, an executive from Ithaca, NY, participated in the 2006 biomonitoring investigation entitled "EWG Study #6, consumer product chemicals in mothers and daughters." She gave blood and urine for the study on December 8, 2005 at age 62.

Related links:

• Report executive summary

Location:

Ithaca, NY

Participant's groups:

Gomer Wittink Family, Female, Adult

Study:

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

Sample Date:

December 8, 2005

Participant: Adelaide Gomer
Found 34-38 of 70 tested chemicals

Adelaide Gomer's blood and urine contained 34-38 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.

• Mercury exposure above the federal government's safe level
• This participant's samples show the highest levels of PBDE-10, PBDE-138, Mono-butyl phthalate compared to all others in EWG studies
• This participant's samples show above average levels of Methylmercury, PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonate), PBDE-140 and Mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl)phthalate compared to all others in EWG studies

Summary of chemicals found in Adelaide Gomer

Detailed report by chemical (return to summary)

polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes)

21-25 of 46 found

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

• cumulative level found: 31.6 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
• Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (65th %ile)
• Moderate vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (45th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)

1.11	ng/g (lipid weight) 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 They were withdrawn from the market in the U.S. in 2005.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

• level found: 0.103 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [*]
• High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	0.103

PBDE-15

• level found: 0.11 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
• Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (57th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) 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 Withdrawn from the market in the U.S. in 2005.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-183

• level found: 0.277 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
• Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (71st %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	4.31

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-138 & PBDE-166 [2]

• level found: 0.527 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
• High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	0.59

PBDE-140

• level found: 0.152 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
• High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (94th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	0.54

PBDE-153

• level found: 6.69 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
• Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (67th %ile)

0.238	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	76.9

PBDE-154

• level found: 1.53 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
• High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
• High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (87th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	2.73

PBDE-155

• level found: 0.0596 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [*,D]
• Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (72nd %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	0.488

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

• level found: 1.68 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
• Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (51st %ile)
• Moderate vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (31st %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	32.6

PBDE-119 & PBDE-120 [2]

• level found: 0.0412 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
• High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (86th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	0.27

PBDE-85

• level found: 1.45 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
• High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (97th %ile)
• High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (85th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) 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.

• level found: 5.99 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
• High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (85th %ile)
• Moderate vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (65th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) 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.

• level found: 11.5 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
• Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (61st %ile)
• Moderate vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (38th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	143

PBDE-49

• level found: 0.145 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
• High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (77th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	1.26

PBDE-51

• level found: 0.0171 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [*]
• High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (79th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	0.191

PBDE-66

• level found: 0.113 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
• High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (79th %ile)
• Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (16th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	1.33

PBDE-71

• level found: 0.0378 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [*]
• High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (97th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	0.273

PBDE-75

• level found: 0.021 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [*]
• High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (79th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	0.128

PBDE-79

• level found: 0.0569 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [*]
• High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (77th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) 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]

• level found: 0.107 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [E,D]
• High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (90th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	0.673

PBDE-28 & PBDE-33 [2]

• level found: 1.03 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
• Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (71st %ile)
• High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)

0.0385	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	6.17

bisphenol a & badge

1 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.

• level found: 9.6 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
• Moderate vs 41 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (49th %ile)

	ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum	174

phthalates

6 of 7 found

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

• cumulative level found: 1230 ug/g creatinine in urine
• High vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
• High vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (90th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)

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.

• level found: 520 ug/g creatinine in urine
• High vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (92nd %ile)
• High vs 5,479 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)

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.

• level found: 264 ug/g creatinine in urine
• High vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
• High vs 5,479 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)

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.

• level found: 70.3 ug/g creatinine in urine
• High vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (91st %ile)
• High vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)

	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.

• level found: 250 ug/g creatinine in urine
• High vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
• High vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)

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.

• level found: 22.7 ug/g creatinine in urine
• Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (55th %ile)
• Moderate vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (70th %ile)

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.

• level found: 105 ug/g creatinine in urine
• High vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (77th %ile)
• Moderate vs 8,015 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (38th %ile)

9.38	ug/g creatinine in urine	849

perfluorochemicals (pfcs)

4 of 13 found

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

• cumulative level found: 19.7 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
• Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (35th %ile)
• Moderate vs 3,959 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (28th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)

2.63	ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum	77.7

PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid)

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

• level found: 0.893 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
• Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (28th %ile)
• Moderate vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (54th %ile)

	ng/mL (wet weight) 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.

• level found: 3.48 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
• Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (39th %ile)
• Moderate vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (50th %ile)

0.366	ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum	10.1

PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonate)

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

• level found: 6.02 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
• High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
• High vs 1,591 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (92nd %ile)

	ng/mL (wet weight) 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.

• level found: 9.32 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
• Low vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (20th %ile)
• Low vs 1,591 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (5th %ile)

1.07	ng/mL (wet weight) 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.

• level found: 2.1 ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood
• Moderate vs 71 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (64th %ile)
• Moderate vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (72nd %ile)

0.222	ug/dL (wet weight) 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.

• level found: 10.3 ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood
• High vs 88 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (97th %ile)
• High vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)

	ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood	25.9

Chemicals not found in Adelaide Gomer

32 chemicals

Bisphenol A, PFUnA (Perfluoroundecanoic acid), PFBA (Perfluorobutyric acid), PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonate), PFDA (Perfluorodecanoic acid), PFDoA (Perfluorododecanoic acid), PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic acid), PFHxA (Perfluorohexanoic acid), PFOSA (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), PFPeA (Perfluoro-n-pentanoic acid), Monomethyl phthalate, PBDE-209, PBDE-77, PBDE-7, PBDE-37, PBDE-35, PBDE-32, PBDE-30, PBDE-12, PBDE-208, PBDE-207, PBDE-206, PBDE-203, PBDE-190, PBDE-181, PBDE-128, PBDE-126, PBDE-116, PBDE-105, PBDE-11, PBDE-8, PBDE-13

References/Notes

[1] CDC (2005). National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, Centers for Disease Control. http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/. (Methylmercury results have been compared to total mercury in CDC biomonitoring.)

[*] Concentration was above detection limits but below practical quantification limits and should be considered an estimate

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

[D] The concentration detected in the lab blank is 15% or greater of the detected value.

[E] The concentration detected in the field blank is 15% or greater of the detected value.

See results for this participant's group

• EWG Study #6, consumer product chemicals in mothers and daughters
• Gomer Wittink Family
• Female
• Adult