about this participant:
Participant #18, from Virginia, 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 November 10, 2005 at age 60.
Related links:
Location:
Virginia
Participant's groups:
Study:
EWG Study #6, consumer product chemicals in mothers and daughters
Sample Date:
November 10, 2005
health & safety concerns: |
chemicals found in this person |
| Reproduction and fertility | 32 |
| Brain and nervous system | 32 |
| Immune system (including sensitization and allergies) | 6 |
| Respiratory system | 4 |
| Endocrine system | 3 |
| Cancer | 2 |
| Birth defects and developmental delays | 2 |
| Chronic effects, general | 2 |
Participant: Participant #18
Found 44-48 of 70 tested chemicals
Participant #18's blood and urine contained 44-48 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.
- This participant's samples show the highest levels of PBDE-181, PBDE-154, PBDE-206, PBDE-207, PBDE-208, PBDE-119, PBDE-126, PBDE-99, PBDE-49, PBDE-51, PBDE-66, PBDE-71, PBDE-75, PBDE-17, PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid), PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonate) compared to all others in EWG studies
- This participant's samples show above average levels of PBDE-203, PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid), PBDE-85 and PBDE-79 compared to all others in EWG studies
Summary of chemicals found in Participant #18
| chemical family | level found | health effects | exposure routes |
| Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) | high | Reproduction and fertility, Brain and nervous system | Foam furniture, carpet padding, computers, televisions, contaminated house dust, food |
| Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) | high | Cancer, Birth defects and developmental delays, Endocrine system | Stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets, pans |
| Bisphenol A | high | Polycarbonate plastics, food can linings, dental sealants | |
| Phthalates | moderate | Endocrine system | Cosmetics, paint, soft plastic, food packaging, and other consumer products |
| Methylmercury | high | Dietary sources, particularly seafood | |
| Lead | high | Lead-based paint in older homes, household dust, vinyl products, tap water | |
| BADGE-4OH | high | Endocrine system | Food can linings, dental sealants |
Detailed report by chemical (return to summary)
polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes)
27-31 of 46 found
Fire retardants in furniture foam, computers, and televisions. Accumulate in human tissues. May harm brain development.
- cumulative level found: 148 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] (83rd %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
| 1.11 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 314 |
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Total Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
Dibrominated diphenyl ethers
Brominated fire retardants used in polyurethan foam and plastics. These PBDEs are neurotoxic and persist in people and the environment. They were withdrawn from the market in the U.S. in 2005.
- level found: 0.149 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (66th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 3.23 | |
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Heptabrominated diphenyl ethers
Brominated flame retardants used in plastics. Break down into more toxic and persistent forms in the environment. Withdrawn from the market in the U.S. in 2005.
- level found: 0.177 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.286 | |
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- level found: 1.19 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (94th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 4.31 | |
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- level found: 0.562 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (97th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.782 | |
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Hexabrominated diphenyl ethers
Brominated fire retardants used in foam and plastics. Break down into more toxic and persistent forms in the environment. Withdrawn from the market in the U.S. in 2005.
- level found: 0.391 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (96th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.59 | |
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- level found: 0.13 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (93rd %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.54 | |
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- level found: 3.95 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (52nd %ile)
| 0.238 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 76.9 |
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- level found: 2.31 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
- High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (92nd %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 2.73 | |
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- level found: 0.185 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.488 | |
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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.
- level found: 9.56 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 19.9 | |
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- level found: 15.7 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 19 | |
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- level found: 14.7 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 14.7 | |
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Octabrominated diphenyl ethers
Brominated flame retardants used in plastics. Break down into more toxic and persistent forms in the environment. Withdrawn from the market in the U.S. in 2005.
- level found: 3.19 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [*]
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 16.5 | |
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Pentabrominated diphenyl ethers
Brominated fire retardants used in polyurethan foam and plastics. These PBDEs are neurotoxic and persist in people and the environment. They were withdrawn from the market in the U.S. in 2005.
- level found: 8.93 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (93rd %ile)
- High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (80th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 32.6 | |
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- level found: 0.138 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.27 | |
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- level found: 0.0224 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [*]
- High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.0224 | |
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- level found: 1.39 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (96th %ile)
- High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (84th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 2.27 | |
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In PBDE chemical family - fire retardant in furniture foam, computers, televisions; may harm brain development and hormone systems.
- level found: 31.2 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
- High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (94th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 31.2 | |
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Tetrabrominated diphenyl ethers
Brominated fire retardants used in polyurethan foam and plastics. These PBDEs are neurotoxic and persist in people and the environment. They were withdrawn from the market in the U.S. in 2005.
In PBDE chemical family - fire retardant in furniture foam, computers, televisions; may harm brain development and hormone systems.
- level found: 49.2 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
- High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (81st %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 143 | |
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- level found: 1.26 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 1.26 | |
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- level found: 0.191 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.191 | |
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- level found: 0.978 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
- High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (93rd %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 1.33 | |
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- level found: 0.273 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.273 | |
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- level found: 0.128 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.128 | |
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- level found: 0.192 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [*]
- High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.823 | |
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Tribrominated diphenyl ethers
Brominated fire retardants used in polyurethan foam and plastics. These PBDEs are neurotoxic and persist in people and the environment. They were withdrawn from the market in the U.S. in 2005.
- level found: 0.673 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.673 | |
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- level found: 1.57 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (85th %ile)
- High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)
| 0.0385 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 6.17 |
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perfluorochemicals (pfcs)
6 of 13 found
Includes Teflon, Scotchgard, Stainmaster. Linked to cancer and birth defects.
- cumulative level found: 57.5 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (97th %ile)
- High vs 3,959 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (89th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
| 2.63 | ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 77.7 |
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Total Perfluorochemicals (PFCs)
Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. A 10-carbon version of PFOA; persistent; bioaccumulative.
- level found: 0.763 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (86th %ile)
- High vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (95th %ile)
| ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 1.47 | |
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Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. A 9-carbon version of PFOA; persistent; bioaccumulative.
- level found: 3.33 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (97th %ile)
- High vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (97th %ile)
| ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 5.85 | |
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Used to make Teflon pan coatings; breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings. Likely human carcinogen. Found in most people. Being phased out of some products.
- level found: 9.05 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
- High vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (97th %ile)
| 0.366 | ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 10.1 |
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PFUnA (Perfluoroundecanoic acid)
Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. An 11-carbon version of PFOA; persistent; bioaccumulative.
- level found: 0.633 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (75th %ile)
- High vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (97th %ile)
| ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 1.76 | |
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PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonate)
In fire fighting foams and carpet treatments. Phased out of consumer products by 3M in 2000 over health concerns.
- level found: 8.7 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
- High vs 1,591 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (95th %ile)
| ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 13.1 | |
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PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonate)
Active ingredient in Scotchgard prior to 2000. Phase out forced by EPA because concentrations in human blood close to levels that harm lab animals.
- level found: 35 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (91st %ile)
- Moderate vs 1,591 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (68th %ile)
| 1.07 | ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 64.1 |
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bisphenol a & badge
2 of 2 found
Metabolite of BADGE, used to make metal food can linings. Linked to hormone activity, skin and immune system toxicity and cancer.
- level found: 48.8 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 41 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
| ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 174 | |
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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.
- level found: 1.14 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 51 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (77th %ile)
| ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 8.61 | |
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phthalates
7 of 7 found
In cosmetics, paint, and plastics. Linked to sperm damage and birth defects of male reproductive system.
- cumulative level found: 380 ug/g creatinine in urine
- Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (62nd %ile)
- Moderate vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (60th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
| 102 | ug/g creatinine in urine | 10800 |
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Total Phthalates
Mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl)phthalate
Breakdown product of bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), used in plastics; fetal and adult exposure to DEHP in animals is linked to male reproductive issues.
- level found: 82.3 ug/g creatinine in urine
- Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (67th %ile)
- High vs 5,479 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (91st %ile)
| 5.64 | ug/g creatinine in urine | 6960 |
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Mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl)phthalate
Breakdown product of bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), used in plastics; fetal and adult exposure to DEHP in animals is linked to male reproductive issues.
- level found: 47.2 ug/g creatinine in urine
- Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (64th %ile)
- High vs 5,479 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (89th %ile)
| 5.98 | ug/g creatinine in urine | 2850 |
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Breakdown product of bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), used in plastics. Linked to male reproductive issues in people and animals.
- level found: 6.1 ug/g creatinine in urine [E,D]
- Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (49th %ile)
- Moderate vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (75th %ile)
| ug/g creatinine in urine | 829 | |
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Formed from dibutyl phthalates, used in nail polish, cosmetics, and other consumer products; linked to birth defects and male reproductive issues.
- level found: 105 ug/g creatinine in urine
- High vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (82nd %ile)
- High vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (96th %ile)
| 7.53 | ug/g creatinine in urine | 250 |
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Breakdown product of benzylbutyl phthalate, used in vinyl flooring, car-care products, some cosmetics. Fetal and adult exposures are linked to male reproductive problems.
- level found: 24.3 ug/g creatinine in urine
- Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (56th %ile)
- Moderate vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (72nd %ile)
| 2.73 | ug/g creatinine in urine | 436 |
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Breakdown product of diethyl phthalate, used in consumer products, fragrances. Fetal and adult exposures are linked to male reproductive problems.
- level found: 73.2 ug/g creatinine in urine
- Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (63rd %ile)
- Moderate vs 8,015 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (27th %ile)
| 9.38 | ug/g creatinine in urine | 849 |
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Breakdown product of dimethyl phthalate, used in insect repellant, plastic, rocket propellant. Fetal and adult exposures are linked to male reproductive problems in people.
- level found: 41.7 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)
| ug/g creatinine in urine | 323 | |
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metals
2 of 2 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: 4 ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood
- High vs 71 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (93rd %ile)
- High vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (93rd %ile)
| 0.222 | ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood | 4.7 |
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Forms from mercury, a pollutant from coal-fired power plants and other sources. Methylmercury accumulates in seafood and harms brain development and function.
- level found: 3.78 ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood
- Moderate vs 88 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (64th %ile)
- High vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (95th %ile)
| ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood | 25.9 | |
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Chemicals not found in Participant #18
22 chemicals
PFPeA (Perfluoro-n-pentanoic acid), PFOSA (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), PFHxA (Perfluorohexanoic acid), PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic acid), PFDoA (Perfluorododecanoic acid), PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonate), PFBA (Perfluorobutyric acid), PBDE-35, PBDE-77, PBDE-7, PBDE-37, PBDE-12, PBDE-32, PBDE-30, PBDE-209, PBDE-128, PBDE-116, PBDE-105, PBDE-10, 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
