about this participant:

Participant #6, from Maryland, 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 64.

Related links:
Location:

Maryland

Participant's groups:

Female, Adult

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 fertility25
Brain and nervous system25
Immune system (including sensitization and allergies)6
Respiratory system4
Endocrine system3
Cancer2
Birth defects and developmental delays2
Chronic effects, general2



picture of Participant #6

Participant: Participant #6
Found 35-39 of 70 tested chemicals

Participant #6's blood and urine contained 35-39 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 Participant #6

chemical family level found health effects exposure routes
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)highReproduction and fertility, Brain and nervous system Foam furniture, carpet padding, computers, televisions, contaminated house dust, food
Perfluorochemicals (PFCs)moderateCancer, Birth defects and developmental delays, Endocrine system Stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets, pans
Methylmercurymoderate Dietary sources, particularly seafood
Bisphenol Ahigh Polycarbonate plastics, food can linings, dental sealants
PhthalateshighEndocrine system Cosmetics, paint, soft plastic, food packaging, and other consumer products
Leadhigh Lead-based paint in older homes, household dust, vinyl products, tap water
BADGE-4OHhighEndocrine system Food can linings, dental sealants

Detailed report by chemical (return to summary)

polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes)

20-24 of 46 found

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

  • cumulative level found: 182 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] (92nd %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
1.11ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum314


Total Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)

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: 0.103 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (54th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum3.23


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: 0.234 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
  • Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (63rd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum4.31


  • level found: 0.0586 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [*]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (78th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.782


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: 0.45 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (97th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.59


  • level found: 0.54 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.54


  • level found: 76.9 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
0.238ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum76.9


  • level found: 1.77 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
  • High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (89th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum2.73


  • level found: 0.301 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.488


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: 16.7 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] (90th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum32.6


  • level found: 0.27 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.27


  • level found: 1.64 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
  • High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (87th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum2.27


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

  • level found: 15.1 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] (87th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum31.2


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: 64.2 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
  • High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (86th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum143


  • level found: 0.49 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum1.26


  • level found: 0.0493 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [*]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.191


  • level found: 0.486 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
  • High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (81st %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum1.33


  • level found: 0.073 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [*]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.128


  • level found: 0.52 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.823


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: 0.237 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [E]
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.673


  • level found: 2.24 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] (99th %ile)
0.0385ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum6.17


perfluorochemicals (pfcs)

4 of 13 found

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

  • cumulative level found: 26.3 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (50th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 3,959 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (44th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
2.63ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum77.7


Total Perfluorochemicals (PFCs)

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

  • level found: 0.866 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (24th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (54th %ile)
ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum5.85


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: 5.78 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (82nd %ile)
  • High vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (82nd %ile)
0.366ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum10.1


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

  • level found: 3.73 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (80th %ile)
  • High vs 1,591 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (81st %ile)
ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum13.1


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: 15.9 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (46th %ile)
  • Low vs 1,591 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (17th %ile)
1.07ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum64.1


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: 3.2 ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood
  • High vs 71 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (88th %ile)
  • High vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (88th %ile)
0.222ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood4.7


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

  • level found: 0.315 ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood
  • Low vs 88 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (16th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (28th %ile)
ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood25.9


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: 53.7 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 41 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (86th %ile)
ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum174


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: 2.06 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 51 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum8.61


phthalates

7 of 7 found

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

  • cumulative level found: 688 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • High vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (80th %ile)
  • High vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (79th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
102ug/g creatinine in urine10800


Total Phthalates

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: 103 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (75th %ile)
  • High vs 5,479 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (93rd %ile)
5.64ug/g creatinine in urine6960


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: 63.8 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (75th %ile)
  • High vs 5,479 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (93rd %ile)
5.98ug/g creatinine in urine2850


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

  • level found: 10.3 ug/g creatinine in urine [E]
  • Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (66th %ile)
  • High vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (87th %ile)
ug/g creatinine in urine829


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

  • level found: 126 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • High vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
  • High vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (98th %ile)
7.53ug/g creatinine in urine250


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: 234 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • High vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
  • High vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)
2.73ug/g creatinine in urine436


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

  • level found: 114 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • High vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (78th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 8,015 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (40th %ile)
9.38ug/g creatinine in urine849


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: 36.9 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • High vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (88th %ile)
  • High vs 5,479 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)
ug/g creatinine in urine323


Chemicals not found in Participant #6

31 chemicals

PFUnA (Perfluoroundecanoic acid), PFPeA (Perfluoro-n-pentanoic acid), PFOSA (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), PFHxA (Perfluorohexanoic acid), PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic acid), PFDoA (Perfluorododecanoic acid), PFDA (Perfluorodecanoic acid), PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonate), PFBA (Perfluorobutyric acid), PBDE-30, PBDE-77, PBDE-71, PBDE-7, PBDE-37, PBDE-35, PBDE-32, PBDE-12, PBDE-209, PBDE-208, PBDE-207, PBDE-206, PBDE-203, PBDE-181, PBDE-128, PBDE-126, 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