
about this participant:
Monica Paulson, a student from University Place, WA, participated in the 2007 biomonitoring investigation entitled "EWG Study #10, cosmetic chemicals in teens." She gave blood and urine for the study on August 8, 2007 at age 17.
Related links:
Location:
University Place, WA
Participant's groups:
Study:
EWG Study #10, cosmetic chemicals in teens
Sample Date:
August 8, 2007
health & safety concerns: |
chemicals found in this person |
Immune system (including sensitization and allergies) | 5 |
Respiratory system | 4 |
Chronic effects, general | 2 |
Endocrine system | 1 |
Skin | 1 |

Participant: Monica Paulson
Found 10 of 25 tested chemicals
Monica Paulson's blood and urine contained 10 of 25 industrial compounds, pollutants and other chemicals tested, including chemicals linked to immune system toxicity, respiratory system toxicity, and chronic effects.
Summary of chemicals found in Monica Paulson
chemical family | level found | health effects | exposure routes |
Parabens | moderate | Personal care products, some foods, beverages, and medications | |
Triclosan | moderate | Endocrine system, Skin | Antibacterial soap, toothpaste, cosmetics, cleaning products, shoe insoles, plastic cutting boards, other antibacterial items |
Phthalates | moderate | Cosmetics, paint, soft plastic, food packaging, and other consumer products |
Test results by chemical family (see each chemical)
parabens
3 of 6 found — see each chemical
Preservatives in cosmetics. Cause skin irritation and allergies. May be linked to hormone disruption and breast cancer.
- cumulative level found: 30.3 ug/g creatinine in urine
- Moderate vs 28 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (40th %ile)
8.39 | ug/g creatinine in urine | 3820 |
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Total Parabens
triclosan
1 of 1 found
Antibacterial agent (pesticide) in liquid hand soap, toothpaste, cosmetics, cleaning products, footwear, and plastic products labeled "antibacterial." Triclosan may disrupt thyroid hormones, and can form several chemicals with health and environmental concerns.
- level found: 0.43 ug/g creatinine in urine
- Low vs 28 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (15th %ile)
- Moderate vs 2,612 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (29th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
ug/g creatinine in urine | 350 | |
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phthalates
6 of 7 found — see each chemical
In cosmetics, paint, and plastics. Linked to sperm damage and birth defects of male reproductive system.
- cumulative level found: 178 ug/g creatinine in urine
- Low vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (24th %ile)
- Moderate vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (29th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
102 | ug/g creatinine in urine | 10800 |
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Total Phthalates
Chemicals not found in Monica Paulson
15 chemicals
Cashmeran, Celestolide, Phantolide, Galaxolide, Tonalide, Traseolide, Musk ambrette, Musk moskene, Musk ketone, Musk tibetene, Musk xylene, Isopropylparaben, Butylparaben, Benzylparaben, Monomethyl phthalate
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.)
See results for this participant's group
