about this participant:

Anonymous Adult 12, an executive from Mountain View, CA, participated in the 2007 biomonitoring investigation entitled "EWG/Commonweal Study #7, consumer product chemicals in adults and teens." He gave blood and urine for the study on May 23, 2006 at age 33.

Location:

Mountain View, CA

Participant's groups:

Workplace #1, Mountain View, Male, Adult

Study:

EWG/Commonweal Study #7, consumer product chemicals in adults and teens

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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Sample Date:

May 23, 2006

Participant: Anonymous Adult 12
Found 36-39 of 84 tested chemicals

Anonymous Adult 12's blood and urine contained 36-39 of 84 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 Perchlorate, Musk xylene, Traseolide compared to all others in EWG studies
• This participant's samples show above average levels of Mercury, total, PBDE-183, Nitro- and polycylic- musks and Mono-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate compared to all others in EWG studies

Summary of chemicals found in Anonymous Adult 12

Detailed report by chemical (return to summary)

polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes)

15-18 of 46 found

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

• cumulative level found: 43.3 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
• Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (73rd %ile)
• Moderate vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (56th %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 They were withdrawn from the market in the U.S. in 2005.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-15

• level found: 0.274 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [JO]
• Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (75th %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 Withdrawn from the market in the U.S. in 2005.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: 0.79 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

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: 0.058 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [J]
• Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (75th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	0.59

PBDE-140

• level found: 0.0753 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [J]
• High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	0.54

PBDE-153

• level found: 7.64 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
• Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (72nd %ile)

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

PBDE-154

• level found: 0.369 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [J]
• High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (85th %ile)
• Moderate vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (34th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	2.73

PBDE-155

• level found: 0.103 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [KJ]
• High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (91st %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: 3.82 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
• High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (77th %ile)
• Moderate vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (55th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	32.6

PBDE-85

• level found: 0.378 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [J]
• High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (80th %ile)
• Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (17th %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: 3.5 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
• Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (74th %ile)
• Moderate vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (49th %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: 24.3 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
• High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (78th %ile)
• Moderate vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (60th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	143

PBDE-49

• level found: 0.168 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [J]
• High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	1.26

PBDE-66

• level found: 0.166 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [J]
• High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (88th %ile)
• Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (16th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	1.33

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: 0.0518 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [KJ]
• Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (70th %ile)

	ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum	0.673

PBDE-28 & PBDE-33 [2]

• level found: 1.62 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
• High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (87th %ile)
• High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)

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

phthalates

6 of 7 found

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

• cumulative level found: 321 ug/g creatinine in urine
• Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (49th %ile)
• Moderate vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (54th %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: 135 ug/g creatinine in urine
• High vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (78th %ile)
• High vs 5,479 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (95th %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: 53.4 ug/g creatinine in urine
• Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (70th %ile)
• High vs 5,479 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (91st %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: 83.7 ug/g creatinine in urine
• High vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (92nd %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: 23.5 ug/g creatinine in urine
• Low vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (12th %ile)
• Moderate vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (56th %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: 5.56 ug/g creatinine in urine
• Low vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (6th %ile)
• Low vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (17th %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: 20 ug/g creatinine in urine
• Low vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (16th %ile)
• Low vs 8,015 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (4th %ile)

9.38	ug/g creatinine in urine	849

triclosan

1 of 1 found

Triclosan

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: found, but not quantified

perfluorochemicals (pfcs)

5 of 13 found

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

• cumulative level found: 16.3 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
• Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (26th %ile)
• Low vs 3,959 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (20th %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: 0.796 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
• Low vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (19th %ile)
• Moderate vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (47th %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: 1.86 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
• Low vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (15th %ile)
• Low vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (22nd %ile)

0.366	ng/mL (wet weight) 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.

• level found: found, but not quantified

PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonate)

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

• level found: 2.82 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
• Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (70th %ile)
• Moderate vs 1,591 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (70th %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: 10.8 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
• Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (26th %ile)
• Low vs 1,591 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (7th %ile)

1.07	ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum	64.1

perchlorate

1 of 1 found

Perchlorate

Explosive component of solid rocket and missile fuel. Widespread contaminant of food, drinking water, and people. Disrupts thyroid hormones, particularly in women with lower iodide intake; may harm brain development.

• level found: 5.6 ug/L in urine
• High vs 24 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
• Moderate vs 2,818 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (68th %ile)

	ug/L in urine	5.6

nitro- and polycylic- musks

4 of 9 found

Fragrance ingredients. Build up in human tissues. May harm hormone system.

• cumulative level found: 1.98 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
• High vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (93rd %ile)

	ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum	4.23

Musk xylene

Synthetic fragrance in detergents, fabric softeners, soaps. Can irritate the skin and bioaccumulate in people. Suspected hormone disruptor. Causes cancer in lab animals.

• level found: 0.19 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
• High vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)

	ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum	0.19

Galaxolide

Synthetic fragrance in cosmetics, cleaning agents, detergents, air fresheners, perfumes. Suspected hormone disruptor. Prevents cells from blocking entry of toxins in animal study. Bioaccumulative.

• level found: 1 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
• High vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (91st %ile)

	ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum	3.6

Tonalide

Synthetic fragrance in cosmetics, detergents, cigarettes. Suspected hormone disruptor. Prevents cells from blocking entry of toxins in animal study. Bioaccumulative.

• level found: 0.22 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
• High vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (79th %ile)

	ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum	1.6

Traseolide

Synthetic fragrance in soaps, perfumes, cosmetics. Animal study indicates interference with a cell's ability to rid itself of toxic substances. Bioaccumulative.

• level found: 0.57 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
• High vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)

	ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum	0.57

metals

3 of 3 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: 1 ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood [*]
• Moderate vs 71 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (30th %ile)
• Moderate vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (31st %ile)

0.222	ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood	4.7

Mercury, total

Mercury is used in dental fillings and to preserve vaccines; it is also a common pollutant in seafood. Mercury harms brain development and function.

• level found: 9.94 ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood
• High vs 40 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
• High vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)

7.0E-5	ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood	12

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: 8.62 ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood
• High vs 88 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (91st %ile)
• High vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)

	ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood	25.9

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: 12.8 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum [C]
• Moderate vs 41 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (61st %ile)

	ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum	174

Chemicals not found in Anonymous Adult 12

45 chemicals

4-tert-Octylphenol, Nonylphenol, Bisphenol A, Cashmeran, Musk ketone, Musk moskene, Musk tibetene, Celestolide, PFDA (Perfluorodecanoic acid), PFOSA (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), PFBA (Perfluorobutyric acid), PFPeA (Perfluoro-n-pentanoic acid), PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic acid), PFHxA (Perfluorohexanoic acid), PFDoA (Perfluorododecanoic acid), PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonate), Monomethyl phthalate, PBDE-105, PBDE-128, PBDE-181, PBDE-51, PBDE-203, PBDE-190, PBDE-126, PBDE-207, PBDE-206, PBDE-209, PBDE-13, PBDE-12, PBDE-37, PBDE-11, PBDE-79, PBDE-35, PBDE-77, PBDE-208, PBDE-10, PBDE-8, PBDE-7, PBDE-32, PBDE-30, PBDE-75, PBDE-120, PBDE-71, PBDE-116, PBDE-119

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.

[C] BADGE-40H concentrations varied reproducibly between sampling vials, reflecting evidence of background contamination or blood composition differences between vials.

[J] Concentration is below the lowest method calibration limit

[K] Peak detected but did not meet quantification criteria; concentration is unconfirmed

[O] Accuracy of test result not verified by laboratory. Data provided for informational purposes.

See results for this participant's group

• EWG/Commonweal Study #7, consumer product chemicals in adults and teens
• Workplace #1
• Mountain View
• Male
• Adult