about this participant:

Anonymous Adult 13, a student from Stanford, CA, participated in the 2007 biomonitoring investigation entitled "EWG/Commonweal Study #7, consumer product chemicals in adults and teens." She gave blood and urine for the study on May 23, 2006 at age 26.

Location:

Stanford, CA

Participant's groups:

Workplace #1, Women of Childbearing Age, Mountain View, Female, Adult

Study:

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


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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Sample Date:

May 23, 2006



health & safety concerns:
 chemicals found in this person
Brain and nervous system24
Reproduction and fertility23
Immune system (including sensitization and allergies)6
Chronic effects, general5
Respiratory system4
Endocrine system4
Birth defects and developmental delays3
Cancer3



picture of Anonymous Adult 13

Participant: Anonymous Adult 13
Found 40-43 of 84 tested chemicals

Anonymous Adult 13's blood and urine contained 40-43 of 84 industrial compounds, pollutants and other chemicals tested, including chemicals linked to brain and nervous system toxicity, reproductive toxicity and fertility problems, and immune system toxicity.

Summary of chemicals found in Anonymous Adult 13

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
Phthalateshigh Cosmetics, paint, soft plastic, food packaging, and other consumer products
Triclosanfound, not quantifiedEndocrine system, Skin Antibacterial soap, toothpaste, cosmetics, cleaning products, shoe insoles, plastic cutting boards, other antibacterial items
Perfluorochemicals (PFCs)moderateBirth defects and developmental delays, Cancer, Endocrine system Stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets, pans
PerchloratemoderateHematologic (blood) system, Birth defects and developmental delays Contaminated food and drinking water
Nitro- and polycylic- musksmoderateEndocrine system, Cancer Cosmetics, perfumes, cleaning agents, detergents, soaps
MercuryhighBrain and nervous system Seafood, flu shots/vaccines, dental fillings
Methylmercuryhigh Dietary sources, particularly seafood
Leadmoderate Lead-based paint in older homes, household dust, vinyl products, tap water

Detailed report by chemical (return to summary)

polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes)

19-22 of 46 found

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

  • cumulative level found: 234 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) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
1.11ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum314


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.

PBDE-15

  • level found: 3.23 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [O]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum3.23


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: 0.264 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [KJ]
  • Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (69th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum4.31


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: 0.499 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [J]
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.59


PBDE-140

  • level found: 0.406 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [J]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.54


PBDE-153

  • level found: 25.6 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (94th %ile)
0.238ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum76.9


PBDE-154

  • level found: 2.73 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] (94th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum2.73


PBDE-155

  • level found: 0.488 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [J]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.488


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.

PBDE-203

  • level found: 0.14 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [KJ]
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (80th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum16.5


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: 32.6 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] (96th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum32.6


PBDE-85

  • level found: 2.27 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] (91st %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum2.27


PBDE-99

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

  • level found: 15.3 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 serum31.2


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: 143 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] (95th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum143


PBDE-49

  • level found: 0.318 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [J]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (94th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum1.26


PBDE-51

  • level found: 0.0273 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [KJ]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (93rd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.191


PBDE-66

  • level found: 0.506 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] (86th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum1.33


PBDE-75

  • level found: 0.0734 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [J]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.128


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: 0.156 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [KJ]
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.673


PBDE-28 & PBDE-33 [2]

  • level found: 6.17 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] (99th %ile)
0.0385ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum6.17


PBDE-37

  • level found: 0.0478 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [J]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.386


phthalates

6 of 7 found

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

  • cumulative level found: 894 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • High vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (88th %ile)
  • High vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (85th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
102ug/g creatinine in urine10800


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: 459 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • High vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (91st %ile)
  • High vs 5,479 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)
5.64ug/g creatinine in urine6960


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: 256 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • High vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (94th %ile)
  • High vs 5,479 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)
5.98ug/g creatinine in urine2850


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: 109 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • High vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
  • High vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)
ug/g creatinine in urine829


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: 45.2 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (37th %ile)
  • High vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (82nd %ile)
7.53ug/g creatinine in urine250


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: 12 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (31st %ile)
  • Moderate vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (44th %ile)
2.73ug/g creatinine in urine436


Monoethyl phthalate

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

  • level found: 12.6 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • Low vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (5th %ile)
  • Low vs 8,015 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (3rd %ile)
9.38ug/g creatinine in urine849


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

found in 17 of 21 people, but not quantified

 


perfluorochemicals (pfcs)

7 of 13 found

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

  • cumulative level found: 30.9 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (64th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 3,959 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (51st %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
2.63ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum77.7


Total Perfluorochemicals (PFCs)

PFBA (Perfluorobutyric acid)

Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. A 4-carbon version of PFOA; persistent.

  • level found: 1.31 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum1.51


PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic acid)

Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. A 7-carbon version of PFOA; persistent.

  • level found: found, but not quantified

found in 20 of 55 people, but not quantified

 


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: 1.96 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] (90th %ile)
ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum5.85


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: 5.42 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] (79th %ile)
0.366ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum10.1


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

found in 37 of 55 people, 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: 5.16 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (93rd %ile)
  • High vs 1,591 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (89th %ile)
ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum13.1


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: 17 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (48th %ile)
  • Low vs 1,591 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (20th %ile)
1.07ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum64.1


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: 3.8 ug/L in urine
  • High vs 24 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (92nd %ile)
  • Moderate vs 2,818 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (48th %ile)
ug/L in urine5.6


nitro- and polycylic- musks

3 of 9 found

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

  • cumulative level found: 0.51 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (60th %ile)
ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum4.23


Total Nitro- and polycylic- musks

Musk tibetene

Synthetic fragrance in cosmetics, perfumes, soap, other consumer products. Causes cancer in lab animals. Bioaccumulative.

  • level found: 0.14 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (93rd %ile)
ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum0.37


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: 0.26 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (62nd %ile)
ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum3.6


Tonalide

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

  • level found: 0.11 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (67th %ile)
ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum1.6


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: 1.9 ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood
  • Moderate vs 71 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (53rd %ile)
  • Moderate vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (67th %ile)
0.222ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood4.7


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: 3.93 ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood
  • Moderate vs 40 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (73rd %ile)
  • High vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (95th %ile)
7.0E-5ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood12


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: 3.72 ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood
  • Moderate vs 88 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (62nd %ile)
  • High vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (95th %ile)
ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood25.9


Chemicals not found in Anonymous Adult 13

41 chemicals

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

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.)

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

[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.

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