about this participant:

Jean Salone, a community activist from Corpus Christi, TX, participated in the -0001 biomonitoring investigation entitled "Adult Minority Leader Report." She gave blood and urine for the study on August 4, 2008 at age 67.

Jean Salone is a lifelong resident of Corpus Christi, a cancer survivor and an environmental justice community organizer. She was a key witness in a landmark case against the local CITGO refinery for criminal violations of the federal Clean Air Act. The company was found guilty in July 2007.

Location:

Corpus Christi, TX

Participant's groups:

Female

Study:

Adult Minority Leader Report

Sample Date:

August 4, 2008



health & safety concerns:
chemicals found in this person
Brain and nervous system33
Reproduction and fertility32
Birth defects and developmental delays3
Endocrine system3
Hematologic (blood) system2
Cancer2
Immune system (including sensitization and allergies)2
Chronic effects, general2



picture of Jean Salone

Participant: Jean Salone
Found 41-45 of 75 tested chemicals

Jean Salone's blood and urine contained 41-45 of 75 industrial compounds, pollutants and other chemicals tested, including chemicals linked to brain and nervous system toxicity, reproductive toxicity and fertility problems, and birth defects and developmental delays.

Summary of chemicals found in Jean Salone

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)highBirth defects and developmental delays, Cancer, Endocrine system Stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets, pans
PerchloratelowHematologic (blood) system, Birth defects and developmental delays Contaminated food and drinking water
Nitro- and polycylic- musksmoderateEndocrine system Cosmetics, perfumes, cleaning agents, detergents, soaps
Leadmoderate Lead-based paint in older homes, household dust, vinyl products, tap water
Methylmercurylow Dietary sources, particularly seafood
MercurylowBrain and nervous system Seafood, flu shots/vaccines, dental fillings
Bisphenol Ahigh Polycarbonate plastics, 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: 180 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] (89th %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: 1.18 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %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: 1.68 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum4.31


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: 0.59 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.59


  • level found: 0.198 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.54


  • level found: 12.1 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
0.238ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum76.9


  • level found: 1.53 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (97th %ile)
  • High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (87th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum2.73


  • level found: 0.216 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (97th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.488


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: 5.5 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum19.9


  • level found: 4.25 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (96th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum19


  • level found: 3.16 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (96th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum14.7


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: 8.33 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum16.5


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: 12.1 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (94th %ile)
  • High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (85th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum32.6


  • level found: 0.251 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.251


  • level found: 0.112 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [K]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.27


  • level found: 2.15 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


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

  • level found: 26.2 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] (93rd %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: 92.2 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] (91st %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum143


  • level found: 0.955 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum1.26


  • level found: 0.0789 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [K]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.191


  • level found: 1.33 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 serum1.33


  • level found: 0.172 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.273


  • level found: 0.0675 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [K]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (97th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.128


  • level found: 0.562 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [KD]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %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: 0.479 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [KD]
  • High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.673


  • level found: 4.04 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


  • level found: 0.102 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [K]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.102


  • level found: 0.0336 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [K]
  • High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (93rd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum0.386


perfluorochemicals (pfcs)

7 of 13 found

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

  • cumulative level found: 46.3 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (91st %ile)
  • High vs 3,959 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (80th %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 10-carbon version of PFOA; persistent; bioaccumulative.

  • level found: 0.218 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (64th %ile)
  • High vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (76th %ile)
ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum1.47


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

  • level found: 0.948 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (31st %ile)
  • Moderate vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (61st %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: 3.34 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (37th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (49th %ile)
0.366ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum10.1


In Scotchgard prior to 2000 - part of the 'PFOS chemistry' phased out of use by 3M in 2000 over health concerns; metabolized into PFOS by the body.

  • level found: 1.08 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
  • Low vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (12th %ile)
ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum1.08


Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. An 11-carbon version of PFOA; persistent; bioaccumulative.

  • level found: 0.136 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (64th %ile)
  • High vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (93rd %ile)
ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum1.76


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

  • level found: 3.19 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (75th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 1,591 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (75th %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: 37.4 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 1,591 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (73rd %ile)
1.07ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum64.1


perchlorate

1 of 1 found

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: 0.25 ug/L in urine
  • Low vs 24 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (21st %ile)
  • Low vs 2,818 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (1st %ile)
ug/L in urine5.6


nitro- and polycylic- musks

2 of 10 found

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

  • cumulative level found: 0.56 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (62nd %ile)
ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum4.23


Total Nitro- and polycylic- musks

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: 0.14 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
  • Moderate vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (55th %ile)
ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum3.6


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

  • level found: 0.42 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (86th %ile)
ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum1.6


metals

3 of 3 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: 1.69 ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood
  • Moderate vs 71 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (46th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (58th %ile)
0.222ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood4.7


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: 0.19 ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood
  • Low vs 40 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (25th %ile)
  • Low vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (22nd %ile)
7.0E-5ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood12


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: 0.11 ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood [B]
  • Low vs 88 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (11th %ile)
  • Low vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (14th %ile)
ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood25.9


bisphenol a & badge

1 of 1 found

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: 4.48 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • High vs 17 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
  • High vs 2,612 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (77th %ile)
ug/g creatinine in urine6.06


Chemicals not found in Jean Salone

30 chemicals

Tetrabromobisphenol A, Celestolide, Cashmeran, Musk ketone, Phantolide, Musk xylene, Musk tibetene, Musk moskene, Traseolide, PFPeA (Perfluoro-n-pentanoic acid), PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonate), PFBA (Perfluorobutyric acid), PFDoA (Perfluorododecanoic acid), PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic acid), PFHxA (Perfluorohexanoic acid), PBDE-209, PBDE-11, PBDE-13, PBDE-8, PBDE-12, PBDE-7, PBDE-10, PBDE-35, PBDE-32, PBDE-77, PBDE-105, PBDE-128, PBDE-126, PBDE-190, PBDE-181

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.

[B] Peak found in sample and associated Lab Blank below the reporting limit.

[D] The concentration detected in the lab blank is 15% or greater of the detected value.

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

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