about this participant:
Anonymous Teen 22, a student from Belvedere, CA, 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 29, 2005 at age 17.
Related links:
Location:
Belvedere, CA
Participant's groups:
Study:
EWG Study #6, consumer product chemicals in mothers and daughters
Sample Date:
November 29, 2005
health & safety concerns: |
chemicals found in this person |
Reproduction and fertility | 21 |
Brain and nervous system | 21 |
Immune system (including sensitization and allergies) | 5 |
Respiratory system | 4 |
Cancer | 2 |
Birth defects and developmental delays | 2 |
Endocrine system | 2 |
Chronic effects, general | 2 |
Participant: Anonymous Teen 22
Found 31-34 of 70 tested chemicals
Anonymous Teen 22's blood and urine contained 31-34 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.
- This participant's samples show the highest levels of BADGE-4OH, Mono-butyl phthalate, PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic acid) compared to all others in EWG studies
- This participant's samples show above average levels of PBDE-17, PBDE-35, PBDE-190 and PBDE-75 compared to all others in EWG studies
Summary of chemicals found in Anonymous Teen 22
chemical family | level found | health effects | exposure routes |
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) | low | Reproduction and fertility, Brain and nervous system | Foam furniture, carpet padding, computers, televisions, contaminated house dust, food |
Phthalates | moderate | Cosmetics, paint, soft plastic, food packaging, and other consumer products | |
Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) | moderate | Cancer, Birth defects and developmental delays, Endocrine system | Stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets, pans |
Lead | low | Lead-based paint in older homes, household dust, vinyl products, tap water | |
Methylmercury | high | Dietary sources, particularly seafood | |
BADGE-4OH | high | Endocrine system | Food can linings, dental sealants |
Detailed report by chemical (return to summary)
polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes)
17-20 of 46 found
Fire retardants in furniture foam, computers, and televisions. Accumulate in human tissues. May harm brain development.
- cumulative level found: 9.21 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Low vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (19th %ile)
- Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (18th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
1.11 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 314 |
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.
- level found: 0.0747 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (49th %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.
- level found: 0.123 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (54th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 4.31 | |
- level found: 0.0506 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (74th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.782 | |
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.
- level found: 0.0146 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [*,D]
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (35th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.54 | |
- level found: 1.07 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Low vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (14th %ile)
0.238 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 76.9 |
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.
- level found: 0.853 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- Low vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (24th %ile)
- Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (20th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 32.6 | |
- level found: 0.0121 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (69th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.27 | |
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.
In PBDE chemical family - fire retardant in furniture foam, computers, televisions; may harm brain development and hormone systems.
- level found: 6.33 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (32nd %ile)
- Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (24th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 143 | |
- level found: 0.0631 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (45th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 1.26 | |
- level found: 0.0115 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (70th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.191 | |
- level found: 0.0537 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (59th %ile)
- Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (16th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 1.33 | |
- level found: 0.00913 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.273 | |
- level found: 0.0117 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (70th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.128 | |
- level found: 0.0245 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (56th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.823 | |
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.
- level found: 0.0707 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [E,D]
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.673 | |
- level found: 0.439 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (38th %ile)
- High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (94th %ile)
0.0385 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 6.17 |
- level found: 0.00307 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (78th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.0211 | |
bisphenol a & badge
1 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: 174 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 41 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 174 | |
phthalates
6 of 7 found
In cosmetics, paint, and plastics. Linked to sperm damage and birth defects of male reproductive system.
- cumulative level found: 294 ug/g creatinine in urine
- Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (45th %ile)
- Moderate vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (50th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
102 | ug/g creatinine in urine | 10800 |
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: 35.7 ug/g creatinine in urine
- Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (32nd %ile)
- Moderate vs 5,479 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (75th %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: 20.5 ug/g creatinine in urine
- Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (32nd %ile)
- Moderate vs 5,479 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (71st %ile)
5.98 | ug/g creatinine in urine | 2850 |
Breakdown product of bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), used in plastics. Linked to male reproductive issues in people and animals.
- level found: 4 ug/g creatinine in urine [E,D]
- Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (32nd %ile)
- Moderate vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (61st %ile)
ug/g creatinine in urine | 829 | |
Formed from dibutyl phthalates, used in nail polish, cosmetics, and other consumer products; linked to birth defects and male reproductive issues.
- level found: 160 ug/g creatinine in urine
- High vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
- High vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)
7.53 | ug/g creatinine in urine | 250 |
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: 26.4 ug/g creatinine in urine
- Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (60th %ile)
- Moderate vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (75th %ile)
2.73 | ug/g creatinine in urine | 436 |
Breakdown product of diethyl phthalate, used in consumer products, fragrances. Fetal and adult exposures are linked to male reproductive problems.
- level found: 46.9 ug/g creatinine in urine
- Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (46th %ile)
- Low vs 8,015 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (16th %ile)
9.38 | ug/g creatinine in urine | 849 |
perfluorochemicals (pfcs)
5 of 13 found
Includes Teflon, Scotchgard, Stainmaster. Linked to cancer and birth defects.
- cumulative level found: 26.8 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (53rd %ile)
- Moderate vs 3,959 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (45th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
2.63 | ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 77.7 |
Total Perfluorochemicals (PFCs)
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: 0.765 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
- High vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (98th %ile)
ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 2.94 | |
Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. A 9-carbon version of PFOA; persistent; bioaccumulative.
- level found: 0.83 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- Low vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (22nd %ile)
- Moderate vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (54th %ile)
ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 5.85 | |
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: 4.47 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (64th %ile)
- Moderate vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (67th %ile)
0.366 | ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 10.1 |
PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonate)
In fire fighting foams and carpet treatments. Phased out of consumer products by 3M in 2000 over health concerns.
- level found: 1.67 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (39th %ile)
- Moderate vs 1,591 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (45th %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: 19.1 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (55th %ile)
- Moderate vs 1,591 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (26th %ile)
1.07 | ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 64.1 |
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: 0.5 ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood [*]
- Low vs 71 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (19th %ile)
- Low vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (12th %ile)
0.222 | ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood | 4.7 |
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: 2.31 ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood
- Moderate vs 88 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (52nd %ile)
- High vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (89th %ile)
ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood | 25.9 | |
Chemicals not found in Anonymous Teen 22
36 chemicals
Bisphenol A, PFUnA (Perfluoroundecanoic acid), PFPeA (Perfluoro-n-pentanoic acid), PFOSA (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), PFHxA (Perfluorohexanoic acid), PFDoA (Perfluorododecanoic acid), PFDA (Perfluorodecanoic acid), PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonate), PFBA (Perfluorobutyric acid), Monomethyl phthalate, PBDE-37, PBDE-30, PBDE-7, PBDE-77, PBDE-85, PBDE-99, PBDE-155, PBDE-154, PBDE-203, PBDE-126, PBDE-13, PBDE-138, PBDE-166, PBDE-8, PBDE-11, PBDE-10, PBDE-105, PBDE-116, PBDE-32, PBDE-128, PBDE-181, PBDE-206, PBDE-207, PBDE-208, PBDE-209, PBDE-12
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.