about this participant:

Jessica Assaf, a student from San Rafael, CA, participated in the 2007 biomonitoring investigation entitled "EWG Study #10, cosmetic chemicals in teens." She gave blood and urine for the study on May 9, 2007 at age 17.

Related links:
Location:

San Rafael, CA

Participant's groups:

Teen, Female

Study:

EWG Study #10, cosmetic chemicals in teens

Sample Date:

May 9, 2007



health & safety concerns:
chemicals found in this person
Immune system (including sensitization and allergies)6
Respiratory system4
Chronic effects, general3
Endocrine system2
Skin2
Reproduction and fertility1
Cancer1



picture of Jessica Assaf

Participant: Jessica Assaf
Found 13 of 25 tested chemicals

Jessica Assaf's blood and urine contained 13 of 25 industrial compounds, pollutants and other chemicals tested, including chemicals linked to immune system toxicity, respiratory system toxicity, and chronic effects.

  • This participant's samples show above average levels of Parabens, compared to all others in EWG studies

Summary of chemicals found in Jessica Assaf

chemical family level found health effects exposure routes
Parabenshigh Personal care products, some foods, beverages, and medications
TriclosanmoderateEndocrine system, Skin Antibacterial soap, toothpaste, cosmetics, cleaning products, shoe insoles, plastic cutting boards, other antibacterial items
Phthalatesmoderate Cosmetics, paint, soft plastic, food packaging, and other consumer products
Nitro- and polycylic- muskslowEndocrine system, Cancer Cosmetics, perfumes, cleaning agents, detergents, soaps

Test results by chemical family (see each chemical)

parabens

5 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: 680 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • High vs 28 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
8.39ug/g creatinine in urine3820


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: 2.88 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • Moderate vs 28 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (40th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 2,612 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (37th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
ug/g creatinine in urine350


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: 232 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (37th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (40th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
102ug/g creatinine in urine10800


Total Phthalates

nitro- and polycylic- musks

1 of 11 found — see each chemical

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

  • cumulative level found: 0.0891 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
  • Low vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (24th %ile)
ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum4.23


Total Nitro- and polycylic- musks

Chemicals not found in Jessica Assaf

12 chemicals

Cashmeran, Celestolide, Phantolide, Galaxolide, Tonalide, Traseolide, Musk ambrette, Musk moskene, Musk tibetene, Musk xylene, 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