about this participant:

Emma Spencer, a student from Winchester, MA, participated in the 2007 biomonitoring investigation entitled "EWG Study #10, cosmetic chemicals in teens." She gave blood and urine for the study on June 28, 2007 at age 17.

Related links:
Location:

Winchester, MA

Participant's groups:

Teen, Female

Study:

EWG Study #10, cosmetic chemicals in teens

Sample Date:

June 28, 2007



health & safety concerns:
chemicals found in this person
Immune system (including sensitization and allergies)5
Respiratory system4
Endocrine system3
Chronic effects, general3
Skin1
Gastrointestinal (including liver)1



picture of Emma Spencer

Participant: Emma Spencer
Found 14 of 25 tested chemicals

Emma Spencer's blood and urine contained 14 of 25 industrial compounds, pollutants and other chemicals tested, including chemicals linked to immune system toxicity, respiratory system toxicity, and endocrine system toxicity.

Summary of chemicals found in Emma Spencer

chemical family level found health effects exposure routes
Parabensmoderate 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
PhthalatesmoderateEndocrine system Cosmetics, paint, soft plastic, food packaging, and other consumer products
Nitro- and polycylic- muskshighEndocrine system 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: 269 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • Moderate vs 28 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (68th %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: 3.69 ug/g creatinine in urine [A]
  • Moderate vs 28 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (43rd %ile)
  • Moderate vs 2,612 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (40th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
ug/g creatinine in urine350


phthalates

7 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: 184 ug/g creatinine in urine
  • Moderate vs 72 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (28th %ile)
  • Moderate vs 8,020 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (30th %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: 2.81 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
  • High vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum4.23


Total Nitro- and polycylic- musks

Chemicals not found in Emma Spencer

11 chemicals

Cashmeran, Celestolide, Phantolide, Tonalide, Traseolide, Musk ambrette, Musk moskene, Musk ketone, Musk tibetene, Musk xylene, Benzylparaben

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.)

[A] Represents an average of two or more test results

See results for this participant's group