about this participant:
Charlotte Brody, an organizer from Round Hill, VA, participated in the 2003 biomonitoring investigation entitled "EWG/Commonweal Study #1, industrial chemicals and pesticides in adults." She gave blood and urine for the study at age 54.
Charlotte Brody, RN, is a founder and an Executive Director of the Health Care Without Harm Campaign an international coalition of 390 organizations in 44 countries working to make health care more environmentally responsible and sustainable. A registered nurse and mother of two, Charlotte has served as the Organizing Director for the Center for Health, Environment Justice in Falls Church, Virginia, the Executive Director of a Planned Parenthood affiliate in North Carolina and the Coordinator of the Carolina Brown Lung Association, an occupational safety and health organization focused on cotton textile workers.
Related links:
Location:
Round Hill, VA
Participant's groups:
Study:
EWG/Commonweal Study #1, industrial chemicals and pesticides in adults
health & safety concerns: |
chemicals found in this person |
Immune system (including sensitization and allergies) | 45 |
Brain and nervous system | 33 |
Birth defects and developmental delays | 14 |
Reproduction and fertility | 2 |
Chronic effects, general | 1 |
Endocrine system | 1 |
Respiratory system | 1 |
Participant: Charlotte Brody
Found 78.5-87 of 214 tested chemicals
Charlotte Brody's blood and urine contained 78.5-87 of 214 industrial compounds, pollutants and other chemicals tested, including chemicals linked to immune system toxicity, brain and nervous system toxicity, and birth defects and developmental delays.
- This participant's samples show above average levels of 2,3,7,8-TCDD (tetradioxin), 2,3,4,6,7,8-HxCDF (hexafuran), PCB-18 and PCB-201 compared to all others in EWG studies
Summary of chemicals found in Charlotte Brody
chemical family | level found | health effects | exposure routes |
Volatile and semivolatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) | found, not quantified | Contaminated indoor and outdoor air | |
Phthalates | found, not quantified | Cosmetics, paint, soft plastic, food packaging, and other consumer products | |
Alkylphenols | found, not quantified | Endocrine system | Cosmetics, detergents, pesticides, paints, carpet and dry cleaning |
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) | moderate | Brain and nervous system, Immune system (including sensitization and allergies) | Dietary sources, fatty meat, dairy and fish |
Organochlorine Pesticides (OCs) | low | Reproduction and fertility | Contaminated food and drinking water |
Chlorinated dioxins & furans | moderate | Immune system (including sensitization and allergies), Birth defects and developmental delays | Dietary sources, fatty meat, dairy and fish |
Organophosphate Pesticide metabolites (OPs) | moderate | Brain and nervous system | Contaminated food and drinking water |
Methylmercury | moderate | Dietary sources, particularly seafood | |
Lead | high | Lead-based paint in older homes, household dust, vinyl products, tap water |
Detailed report by chemical (return to summary)
volatile and semivolatile organic compounds (vocs and svocs)
31 of 76 found
Used in wide range of household, craft, and industrial products. Common tap water and air pollutants. Includes neurotoxins and carcinogens.
- cumulative level found: found, but not quantified
Total Volatile and semivolatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs)
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-Hexadecene
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
o-(phenylmethyl)-Hydroxylamine
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
People are exposed to chemicals from air or from contaminated tap water. In humans cause respiratory irritation, cancer, kidney and liver damage, and birth defects.
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
1-methyl-2-propyl-Cyclopentane
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
Cyclohexane causes neurological, respiratory, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney, developmental, and cardiovascular toxicity in animals. Irritate the eyes and skin in humans.
- level found: found, but not quantified
Industrial solvent, starting material; animal studies link to eye, skin irritation; high doses may result in dizziness, difficulty breathing.
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
1-(trimethyloxiranyl)-Ethanone
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
Industrial solvent; in humans, damages nervous system; in animals, fetal and adult exposure causes significant neurotoxicity.
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
- level found: found, but not quantified
phthalates
3 of 6 found
In cosmetics, paint, and plastics. Linked to sperm damage and birth defects of male reproductive system.
- cumulative level found: found, but not quantified
Total Phthalates
Used in soft plastics like PVC. Associated with male reproductive system toxicity in people and animals.
- level found: 512 ug/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 9 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (78th %ile)
ug/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 905 | |
Used in nail polish, cosmetics, and other consumer products; linked to birth defects and male reproductive issues.
- level found: found, but not quantified
Used in consumer products, particularly those containing fragrances. Linked to male reproductive problems in people; animal studies indicate multiple toxicities.
- level found: found, but not quantified
alkylphenols
1 of 1 found
Surfactants in cosmetics, paints, detergents. Toxic to wildlife. May harm hormone system.
- cumulative level found: found, but not quantified
Total Alkylphenols
Widely used surfactants in commercial products; highly toxic to aquatic organisms, and endocrine disruptors in human and animals.
- level found: found, but not quantified
polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs)
21.5-30 of 77 found
Banned industrial insulators and lubricants. Cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- cumulative level found: 130 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (75th %ile)
- Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (67th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
2.95 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 600 |
Total Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 2.42 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (74th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 19.4 | |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 2.63 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 5.08 | |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 7.53 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (72nd %ile)
- Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (60th %ile)
0.0371 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 34.3 |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 1.66 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (78th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 3.67 | |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 3.31 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (80th %ile)
- Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (35th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 6.74 | |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 35.2 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (80th %ile)
- High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (76th %ile)
0.211 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 112 |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 4.49 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (80th %ile)
- Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (60th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 8.68 | |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 11.3 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (78th %ile)
- High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (79th %ile)
0.0607 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 36.4 |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 1.52 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (75th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 3.95 | |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 19.3 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (75th %ile)
- Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (63rd %ile)
0.297 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 72.6 |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 2.64 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (72nd %ile)
- Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (18th %ile)
0.0243 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 14 |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 25.3 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (72nd %ile)
- Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (59th %ile)
0.379 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 96.5 |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 5.05 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (78th %ile)
- Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (61st %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 14.6 | |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 1.43 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (75th %ile)
- Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (14th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 14.3 | |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 2.85 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 29 | |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 5.97 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (78th %ile)
- Moderate vs 2,547 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (66th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 34 | |
- level found: 7.17 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (80th %ile)
- High vs 2,547 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (76th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 12.3 | |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 9.9 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (86th %ile)
- High vs 2,547 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (80th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 17.4 | |
- level found: 2.95 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
- Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (30th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 13.1 | |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 1.31 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
- Moderate vs 2,547 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (53rd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 3.39 | |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 14.8 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
- High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (80th %ile)
0.212 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 30.8 |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 6.51 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (78th %ile)
- Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (72nd %ile)
0.0828 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 14.9 |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 1.77 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
- Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (32nd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 4.47 | |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 1.65 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
- Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (14th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 3.46 | |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 6.7 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (75th %ile)
- Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (65th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 25.4 | |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 2.3 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 35 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 2.83 | |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 1.55 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 3.88 | |
In polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) family of chemicals - banned industrial insulators and lubricants; cause cancer and nervous system problems.
- level found: 2.3 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (80th %ile)
- Moderate vs 2,274 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (61st %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 5.81 | |
organochlorine pesticides (ocs)
2 of 23 found
Includes DDT, chlordane, other pesticides. Largely banned in the U.S. Build up in the human body over time. Cause cancer and reproductive harm.
- cumulative level found: 0.933 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Low vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (12th %ile)
- Low vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (12th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
0.615 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 2830 |
Total Organochlorine Pesticides (OCs)
Organochlorine chemical, a class largely banned in the U.S. that builds up in the body over time, linked to cancer and reproductive harm.
- level found: 0.0726 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (26th %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 37.1 | |
Organochlorine chemical, a class largely banned in the U.S. that builds up in the body over time, linked to cancer and reproductive harm.
- level found: 0.861 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 27 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (82nd %ile)
ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 2.73 | |
chlorinated dioxins & furans
14 of 17 found
Pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, and incineration. Cause cancer and may harm hormone system.
- cumulative level found: 542 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (74th %ile)
- Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (74th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
5 | pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 1860 |
Total Chlorinated dioxins & furans
Heptachlorinated dioxins
Chlorinated dioxins are unwanted byproducts of the manufacture and burning of products that contain chlorine. Dioxins cause cancer in humans, and they are generally considered to be among the most toxic environmental contaminants known to man. As a class, dioxins are extremely toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and lipophilic ("fat-loving"). This means that dioxins build up and are stored in fatty tissues and fluids, such as breast milk, and can be passed on to fetuses and infants during pregnancy and lactation. Most people are exposed to dioxin through the food they eat, primarily from meat, dairy, fish and eggs.
In humans, dioxins are associated with cancer, skin lesions, damage to the nervous system and immune system, altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, thyroid disruption, altered menstrual cycling, and cardiovascular effects.
In laboratory animals, dioxins are known to cause a variety of effects including cancer and impaired reproductive, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, neurological and metabolic function. In addition, dioxins cause skin disease and birth defects.
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD (heptadioxin)
In dioxin family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.
- level found: 50.4 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [M]
- Moderate vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (71st %ile)
- High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (78th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 125 | |
Heptachlorinated furans
Chlorinated furans, also called chlorinated dibenzofurans or CDFs, are toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and lipophilic ("fat-loving""). This means that CDFs build up and are stored in fatty tissues and fluid, such as breast milk, and can be passed on to fetuses and infants during pregnancy and lactation.
In humans, CDFs are associated with premature birth and abnormal development, liver toxicity, skin disease, eye inflammation, and damage to the nervous, immune, endocrine, and reproductive systems (ATSDR 1994b).
In laboratory animals, CDFs are known to cause a variety of effects including damage to the reproductive, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. In addition, CDFs harm the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, and cause birth defects (ATSDR 1994b).
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF (heptafuran)
In chlorinated furan family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.
- level found: 6.67 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [M]
- Moderate vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (65th %ile)
- Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (68th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 61.4 | |
1,2,3,4,7,8,9-HpCDF (heptafuran)
In chlorinated furan family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.
- level found: 1.03 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [M]
- High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
- High vs 2,547 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 20 | |
Hexachlorinated dioxins
Chlorinated dioxins are unwanted byproducts of the manufacture and burning of products that contain chlorine. Dioxins cause cancer in humans, and they are generally considered to be among the most toxic environmental contaminants known to man. As a class, dioxins are extremely toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and lipophilic ("fat-loving"). This means that dioxins build up and are stored in fatty tissues and fluids, such as breast milk, and can be passed on to fetuses and infants during pregnancy and lactation. Most people are exposed to dioxin through the food they eat, primarily from meat, dairy, fish and eggs.
In humans, dioxins are associated with cancer, skin lesions, damage to the nervous system and immune system, altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, thyroid disruption, altered menstrual cycling, and cardiovascular effects.
In laboratory animals, dioxins are known to cause a variety of effects including cancer and impaired reproductive, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, neurological and metabolic function. In addition, dioxins cause skin disease and birth defects.
1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDD (hexadioxin)
In dioxin family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.
- level found: 3.97 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [M]
- Moderate vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (71st %ile)
- High vs 2,547 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (78th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 11.4 | |
1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD (hexadioxin)
In dioxin family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.
- level found: 34.3 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (77th %ile)
- High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (78th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 63.7 | |
1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDD (hexadioxin)
In dioxin family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.
- level found: 6.76 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (80th %ile)
- High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (81st %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 24.3 | |
Hexachlorinated furans
Chlorinated furans, also called chlorinated dibenzofurans or CDFs, are toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and lipophilic ("fat-loving""). This means that CDFs build up and are stored in fatty tissues and fluid, such as breast milk, and can be passed on to fetuses and infants during pregnancy and lactation.
In humans, CDFs are associated with premature birth and abnormal development, liver toxicity, skin disease, eye inflammation, and damage to the nervous, immune, endocrine, and reproductive systems (ATSDR 1994b).
In laboratory animals, CDFs are known to cause a variety of effects including damage to the reproductive, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. In addition, CDFs harm the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, and cause birth defects (ATSDR 1994b).
In chlorinated furan family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.
- level found: 4.9 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (74th %ile)
- Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (70th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 24.3 | |
In chlorinated furan family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.
- level found: 4.19 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [M]
- Moderate vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (71st %ile)
- Moderate vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (72nd %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 22.9 | |
In chlorinated furan family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.
- level found: 2.83 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [M]
- High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (92nd %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 13.6 | |
Octachlorinated dioxins
Chlorinated dioxins are unwanted byproducts of the manufacture and burning of products that contain chlorine. Dioxins cause cancer in humans, and they are generally considered to be among the most toxic environmental contaminants known to man. As a class, dioxins are extremely toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and lipophilic ("fat-loving"). This means that dioxins build up and are stored in fatty tissues and fluids, such as breast milk, and can be passed on to fetuses and infants during pregnancy and lactation. Most people are exposed to dioxin through the food they eat, primarily from meat, dairy, fish and eggs.
In humans, dioxins are associated with cancer, skin lesions, damage to the nervous system and immune system, altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, thyroid disruption, altered menstrual cycling, and cardiovascular effects.
In laboratory animals, dioxins are known to cause a variety of effects including cancer and impaired reproductive, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, neurological and metabolic function. In addition, dioxins cause skin disease and birth defects.
1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-OCDD (octadioxin)
In dioxin family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.
- level found: 399 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (77th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 1590 | |
Octachlorinated furans
Chlorinated furans, also called chlorinated dibenzofurans or CDFs, are toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and lipophilic ("fat-loving""). This means that CDFs build up and are stored in fatty tissues and fluid, such as breast milk, and can be passed on to fetuses and infants during pregnancy and lactation.
In humans, CDFs are associated with premature birth and abnormal development, liver toxicity, skin disease, eye inflammation, and damage to the nervous, immune, endocrine, and reproductive systems (ATSDR 1994b).
In laboratory animals, CDFs are known to cause a variety of effects including damage to the reproductive, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. In addition, CDFs harm the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, and cause birth defects (ATSDR 1994b).
1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-OCDF (octafuran)
In chlorinated furan family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.
- level found: 8.39 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 97.1 | |
Pentachlorinated dioxins
Chlorinated dioxins are unwanted byproducts of the manufacture and burning of products that contain chlorine. Dioxins cause cancer in humans, and they are generally considered to be among the most toxic environmental contaminants known to man. As a class, dioxins are extremely toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and lipophilic ("fat-loving"). This means that dioxins build up and are stored in fatty tissues and fluids, such as breast milk, and can be passed on to fetuses and infants during pregnancy and lactation. Most people are exposed to dioxin through the food they eat, primarily from meat, dairy, fish and eggs.
In humans, dioxins are associated with cancer, skin lesions, damage to the nervous system and immune system, altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, thyroid disruption, altered menstrual cycling, and cardiovascular effects.
In laboratory animals, dioxins are known to cause a variety of effects including cancer and impaired reproductive, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, neurological and metabolic function. In addition, dioxins cause skin disease and birth defects.
In dioxin family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.
- level found: 8.23 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [M]
- Moderate vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (74th %ile)
- High vs 4,821 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (92nd %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 14.5 | |
Pentachlorinated furans
Chlorinated furans, also called chlorinated dibenzofurans or CDFs, are toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and lipophilic ("fat-loving""). This means that CDFs build up and are stored in fatty tissues and fluid, such as breast milk, and can be passed on to fetuses and infants during pregnancy and lactation.
In humans, CDFs are associated with premature birth and abnormal development, liver toxicity, skin disease, eye inflammation, and damage to the nervous, immune, endocrine, and reproductive systems (ATSDR 1994b).
In laboratory animals, CDFs are known to cause a variety of effects including damage to the reproductive, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems. In addition, CDFs harm the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, and cause birth defects (ATSDR 1994b).
In chlorinated furan family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.
- level found: 5.7 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [M]
- Moderate vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (65th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 11.7 | |
Tetrachlorinated dioxins
Chlorinated dioxins are unwanted byproducts of the manufacture and burning of products that contain chlorine. Dioxins cause cancer in humans, and they are generally considered to be among the most toxic environmental contaminants known to man. As a class, dioxins are extremely toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and lipophilic ("fat-loving"). This means that dioxins build up and are stored in fatty tissues and fluids, such as breast milk, and can be passed on to fetuses and infants during pregnancy and lactation. Most people are exposed to dioxin through the food they eat, primarily from meat, dairy, fish and eggs.
In humans, dioxins are associated with cancer, skin lesions, damage to the nervous system and immune system, altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, thyroid disruption, altered menstrual cycling, and cardiovascular effects.
In laboratory animals, dioxins are known to cause a variety of effects including cancer and impaired reproductive, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, neurological and metabolic function. In addition, dioxins cause skin disease and birth defects.
In dioxin family of chemicals - pollutants from PVC production, industrial bleaching, incineration; cause cancer, may harm hormone system.
- level found: 5.51 pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [M]
- High vs 34 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
pg/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 7.12 | |
metals
2 of 5 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: 2.49 ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood
- Moderate vs 71 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (71st %ile)
- High vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (78th %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: 0.63 ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood
- Moderate vs 88 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (28th %ile)
- Moderate vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (50th %ile)
ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood | 25.9 | |
organophosphate pesticide metabolites (ops)
4 of 9 found
Breakdown products from pesticides, including Dursban, formerly used in homes and currently used on produce. Can damage brain development.
- cumulative level found: 28.6 ppb in urine
- Moderate vs 9 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (56th %ile)
4 | ppb in urine | 70.4 |
Total Organophosphate Pesticide metabolites (OPs)
Chlorpyrifos metabolite (3,5,6-TCP)
Organophosphate pesticides were previously marketed for home use and are now used on produce. Known neurotoxins that are particularly toxic to developing fetuses, infants and children
- level found: 3.6 ppb in urine
- Moderate vs 9 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (56th %ile)
ppb in urine | 24.1 | |
Organophosphate pesticides were previously marketed for home use and are now used on produce. Known neurotoxins that are particularly toxic to developing fetuses, infants and children.
- level found: 6 ppb in urine
- Moderate vs 9 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (67th %ile)
ppb in urine | 9 | |
Organophosphate pesticides were previously marketed for home use and are now used on produce. Known neurotoxins that are particularly toxic to developing fetuses, infants and children.
- level found: 14 ppb in urine
- High vs 9 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (78th %ile)
ppb in urine | 28 | |
Dimethylphosphorothidate (DMPT)
Organophosphate pesticides were previously marketed for home use and are now used on produce. Known neurotoxins that are particularly toxic to developing fetuses, infants and children.
- level found: 5 ppb in urine
- Moderate vs 9 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (34th %ile)
ppb in urine | 21 | |
Chemicals not found in Charlotte Brody
127 chemicals
2,3,7,8-TCDF (tetrafuran), 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF (pentafuran), 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDF (hexafuran), Chromium, Arsenic (inorganic only), Cadmium, 4,4'-DDD, Aldrin, alpha-Endosulphan, beta-Endosulphan, alpha-Chlordane, Dieldrin, Endosulphan Sulphate, Endrin, Endrin Ketone, alpha-BHC, Heptachlor, Heptachlor Epoxide, Endrin aldehyde, Hexachlorobenzene, gamma-BHC (Lindane), delta-BHC, gamma-Chlordane, 4,4'-DDE, 4,4'-DDT, Mirex, Pentachlorophenol, Diethylphosphorodithidate (DEDTP), Dimethylphosphorodithidate (DMDTP), Diethylphosphorothidate (DEPT), Malathion Dicarboxylic Acid, Malathion Mono-Carboxylic Acid, Dimethyl phthalate, Butyl benzyl phthalate, Di-n-octyl phthalate, PCB-105, PCB-127, PCB-128, PCB-167, PCB-166, PCB-82, PCB-195, PCB-200, PCB-207, PCB-42, PCB-185, PCB-86, PCB-97, PCB-119, PCB-91, PCB-189, PCB-205, PCB-158, PCB-114, PCB-123, PCB-120, PCB-77, PCB-126, PCB-169, PCB-79, PCB-80, PCB-37, PCB-81, PCB-151, PCB-149, PCB-168, PCB-198, PCB-47, PCB-44, PCB-49, PCB-70, PCB-87, PCB-95, PCB-64, PCB-60, PCB-141, PCB-179, PCB-174, PCB-191, PCB-190, PCB-208, PCB-92, 11,14-Methyl Ester Eicosadienoic acid, Methyl ester 9,12-Hexadecadienoic acid, 9-Hexadecenoic acid, bis(1-methylpropyl) ester Hexanedioic acid, n-Tetradecanoic acid, Oleic acid, Diisooctyl ester Diphosphoric acid, 1-Tetradecanol, 2-Decanol, 3-Methylcyclopentanol, 5-Methyl-2-heptanol, 7-methyl-7-Heptadecanol, tetradecanal, 2,2,3,3-Tetramethylhexane, 2,4,4-Trimethylhexane, 2,4-Dimethylheptane, 3-ethyl-2-methylhexane, 2,4,6-trimethyl-Decane, 3-bromo-Decane, 6-ethyl-2-methyl-Decane, Hexacosane, n-Docosane, n-Octacosane, 3-bromo-3-methyl Pentane, Tetratetracontane, 5-propyl-Tridecane, 1,E-11,Z-13-Hexadecatriene, 17-Pentatriacontene, cis-9-Tricosene, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-methyl-Phenol, 2-propenylidene-Cyclobutene, (1,2-dimethylbutyl)-Cyclohexane, 1,5,5-trimethyl-6-(2-propenylidene)-Cyclohexene, 1-ethyl-1-methyl-Cyclopentane, Didodecyl 3,3-thiodipropionate, 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, O-methyloxime 3,5-dimethyl-2-Cyclohexen-1-one, 2-Nonanone, dihydro-5-(1-methylethyl)-3(2H)-Furanone, 4,6-dimethyl-5-Hepten-2-one, alpha-Toluenesulfonyl chloride, Cetylpyridinium chloride monohydrate, Mono(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, Ethyl Benzene, ortho-Xylene
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.
[M] Estimated concentration that represents a maximum bound