GROUP:

EWG/Commonweal Study #7, consumer product chemicals in adults and teens

health & safety concerns:	chemicals found
	on average	indivi- dual range	entire group
Brain and nervous system	21	14-25	31
Reproduction and fertility	20	13-24	31
Immune system (including sensitization and allergies)	6	5-7	7
Chronic effects, general	4	2-6	9
Endocrine system	4	2-6	8
Respiratory system	4	3-4	4
Birth defects and developmental delays	3	2-3	3
Cancer	2	2-3	4

Group members:

(19 People)

Anonymous Adult 2
Anonymous Adult 3
Anonymous Adult 5
Anonymous Adult 4
Anonymous Adult 6
Anonymous Adult 7
Anonymous Teen 1
Anonymous Adult 9
Anonymous Adult 12
Anonymous Adult 13
Anonymous Adult 11
Anonymous Adult 10
Anonymous Adult 14
Anonymous Adult 15
Anonymous Adult 16
Anonymous Adult 17
Anonymous Adult 18
Anonymous Adult 20
Anonymous Adult 21

Locations:

Chicago, IL
Newton, MA
Fredericksburg, VA
Washington, DC
New York, NY
Lamont, FL
Atlanta, GA
Mountain View, CA
Stanford, CA
Palo Alto, CA
San Francisco, CA
Berkeley, CA
Alamo, CA
Fallbrook, CA

Group: EWG/Commonweal Study #7, consumer product chemicals in adults and teens
Found 58-62 of 84 tested chemicals (19 participants)

The blood and urine of the "EWG/Commonweal Study #7, consumer product chemicals in adults and teens" group contained 58-62 of 84 industrial compounds, pollutants and other chemicals tested, including chemicals linked to brain and nervous system toxicity, reproductive toxicity and fertility problems, and immune system toxicity.

Summary of chemicals found in EWG/Commonweal Study #7, consumer product chemicals in adults and teens

chemical family	level found in group	health effects	exposure routes
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)	11% high 68% moderate 21% low	Reproduction and fertility, Brain and nervous system	Foam furniture, carpet padding, computers, televisions, contaminated house dust, food
Phthalates	32% high 53% moderate 16% low		Cosmetics, paint, soft plastic, food packaging, and other consumer products
Triclosan	89% found, not quantified	Endocrine system, Skin	Antibacterial soap, toothpaste, cosmetics, cleaning products, shoe insoles, plastic cutting boards, other antibacterial items
Alkylphenols	11% high	Endocrine system	Cosmetics, detergents, pesticides, paints, carpet and dry cleaning
Perfluorochemicals (PFCs)	11% high 68% moderate 21% low	Birth defects and developmental delays, Cancer, Endocrine system	Stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets, pans
Perchlorate	26% moderate 58% low	Hematologic (blood) system, Birth defects and developmental delays	Contaminated food and drinking water
Nitro- and polycylic- musks	26% high 63% moderate	Endocrine system, Cancer	Cosmetics, perfumes, cleaning agents, detergents, soaps
Mercury	84% high 5% moderate 11% low	Brain and nervous system	Seafood, flu shots/vaccines, dental fillings
Methylmercury	84% high 5% moderate 11% low		Dietary sources, particularly seafood
Lead	26% high 63% moderate 11% low		Lead-based paint in older homes, household dust, vinyl products, tap water
BADGE-4OH	11% high 47% moderate	Endocrine system	Food can linings, dental sealants

Detailed report by chemical (return to summary)

polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes)

25-29 of 46 found

Fire retardants in furniture foam, computers, and televisions. Accumulate in human tissues. May harm brain development.

• geometric mean: 27.4 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 26.3 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
    [excludes PBDE-154/PBB-153]
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 2,037 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 13

1.11	ng/g lipids in blood serum	314

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.

PBDE-15

• geometric mean: 0.288 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0634 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 11 of 19 people in the group (vs. 64 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 13

0.00566	ng/g lipids 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.

PBDE-183

• geometric mean: 0.194 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0626 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 11 of 19 people in the group (vs. 73 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 12

0.0122	ng/g lipids in blood serum	4.31

PBDE-190

• geometric mean: 0.0278 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0117 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 6 of 19 people in the group (vs. 32 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 10

0.00588	ng/g lipids 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.

PBDE-138 & PBDE-166 [2]

• geometric mean: 0.0497 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0313 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 15 of 19 people in the group (vs. 51 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 13

0.0262	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.59

PBDE-140

• geometric mean: 0.0469 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0176 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 16 of 19 people in the group (vs. 55 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 13

0.0025	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.54

PBDE-153

• geometric mean: 6.04 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 4.1 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 116 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 10

0.238	ng/g lipids in blood serum	76.9

PBDE-154

• geometric mean: 0.272 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.511 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 18 of 19 people in the group (vs. 1,110 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 13

0.0068	ng/g lipids in blood serum	2.73

PBDE-155

• geometric mean: 0.0762 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0403 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 63 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 13

0.0184	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.488

Nonabrominated diphenyl ethers

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.

PBDE-206

• geometric mean: 0.272 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 19 people in the group (vs. 24 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Teen 1

	ng/g lipids in blood serum	19.9

PBDE-207

• geometric mean: 0.325 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 4 of 19 people in the group (vs. 32 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Teen 1

	ng/g lipids in blood serum	19

PBDE-208

• geometric mean: 0.294 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 19 people in the group (vs. 29 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Teen 1

	ng/g lipids in blood serum	14.7

Octabrominated 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.

PBDE-203

• geometric mean: 0.108 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 18 of 19 people in the group (vs. 54 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Teen 1

	ng/g lipids in blood serum	16.5

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.

PBDE-100

• geometric mean: 2.46 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 3.03 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 1,918 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 13

0.00528	ng/g lipids in blood serum	32.6

PBDE-119 & PBDE-120 [2]

• geometric mean: 0.0221 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 4 of 19 people in the group (vs. 25 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 6

0.0121	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.27

PBDE-85

• geometric mean: 0.214 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.839 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 512 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 13

0.000971	ng/g lipids in blood serum	2.27

PBDE-99

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

• geometric mean: 2.25 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 4.32 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 17 of 19 people in the group (vs. 1,395 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 13

0.0786	ng/g lipids in blood serum	31.2

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.

PBDE-47

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

• geometric mean: 12.4 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 15 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 1,975 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 13

0.33	ng/g lipids in blood serum	143

PBDE-49

• geometric mean: 0.102 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0647 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 64 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 4

0.0158	ng/g lipids in blood serum	1.26

PBDE-51

• geometric mean: 0.0142 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.00557 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 19 people in the group (vs. 28 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 13

0.00522	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.191

PBDE-66

• geometric mean: 0.113 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.337 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 449 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 13

0.0224	ng/g lipids in blood serum	1.33

PBDE-75

• geometric mean: 0.0217 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.00491 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 4 of 19 people in the group (vs. 27 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 13

0.00386	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.128

PBDE-79

• geometric mean: 0.0341 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0163 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 8 of 19 people in the group (vs. 44 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 10

0.00643	ng/g lipids 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.

PBDE-17 & PBDE-25 [2]

• geometric mean: 0.0296 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0224 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 13 of 19 people in the group (vs. 63 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 13

0.0141	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.673

PBDE-28 & PBDE-33 [2]

• geometric mean: 0.936 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.3 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 100 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 13

0.0385	ng/g lipids in blood serum	6.17

PBDE-37

• geometric mean: 0.0212 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.00639 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 3 of 19 people in the group (vs. 16 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 2

0.00866	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.386

phthalates

6 of 7 found

In cosmetics, paint, and plastics. Linked to sperm damage and birth defects of male reproductive system.

• geometric mean: 451 ug/g creatinine in urine (vs. 315 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 7,928 of 8,020 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 21

102	ug/g creatinine in urine	10800

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.

• geometric mean: 129 ug/g creatinine in urine (vs. 18.4 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 5,379 of 5,479 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 21

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.

• geometric mean: 65.3 ug/g creatinine in urine (vs. 12.7 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 5,364 of 5,479 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 21

5.98	ug/g creatinine in urine	2850

Mono-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate

Breakdown product of bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), used in plastics. Linked to male reproductive issues in people and animals.

• geometric mean: 11.1 ug/g creatinine in urine (vs. 2.96 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 11 of 19 people in the group (vs. 7,143 of 8,020 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 21

1.45	ug/g creatinine in urine	829

Mono-butyl phthalate

Formed from dibutyl phthalates, used in nail polish, cosmetics, and other consumer products; linked to birth defects and male reproductive issues.

• geometric mean: 59.2 ug/g creatinine in urine (vs. 20.3 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 7,916 of 8,020 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 10

7.53	ug/g creatinine in urine	250

Monobenzyl phthalate

Breakdown product of benzylbutyl phthalate, used in vinyl flooring, car-care products, some cosmetics. Fetal and adult exposures are linked to male reproductive problems.

• geometric mean: 25.8 ug/g creatinine in urine (vs. 13.6 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 7,917 of 8,020 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 20

2.73	ug/g creatinine in urine	436

Monoethyl phthalate

Breakdown product of diethyl phthalate, used in consumer products, fragrances. Fetal and adult exposures are linked to male reproductive problems.

• geometric mean: 47.2 ug/g creatinine in urine (vs. 166 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 7,922 of 8,015 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 10

9.38	ug/g creatinine in urine	849

triclosan

1 of 1 found

Triclosan

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.

• geometric mean: results not quantified
• found in 17 of 19 people in the group (vs. 17 of 21 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 21

found in 17 of 19 members of the group, but not quantified

alkylphenols

2 of 2 found

Surfactants in cosmetics, paints, detergents. Toxic to wildlife. May harm hormone system.

• geometric mean: 1.08 ng/g in blood serum
• found in 2 of 19 people in the group
• found in: Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 18

1.4	ng/g in blood serum	3.3

4-tert-Octylphenol

Widely used surfactants in commercial products; highly toxic to aquatic organisms, and endocrine disruptors in human and animals.

• geometric mean: 1.02 ng/g in blood serum
• found in 1 of 19 people in the group
• found in: Anonymous Adult 16

1.4	ng/g in blood serum	1.4

Nonylphenol

Surfactants in cosmetics, household cleaners, and other products. Toxic to wildlife. Reproductive toxins.

• geometric mean: 1.06 ng/g in blood serum
• found in 1 of 19 people in the group
• found in: Anonymous Adult 18

3.3	ng/g in blood serum	3.3

perfluorochemicals (pfcs)

12 of 13 found

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

• geometric mean: 28 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 22.7 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 3,684 of 3,959 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 14

2.63	ng/mL in blood serum	77.7

PFBA (Perfluorobutyric acid)

Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. A 4-carbon version of PFOA; persistent.

• geometric mean: 0.669 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 0.452 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 11 of 19 people in the group (vs. 11 of 55 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 5

0.735	ng/mL in blood serum	1.51

PFDA (Perfluorodecanoic acid)

Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. A 10-carbon version of PFOA; persistent; bioaccumulative.

• geometric mean: 0.363 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 0.245 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 5 of 19 people in the group (vs. 579 of 2,368 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 7

0.218	ng/mL in blood serum	1.47

PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic acid)

Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. A 7-carbon version of PFOA; persistent.

• geometric mean: results not quantified
• found in 17 of 19 people in the group (vs. 20 of 55 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 21

found in 17 of 19 members of the group, but not quantified

PFHxA (Perfluorohexanoic acid)

Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging and household products. Highly persistent in people and the environment.

• geometric mean: results not quantified
• found in 3 of 19 people in the group (vs. 3 of 55 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 20

found in 3 of 19 members of the group, but not quantified

PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid)

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

• geometric mean: 1.41 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 0.63 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 2,058 of 2,368 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 7

0.283	ng/mL in blood serum	5.85

PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid)

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.

• geometric mean: 4.24 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 2.19 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 2,085 of 2,368 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 18

0.366	ng/mL in blood serum	10.1

PFOSA (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid)

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.

• geometric mean: results not quantified
• found in 8 of 19 people in the group (vs. 12 of 55 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 21

found in 8 of 19 members of the group, but not quantified

PFPeA (Perfluoro-n-pentanoic acid)

Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. A 5-carbon version of PFOA; persistent.

• geometric mean: results not quantified
• found in 1 of 19 people in the group (vs. 1 of 55 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Teen 1

found in 1 of 19 members of the group, but not quantified

PFUnA (Perfluoroundecanoic acid)

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

• geometric mean: results not quantified
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 37 of 55 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 21

found in 19 of 19 members of the group, but not quantified

PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonate)

An active ingredient in 3M's new Scotchgard (old formulation was phased out in 2000 over health concerns). Persistent. Structurally similar to PFOS.

• geometric mean: results not quantified
• found in 2 of 19 people in the group (vs. 2 of 55 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 20

found in 2 of 19 members of the group, but not quantified

PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonate)

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

• geometric mean: ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 1.67 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 18 of 19 people in the group (vs. 1,527 of 1,591 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 15

	ng/mL 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.

• geometric mean: 18.4 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 26.2 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 1,580 of 1,591 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 14

1.07	ng/mL in blood serum	64.1

perchlorate

1 of 1 found

Perchlorate

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.

• geometric mean: 0.907 ug/L in urine (vs. 3.77 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 16 of 19 people in the group (vs. 2,818 of 2,818 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 12

0.2	ug/L in urine	5.6

nitro- and polycylic- musks

7 of 9 found

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

• geometric mean: 0.427 ng/g in blood serum (vs. 0.295 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 17 of 19 people in the group (vs. 35 of 42 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 20

0.0547	ng/g in blood serum	4.23

Musk moskene

Synthetic fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics. Can cause skin reactions including hyperpigmentation and contact dermatitis. Bioaccumulative.

• geometric mean: 0.0518 ng/g in blood serum (vs. 0.0384 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 6 of 19 people in the group (vs. 6 of 42 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 4

0.06	ng/g in blood serum	0.45

Musk tibetene

Synthetic fragrance in cosmetics, perfumes, soap, other consumer products. Causes cancer in lab animals. Bioaccumulative.

• geometric mean: 0.088 ng/g in blood serum (vs. 0.0776 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 4 of 19 people in the group (vs. 4 of 42 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 4

0.14	ng/g in blood serum	0.37

Musk xylene

Synthetic fragrance in detergents, fabric softeners, soaps. Can irritate the skin and bioaccumulate in people. Suspected hormone disruptor. Causes cancer in lab animals.

• geometric mean: 0.0377 ng/g in blood serum (vs. 0.0333 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 3 of 19 people in the group (vs. 3 of 42 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 12

0.06	ng/g in blood serum	0.19

Celestolide

Synthetic fragrance in cosmetics, detergents, air fresheners, perfumes. Animal study indicates interference with a cell's ability to prevent entry of toxic substances. Bioaccumulative.

• geometric mean: 0.0415 ng/g in blood serum (vs. 0.0407 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 19 people in the group (vs. 1 of 42 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 10

0.08	ng/g in blood serum	0.08

Galaxolide

Synthetic fragrance in cosmetics, cleaning agents, detergents, air fresheners, perfumes. Suspected hormone disruptor. Prevents cells from blocking entry of toxins in animal study. Bioaccumulative.

• geometric mean: 0.213 ng/g in blood serum (vs. 0.139 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 12 of 19 people in the group (vs. 26 of 42 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 20

0.0547	ng/g in blood serum	3.6

Tonalide

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

• geometric mean: 0.106 ng/g in blood serum (vs. 0.109 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 9 of 19 people in the group (vs. 15 of 42 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 9

0.11	ng/g in blood serum	1.6

Traseolide

Synthetic fragrance in soaps, perfumes, cosmetics. Animal study indicates interference with a cell's ability to rid itself of toxic substances. Bioaccumulative.

• geometric mean: 0.296 ng/g in blood serum (vs. 0.29 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 19 people in the group (vs. 1 of 42 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 12

0.57	ng/g in blood serum	0.57

metals

3 of 3 found

Lead

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.

• geometric mean: 1.58 ug/dL in whole blood (vs. 1.33 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 7,896 of 8,373 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 18

0.222	ug/dL in whole blood	4.7

Mercury, total

Mercury is used in dental fillings and to preserve vaccines; it is also a common pollutant in seafood. Mercury harms brain development and function.

• geometric mean: 2.92 ug/L in whole blood (vs. 0.56 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 7,584 of 8,373 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 12

7.0E-5	ug/L in whole blood	12

Methylmercury

Forms from mercury, a pollutant from coal-fired power plants and other sources. Methylmercury accumulates in seafood and harms brain development and function.

• geometric mean: 2.66 ug/L in whole blood (vs. 0.56 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 19 of 19 people in the group (vs. 7,584 of 8,373 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Teen 1, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 5, Anonymous Adult 6, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 13, Anonymous Adult 3, Anonymous Adult 14, Anonymous Adult 4, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 10, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 20, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 7

0.0735	ug/L in whole blood	25.9

bisphenol a & badge

1 of 2 found

BADGE-4OH

Metabolite of BADGE, used to make metal food can linings. Linked to hormone activity, skin and immune system toxicity and cancer.

• geometric mean: 4.56 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 9.33 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 11 of 19 people in the group (vs. 30 of 41 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Anonymous Adult 11, Anonymous Adult 18, Anonymous Adult 17, Anonymous Adult 9, Anonymous Adult 2, Anonymous Adult 7, Anonymous Adult 12, Anonymous Adult 16, Anonymous Adult 15, Anonymous Adult 21, Anonymous Adult 5

3.02	ng/mL in blood serum	174

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.