GROUP:

Other Body Burden Studies

health & safety concerns:	chemicals found
	on average	indivi- dual range	entire group
Brain and nervous system	20	1-33	33
Reproduction and fertility	19	1-32	32
Birth defects and developmental delays	2	2-2	2
Cancer	2	2-2	2
Endocrine system	1	1-2	2
Immune system (including sensitization and allergies)	1	1-2	2
Hematologic (blood) system	1	1-1	1
Biochemical effects	1	1-1	1

Group members:

(3 People)

Adult #108
Adult B
Baby B

Locations:

Group: Other Body Burden Studies
Found 40-44 of 74 tested chemicals (3 participants)

The blood and urine of the "Other Body Burden Studies" group contained 40-44 of 74 industrial compounds, pollutants and other chemicals tested, including chemicals linked to brain and nervous system toxicity, reproductive toxicity and fertility problems, and birth defects and developmental delays.

Summary of chemicals found in Other Body Burden Studies

chemical family	level found in group	health effects	exposure routes
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)	50% moderate 50% low	Reproduction and fertility, Brain and nervous system	Foam furniture, carpet padding, computers, televisions, contaminated house dust, food
Perfluorochemicals (PFCs)	33% moderate 67% low	Birth defects and developmental delays, Cancer, Endocrine system	Stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets, pans
Lead	50% high 50% moderate		Lead-based paint in older homes, household dust, vinyl products, tap water
Mercury	50% high 50% moderate	Brain and nervous system	Seafood, flu shots/vaccines, dental fillings
Methylmercury	50% high 50% moderate		Dietary sources, particularly seafood
Nitro- and polycylic- musks	100% moderate	Endocrine system	Cosmetics, perfumes, cleaning agents, detergents, soaps
Bisphenol A	100% moderate		Polycarbonate plastics, food can linings, dental sealants

Detailed report by chemical (return to summary)

polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes)

27-31 of 46 found

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

• geometric mean: 37.8 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 26.3 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
    [excludes PBDE-154/PBB-153]
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 2,037 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

1.11	ng/g lipids in blood serum	314

Decabrominated 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-209

A fire retardant used in TVs, monitors and electronics. Growing evidence that chemical breaks down in the environment to more persistent and toxic forms.

• geometric mean: 4 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 2 people in the group (vs. 37 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult B

	ng/g lipids in blood serum	270

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: 0.239 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0634 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 64 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

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: 0.519 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0626 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 73 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

0.0122	ng/g lipids in blood serum	4.31

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-128

• geometric mean: 0.0803 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.00821 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 2 people in the group (vs. 2 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult B

0.0157	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.114

PBDE-138

• geometric mean: 0.0728 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0313 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 51 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

0.0262	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.59

PBDE-140

• geometric mean: 0.0173 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0176 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 55 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

0.0025	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.54

PBDE-153

• geometric mean: 5.07 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 4.1 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 116 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

0.238	ng/g lipids in blood serum	76.9

PBDE-154

• geometric mean: 0.13 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.511 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 1,110 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

0.0068	ng/g lipids in blood serum	2.73

PBDE-155

• geometric mean: 0.0796 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0403 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 63 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

0.0184	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.488

PBDE-166

• geometric mean: 0.0728 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0389 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 43 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

0.0262	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.59

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: 0.424 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 24 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

	ng/g lipids in blood serum	19.9

PBDE-207

• geometric mean: 3.56 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 2 people in the group (vs. 32 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult B

	ng/g lipids in blood serum	19

PBDE-208

• geometric mean: 1.96 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 2 people in the group (vs. 29 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult B

	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: 2.46 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 54 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

	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: 2.35 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 3.03 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 1,918 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

0.00528	ng/g lipids in blood serum	32.6

PBDE-119

• geometric mean: 0.04 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 25 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

0.0121	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.27

PBDE-120

• geometric mean: 0.04 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 25 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

0.0121	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.27

PBDE-85

• geometric mean: 0.149 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.839 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 512 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

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: 0.663 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 4.32 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 1,395 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

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: 13.9 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 15 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 1,975 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

0.33	ng/g lipids in blood serum	143

PBDE-49

• geometric mean: 0.163 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0647 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 64 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

0.0158	ng/g lipids in blood serum	1.26

PBDE-51

• geometric mean: 0.0174 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.00557 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 2 people in the group (vs. 28 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult B

0.00522	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.191

PBDE-66

• geometric mean: 0.112 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.337 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 449 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

0.0224	ng/g lipids in blood serum	1.33

PBDE-71

• geometric mean: 0.0232 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.00579 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 2 people in the group (vs. 23 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult B

0.008	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.273

PBDE-75

• geometric mean: 0.0177 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.00491 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 2 people in the group (vs. 27 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult B

0.00386	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.128

PBDE-79

• geometric mean: 0.0727 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0163 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 44 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

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

• geometric mean: 0.0863 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0224 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 63 of 116 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

0.0141	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.673

PBDE-25

• geometric mean: 0.0863 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.0413 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 63 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

0.0141	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.673

PBDE-28

• geometric mean: 1.26 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.3 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 100 of 2,337 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

0.0385	ng/g lipids in blood serum	6.17

PBDE-33

• geometric mean: 1.26 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.462 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 76 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult #108, Adult B

0.0385	ng/g lipids in blood serum	6.17

PBDE-37

• geometric mean: 0.028 ng/g lipids in blood serum (vs. 0.00639 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 2 people in the group (vs. 16 of 76 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult B

0.00866	ng/g lipids in blood serum	0.386

perfluorochemicals (pfcs)

8 of 13 found

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

• geometric mean: 8.21 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 22.7 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 3 of 3 people in the group (vs. 3,684 of 3,959 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Baby B, Adult B, Adult #108

2.63	ng/mL in blood serum	77.7

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: 0.445 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 0.245 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 1 of 3 people in the group (vs. 579 of 2,368 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Adult #108

0.218	ng/mL in blood serum	1.47

PFDoA (Perfluorododecanoic acid)

Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets, including Stainmaster. Highly persistent and bioaccumulative.

• geometric mean: 0.0863 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 0.672 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 1 of 3 people in the group (vs. 1 of 2,368 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Adult #108

0.137	ng/mL in blood serum	0.137

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: 1.03 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 0.63 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 3 of 3 people in the group (vs. 2,058 of 2,368 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Baby B, Adult B, Adult #108

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: 1.44 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 2.19 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 3 of 3 people in the group (vs. 2,085 of 2,368 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Baby B, Adult B, Adult #108

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: 0.123 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 12 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 2 of 3 people in the group (vs. 2,091 of 2,368 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Adult B, Adult #108

	ng/mL in blood serum	1.08

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: 0.214 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 0.212 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 2 of 3 people in the group (vs. 174 of 2,368 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Adult B, Adult #108

	ng/mL in blood serum	1.76

PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonate)

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

• geometric mean: 0.756 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 1.67 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 3 of 3 people in the group (vs. 1,527 of 1,591 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Baby B, Adult B, Adult #108

	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: 4.35 ng/mL in blood serum (vs. 26.2 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 3 of 3 people in the group (vs. 1,580 of 1,591 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Baby B, Adult B, Adult #108

1.07	ng/mL in blood serum	64.1

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: 1.84 ug/dL in whole blood (vs. 1.33 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 7,896 of 8,373 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Adult B, Adult #108

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: 2.37 ug/L in whole blood (vs. 0.56 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 7,584 of 8,373 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Adult B, Adult #108

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: 1.81 ug/L in whole blood (vs. 0.56 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 2 of 2 people in the group (vs. 7,584 of 8,373 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Adult B, Adult #108

0.0735	ug/L in whole blood	25.9

nitro- and polycylic- musks

1 of 10 found

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

• geometric mean: 0.31 ng/g in blood serum (vs. 0.295 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 1 people in the group (vs. 35 of 42 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult #108

0.0547	ng/g in blood serum	4.23

Tonalide

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

• geometric mean: 0.31 ng/g in blood serum (vs. 0.109 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in 1 of 1 people in the group (vs. 15 of 42 in all EWG/Commonweal studies)
• found in: Adult #108

0.11	ng/g in blood serum	1.6

bisphenol a & badge

1 of 1 found

Bisphenol A

Detected in polycarbonate plastic, dental sealants, and resins that line metal cans. Linked to hormone disruption, birth defects, cancer with effects at very low doses.

• geometric mean: 1.47 ug/g creatinine in urine (vs. 2.33 in CDC biomonitoring [1])
• found in 1 of 1 people in the group (vs. 2,350 of 2,612 in CDC biomonitoring)
• found in: Adult #108

1.2	ug/g creatinine in urine	6.06

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.)