about this participant:
Suzie Canales, a community activist from Corpus Christi, TX, participated in the -0001 biomonitoring investigation entitled "Adult Minority Leader Report." She gave blood and urine for the study on July 9, 2008 at age 48.
Suzie Canales returned home to Corpus Christi to spend time with her sister, Diana Bazan, as she was dying of cancer at the age of 42.
Ms. Canales, an Hispanic American, began to wonder if her sister's fatal illness, the hysterectomies undergone by her other two sisters and other unusual diseases in her family and among her acquaintances might be related to the dumps and refineries near the low-income neighborhood where she grew up.
In the year 2000, Ms. Canales and her sister, Ciny Pena, founded Citizens for Environmental Justice to tackle environmental justice issues in Corpus Christi. One of their first achievements: a study that found the city's birth defect rate to be 84 percent higher than in other parts of Texas.
Canales and her organization have engaged in a long-running battle to prevent the Citgo Petroleum Corp. from expanding its operations in Corpus Christi. The case is still in litigation.
Ms. Canales is the recipient of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Award for Outstanding Achievements in Environmental Justice.
Location:
Corpus Christi, TX
Participant's groups:
Study:
Sample Date:
July 9, 2008
health & safety concerns: |
chemicals found in this person |
| Brain and nervous system | 23 |
| Reproduction and fertility | 22 |
| Birth defects and developmental delays | 3 |
| Cancer | 2 |
| Endocrine system | 2 |
| Immune system (including sensitization and allergies) | 2 |
| Hematologic (blood) system | 2 |
| Kidney and renal system | 1 |
Participant: Suzie Canales
Found 26-29 of 75 tested chemicals
Suzie Canales's blood and urine contained 26-29 of 75 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.
- This participant's samples show the highest levels of PBDE-183, PBDE-190, PBDE-206, PBDE-207, PBDE-208, PBDE-203, Tonalide, Bisphenol A compared to all others in EWG studies
- This participant's samples show above average levels of PBDE-138, Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), PBDE-140 and Nitro- and polycylic- musks compared to all others in EWG studies
Summary of chemicals found in Suzie Canales
| chemical family | level found | health effects | exposure routes |
| Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) | low | Reproduction and fertility, Brain and nervous system | Foam furniture, carpet padding, computers, televisions, contaminated house dust, food |
| Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) | low | Cancer, Birth defects and developmental delays, Endocrine system | Stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets, pans |
| Nitro- and polycylic- musks | high | Endocrine system | Cosmetics, perfumes, cleaning agents, detergents, soaps |
| Perchlorate | low | Hematologic (blood) system, Birth defects and developmental delays | Contaminated food and drinking water |
| Lead | low | Lead-based paint in older homes, household dust, vinyl products, tap water | |
| Mercury | low | Brain and nervous system | Seafood, flu shots/vaccines, dental fillings |
| Bisphenol A | high | Polycarbonate plastics, food can linings, dental sealants |
Detailed report by chemical (return to summary)
polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes)
18-21 of 46 found
Fire retardants in furniture foam, computers, and televisions. Accumulate in human tissues. May harm brain development.
- cumulative level found: 85.3 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (88th %ile)
- Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (20th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
| 1.11 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 314 |
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Total Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
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.
- level found: 0.321 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (83rd %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 3.23 | |
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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.
- level found: 4.31 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 4.31 | |
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- level found: 0.773 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [K]
- High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.782 | |
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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.
- level found: 0.368 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.59 | |
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- level found: 0.112 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (87th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.54 | |
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- level found: 6.02 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (63rd %ile)
| 0.238 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 76.9 |
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- level found: 0.214 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (64th %ile)
- Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (20th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 2.73 | |
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- level found: 0.0438 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (52nd %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.488 | |
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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.
- level found: 19.9 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 19.9 | |
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- level found: 19 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 19 | |
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- level found: 12.8 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 14.7 | |
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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.
- level found: 16.5 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 16.5 | |
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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.
- level found: 0.696 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- Low vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (20th %ile)
- Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (17th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 32.6 | |
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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.
In PBDE chemical family - fire retardant in furniture foam, computers, televisions; may harm brain development and hormone systems.
- level found: 3.77 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- Low vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (23rd %ile)
- Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (18th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 143 | |
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- level found: 0.0158 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [KD]
- Low vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (18th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 1.26 | |
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- level found: 0.0121 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [KD]
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (45th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.823 | |
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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.
- level found: 0.0646 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [K]
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (80th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.673 | |
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- level found: 0.388 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (34th %ile)
- Moderate vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (58th %ile)
| 0.0385 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 6.17 |
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perfluorochemicals (pfcs)
3 of 13 found
Includes Teflon, Scotchgard, Stainmaster. Linked to cancer and birth defects.
- cumulative level found: 5.07 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- Low vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (8th %ile)
- Low vs 3,959 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (8th %ile) (comparison based on congeners tested by CDC)
| 2.63 | ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 77.7 |
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Total Perfluorochemicals (PFCs)
Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. A 9-carbon version of PFOA; persistent; bioaccumulative.
- level found: 0.283 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- Low vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (4th %ile)
- Low vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (17th %ile)
| ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 5.85 | |
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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.
- level found: 0.981 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- Low vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (6th %ile)
- Low vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (15th %ile)
| 0.366 | ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 10.1 |
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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.
- level found: 3.81 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- Low vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (11th %ile)
- Low vs 1,591 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (2nd %ile)
| 1.07 | ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 64.1 |
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nitro- and polycylic- musks
1 of 10 found
Fragrance ingredients. Build up in human tissues. May harm hormone system.
- cumulative level found: 1.6 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (86th %ile)
| ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum | 4.23 | |
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Total Nitro- and polycylic- musks
Synthetic fragrance in cosmetics, detergents, cigarettes. Suspected hormone disruptor. Prevents cells from blocking entry of toxins in animal study. Bioaccumulative.
- level found: 1.6 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
| ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum | 1.6 | |
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perchlorate
1 of 1 found
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.
- level found: 0.77 ug/L in urine
- Moderate vs 24 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (42nd %ile)
- Low vs 2,818 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (5th %ile)
| ug/L in urine | 5.6 | |
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metals
2 of 3 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: 0.376 ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood
- Low vs 71 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (13th %ile)
- Low vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (7th %ile)
| 0.222 | ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood | 4.7 |
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Mercury is used in dental fillings and to preserve vaccines; it is also a common pollutant in seafood. Mercury harms brain development and function.
- level found: 0.16 ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood
- Low vs 40 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (20th %ile)
- Low vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (22nd %ile)
| 7.0E-5 | ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood | 12 |
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bisphenol a & badge
1 of 1 found
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.
- level found: 6.06 ug/g creatinine in urine
- High vs 17 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
- High vs 2,612 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (85th %ile)
| ug/g creatinine in urine | 6.06 | |
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Chemicals not found in Suzie Canales
46 chemicals
Tetrabromobisphenol A, Methylmercury, Musk tibetene, Traseolide, Phantolide, Musk xylene, Musk moskene, Musk ketone, Galaxolide, Celestolide, Cashmeran, PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonate), PFPeA (Perfluoro-n-pentanoic acid), PFUnA (Perfluoroundecanoic acid), PFOSA (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic acid), PFHxA (Perfluorohexanoic acid), PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonate), PFDA (Perfluorodecanoic acid), PFDoA (Perfluorododecanoic acid), PFBA (Perfluorobutyric acid), PBDE-11, PBDE-13, PBDE-66, PBDE-181, PBDE-128, PBDE-116, PBDE-126, PBDE-105, PBDE-85, PBDE-99, PBDE-77, PBDE-75, PBDE-71, PBDE-51, PBDE-209, PBDE-119, PBDE-37, PBDE-35, PBDE-32, PBDE-30, PBDE-10, PBDE-7, PBDE-120, PBDE-8, PBDE-12
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.
[D] The concentration detected in the lab blank is 15% or greater of the detected value.
[K] Peak detected but did not meet quantification criteria; concentration is unconfirmed
See results for this participant's group
