about this participant:
Dr. Beverly Wright, a community activist & sociology professor from New Orleans, LA, participated in the -0001 biomonitoring investigation entitled "Adult Minority Leader Report." She gave blood and urine for the study on August 19, 2008 at age 61.
Beverly Wright, Ph.D. is a sociology professor and a founding director of the New Orleans-based Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ), formed in 1992.
A New Orleans native whose neighborhood was devastated by Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Wright is the author of In the Wake of the Storm (2006) and Toxic Wastes and Race at Twenty (2007).
In her forthcoming book, Race, Place, and Environmental Justice After Hurricane Katrina, with Robert D. Bullard, director of the Environmental Justice Resource Center at Clark Atlanta University and author of Dumping in Dixie (2000), Dr. Wright recounts how a visit to "Cancer Alley," as many residents call the Lower Mississippi River Industrial Corridor, an 85-mile stretch of oil refineries and petrochemical plants between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, moved her to join the environmental justice movement founded by Bullard. Whites had fled the area, she wrote, but poor African Americans remained, signifying what she calls "a pattern of discrimination and exclusion based on a culture of segregation and racism that allowed these polluting facilities and local government to respond to the needs of white citizens while ignoring the needs of black citizens. The results were that the health and well-being of black citizens had been compromised."
Location:
New Orleans, LA
Participant's groups:
Study:
Sample Date:
August 19, 2008
health & safety concerns: |
chemicals found in this person |
| Brain and nervous system | 27 |
| Reproduction and fertility | 26 |
| Birth defects and developmental delays | 3 |
| Endocrine system | 3 |
| Hematologic (blood) system | 2 |
| Cancer | 2 |
| Immune system (including sensitization and allergies) | 2 |
| Chronic effects, general | 2 |
Participant: Dr. Beverly Wright
Found 36-39 of 75 tested chemicals
Dr. Beverly Wright's blood and urine contained 36-39 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-30, PFDA (Perfluorodecanoic acid), PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid), PFOSA (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) compared to all others in EWG studies
- This participant's samples show above average levels of Tonalide, PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonate), PFUnA (Perfluoroundecanoic acid) and PBDE-206 compared to all others in EWG studies
Summary of chemicals found in Dr. Beverly Wright
| chemical family | level found | health effects | exposure routes |
| Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) | moderate | Reproduction and fertility, Brain and nervous system | Foam furniture, carpet padding, computers, televisions, contaminated house dust, food |
| Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) | high | Birth defects and developmental delays, Cancer, Endocrine system | Stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets, pans |
| Perchlorate | low | Hematologic (blood) system, Birth defects and developmental delays | Contaminated food and drinking water |
| Nitro- and polycylic- musks | high | Endocrine system | Cosmetics, perfumes, cleaning agents, detergents, soaps |
| Lead | moderate | Lead-based paint in older homes, household dust, vinyl products, tap water | |
| Methylmercury | high | Dietary sources, particularly seafood | |
| Mercury | high | Brain and nervous system | Seafood, flu shots/vaccines, dental fillings |
| Bisphenol A | moderate | Polycarbonate plastics, food can linings, dental sealants |
Detailed report by chemical (return to summary)
polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes)
22-25 of 46 found
Fire retardants in furniture foam, computers, and televisions. Accumulate in human tissues. May harm brain development.
- cumulative level found: 16.6 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (38th %ile)
- Moderate vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (26th %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: 0.735 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (97th %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: 0.103 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (49th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 4.31 | |
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- level found: 0.00588 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [K]
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (60th %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: 0.0262 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [KD]
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (57th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.59 | |
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- level found: 0.0394 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [KD]
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (61st %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.54 | |
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- level found: 1.98 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Low vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (24th %ile)
| 0.238 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 76.9 |
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- level found: 0.0871 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (40th %ile)
- Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (15th %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 [K]
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (53rd %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: 0.441 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (91st %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 19.9 | |
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- level found: 0.321 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (88th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 14.7 | |
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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: 1.53 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (48th %ile)
- Moderate vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (29th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 32.6 | |
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- level found: 0.11 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (55th %ile)
- Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (17th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 2.27 | |
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In PBDE chemical family - fire retardant in furniture foam, computers, televisions; may harm brain development and hormone systems.
- level found: 0.729 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (32nd %ile)
- Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (24th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 31.2 | |
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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: 9.19 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (48th %ile)
- Moderate vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (32nd %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 143 | |
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- level found: 0.0871 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (56th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 1.26 | |
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- level found: 0.0812 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [KD]
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (69th %ile)
- Low vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (16th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 1.33 | |
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- level found: 0.02 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [KD]
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (88th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.273 | |
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- level found: 0.02 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [KD]
- Moderate vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (50th %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: 0.0641 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [KD]
- High vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (79th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.673 | |
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- level found: 0.935 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- Moderate vs 116 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (65th %ile)
- High vs 2,337 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)
| 0.0385 | ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 6.17 |
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- level found: 0.0579 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 | 0.102 | |
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- level found: 0.0365 ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum [D]
- High vs 76 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
| ng/g (lipid weight) in blood serum | 0.386 | |
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perfluorochemicals (pfcs)
7 of 13 found
Includes Teflon, Scotchgard, Stainmaster. Linked to cancer and birth defects.
- cumulative level found: 54.4 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
- High vs 3,959 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (87th %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 10-carbon version of PFOA; persistent; bioaccumulative.
- level found: 1.35 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
- High vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)
| ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 1.47 | |
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Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. A 9-carbon version of PFOA; persistent; bioaccumulative.
- level found: 5.85 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
- High vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %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: 3.91 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (53rd %ile)
- Moderate vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (59th %ile)
| 0.366 | ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 10.1 |
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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.
- level found: 0.27 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (99th %ile)
- Low vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (12th %ile)
| ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 1.08 | |
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PFUnA (Perfluoroundecanoic acid)
Breakdown product of stain- and grease-proof coatings on food packaging, couches, carpets. An 11-carbon version of PFOA; persistent; bioaccumulative.
- level found: 1.12 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (95th %ile)
- High vs 2,368 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (99th %ile)
| ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 1.76 | |
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PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonate)
In fire fighting foams and carpet treatments. Phased out of consumer products by 3M in 2000 over health concerns.
- level found: 2.06 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- Moderate vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (55th %ile)
- Moderate vs 1,591 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (56th %ile)
| ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 13.1 | |
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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: 39.8 ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 55 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (97th %ile)
- High vs 1,591 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (76th %ile)
| 1.07 | ng/mL (wet weight) in blood serum | 64.1 |
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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: 1.03 ug/L in urine
- Moderate vs 24 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (55th %ile)
- Low vs 2,818 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (8th %ile)
| ug/L in urine | 5.6 | |
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nitro- and polycylic- musks
2 of 10 found
Fragrance ingredients. Build up in human tissues. May harm hormone system.
- cumulative level found: 1.79 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (89th %ile)
| ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum | 4.23 | |
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Total Nitro- and polycylic- musks
Synthetic fragrance in cosmetics, cleaning agents, detergents, air fresheners, perfumes. Suspected hormone disruptor. Prevents cells from blocking entry of toxins in animal study. Bioaccumulative.
- level found: 0.49 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (81st %ile)
| ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum | 3.6 | |
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Synthetic fragrance in cosmetics, detergents, cigarettes. Suspected hormone disruptor. Prevents cells from blocking entry of toxins in animal study. Bioaccumulative.
- level found: 1.3 ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum
- High vs 42 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (98th %ile)
| ng/g (wet weight) in blood serum | 1.6 | |
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metals
3 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: 1.6 ug/dL (wet weight) in whole blood
- Moderate vs 71 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (44th %ile)
- Moderate vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (58th %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: 2.1 ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood
- Moderate vs 40 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (50th %ile)
- High vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (87th %ile)
| 7.0E-5 | ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood | 12 |
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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: 1.58 ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood
- Moderate vs 88 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (43rd %ile)
- High vs 8,373 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (80th %ile)
| ug/L (wet weight) in whole blood | 25.9 | |
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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: 2.61 ug/g creatinine in urine
- Moderate vs 17 tested in EWG/Commonweal studies (65th %ile)
- Moderate vs 2,612 tested in CDC biomonitoring [1] (53rd %ile)
| ug/g creatinine in urine | 6.06 | |
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Chemicals not found in Dr. Beverly Wright
36 chemicals
Tetrabromobisphenol A, Traseolide, Phantolide, Musk xylene, Musk tibetene, Musk moskene, Musk ketone, Celestolide, Cashmeran, PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonate), PFBA (Perfluorobutyric acid), PFDoA (Perfluorododecanoic acid), PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic acid), PFHxA (Perfluorohexanoic acid), PFPeA (Perfluoro-n-pentanoic acid), PBDE-120, PBDE-13, PBDE-11, PBDE-75, PBDE-181, PBDE-207, PBDE-203, PBDE-128, PBDE-126, PBDE-116, PBDE-105, PBDE-77, PBDE-209, PBDE-51, PBDE-35, PBDE-32, PBDE-119, PBDE-7, PBDE-10, 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
