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Toxin Overload

Environmental chemicals, occupational exposures, air pollution, plastics, pesticides, solvents, metals, medications, cosmetics and food-related exposures, read alongside population biomonitoring data.

Toxin Overload on TOBINintel.org →T Toxins O Oxidative Stress B Hormonal Balance I Inflammation & Infection N Nutrition

Full description

Toxin Overload covers the total load of outside chemicals and physical agents a person carries, and how well their body clears them. It looks at what a person is exposed to (the exposome), how much reaches the body (biomonitoring), and how well it is cleared (liver phase I/II metabolism, kidney and bile excretion).

The CDC's Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals is the reference for what is found in the U.S. population. It is listed in full below. Detection shows exposure, not harm: risk depends on dose, timing (pregnancy and childhood matter most), duration, mixtures and individual susceptibility.

Components

6 components

Persistent chemicals

Chemicals that stay in the body for years — PFAS, PCBs, dioxins, organochlorine pesticides, PBDE flame retardants, lead stored in bone and cadmium in the kidney.

How it works: Stored in fat, bone or bound to blood proteins; released slowly and during weight loss, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How it is assessed

· Exposure history (water source, occupation, fish intake)
· Serum PFAS where exposure is likely (NASEM 2022)
· Blood lead; urine cadmium

Short-lived (non-persistent) chemicals

Phthalates, bisphenols, parabens, organophosphate and pyrethroid metabolites, and VOCs, which clear within hours to days but are taken in almost constantly.

How it works: Mostly hormone disruption: estrogen and androgen receptor activity, thyroid signaling and effects on fat-cell development. Levels change quickly once sources are removed.

How it is assessed

· Product and diet history
· Spot urine metabolites (research or specialty labs) — reflects recent days only

Metals

Lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium and others from water, food, paint, tobacco and work.

How it works: Bind sulfhydryl groups, displace essential minerals (zinc, calcium, iron), generate oxidative stress and deplete glutathione.

How it is assessed

· Blood lead and mercury
· Speciated urine arsenic
· Urine cadmium (creatinine-adjusted)

Air pollution and smoke

Fine particles (PM2.5), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, wood smoke, tobacco smoke and PAHs.

How it works: Lung inflammation spreads into the body; damage to blood-vessel lining; DNA adducts from PAHs.

How it is assessed

· Home and work location, AQI
· Serum cotinine for secondhand smoke

Medications and drug–nutrient depletion

Medicines are also outside chemicals. Some deplete nutrients: metformin lowers B12, PPIs lower magnesium and B12, statins lower CoQ10, oral contraceptives lower folate and B6.

How it works: Altered absorption, increased excretion or blocked synthesis pathways.

How it is assessed

· Full medication and supplement list
· Targeted nutrient labs (B12, magnesium)

Detoxification capacity

How well a person clears chemicals depends on genes, liver and kidney function, nutrients and the gut microbiome.

How it works: Phase I (cytochrome P450) and phase II (glucuronidation, sulfation, glutathione, methylation) pathways need protein, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc and selenium.

How it is assessed

· Liver enzymes (ALT, GGT) and kidney function (eGFR)
· Nutrient status

Clinical bottom line: The most supported actions are removing sources: test water, ventilate, choose fragrance-free products, avoid heating food in plastic and avoid smoke. Chelation is for confirmed metal poisoning under specialist care only. Commercial 'detox' products have no proven benefit.

CDC Fourth National Report — every chemical measured

245 chemicals · 18 classes

The Fourth Report measured 212 chemicals in the blood or urine of a representative sample of the U.S. population (NHANES), including 75 measured for the first time. Its Updated Tables have since added more chemicals and survey cycles. Key findings: polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE flame retardants), bisphenol A, perchlorate, perfluorinated chemicals (PFAS) and acrylamide were found in most of the population.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Environmental Health · 2009; Updated Tables through 2021+ · cdc.gov/exposurereport

iCDC states that finding a chemical in a person's blood or urine does not mean it causes disease. Effects listed here come from toxicology and epidemiology; many were seen at occupational or high doses. Each effect carries an evidence grade A–E.

Metals and metalloids · 23 chemicals · Blood and urine

Where exposure comes from: Old paint and pipes (lead), fish (methylmercury), rice and well water (arsenic), tobacco smoke and shellfish (cadmium), industry, dental amalgam, cookware, mining.

Chemicals measured

Antimony
Arsenic (total)
Arsenic acid
Arsenobetaine
Arsenocholine
Arsenous acid
Dimethylarsinic acid
Monomethylarsonic acid
Trimethylarsine oxide
Barium
Beryllium
Cadmium
Cesium
Cobalt
Lead
Manganese
Mercury (total, inorganic, methyl)
Molybdenum
Platinum
Thallium
Tin
Tungsten
Uranium

Effects on human health

Brain & development	Lead lowers IQ and attention in children with no known safe level; methylmercury impairs fetal brain development; manganese excess causes parkinsonism-like signs.	A
Heart & blood vessels	Lead and cadmium associate with raised blood pressure and cardiovascular death; arsenic with vascular disease.	B
Kidney	Cadmium, lead, mercury and uranium damage kidney tubules; cadmium accumulates over decades.	A
Cancer	Arsenic (inorganic), cadmium and beryllium are IARC Group 1 human carcinogens (skin, lung, bladder); inorganic lead is Group 2A.	A
Blood	Lead blocks heme synthesis, causing anemia.	A
Bone	Cadmium causes bone loss (itai-itai disease at high exposure); lead is stored in bone and released in pregnancy and menopause.	A
Lungs	Beryllium causes chronic beryllium disease; cobalt and antimony dusts irritate airways (occupational).	A
Hormones & fertility	Lead and cadmium associate with reduced sperm quality, delayed puberty and pregnancy loss; cadmium acts as a metalloestrogen.	C
Diabetes & metabolism	Chronic inorganic arsenic in drinking water associates with type 2 diabetes.	B
Nerves	Thallium and arsenic cause peripheral neuropathy and hair loss at toxic doses.	A

· CDC blood lead reference value for children: 3.5 µg/dL (2021). There is no safe level of lead.
· Arsenobetaine and arsenocholine (from seafood) are considered essentially non-toxic — speciation matters before interpreting total arsenic.
· Cobalt, molybdenum and manganese are essential nutrients at low levels; toxicity occurs with excess.

Ways to reduce exposure

· Test older homes for lead paint and pipes
· Choose low-mercury fish (salmon, sardines) in pregnancy
· Test private well water for arsenic
· Avoid tobacco smoke
· Vary rice and cook it in excess water

Perchlorate and other anions · 3 chemicals · Urine

Where exposure comes from: Rocket fuel and fireworks contamination of water, fertilizer, some food packaging, bleach breakdown.

Chemicals measured

Perchlorate
Nitrate
Thiocyanate

Effects on human health

Thyroid	Perchlorate, nitrate and thiocyanate block iodide uptake into the thyroid (sodium-iodide symporter). In NHANES, urinary perchlorate associated with higher TSH and lower T4 in women with low iodine.	B
Pregnancy & child brain	Reduced maternal thyroid hormone in early pregnancy may affect fetal brain development; human evidence for perchlorate specifically is mixed.	C
Blood	High nitrate in infant formula water causes methemoglobinemia ('blue baby syndrome').	A

· Perchlorate was found in the urine of essentially every person tested.
· Adequate iodine intake reduces the thyroid effect.

Ways to reduce exposure

· Ensure adequate iodine (iodized salt, prenatal vitamins with iodine)
· Test private wells for nitrate before using for infant formula

Phytoestrogens · 6 chemicals · Urine

Where exposure comes from: Soy foods (genistein, daidzein), flaxseed and whole grains (lignans), gut bacteria convert daidzein to equol.

Chemicals measured

Daidzein
Equol
Genistein
O-Desmethylangolensin (O-DMA)
Enterodiol
Enterolactone

Effects on human health

Hormones	Weak estrogen-receptor activity; dietary intake has not been shown to harm adults. Relevant to an estrogen-free lifestyle as an estrogenic input to monitor, not a toxin.	C
Heart & bone	Soy and lignan intake associate with modest LDL reduction and possible bone benefits.	B
Cancer	Cohort studies associate soy intake with lower, not higher, breast cancer recurrence; supplements at high doses are less studied.	C
Infants	Soy infant formula produces high circulating isoflavones; long-term effects are being studied and appear small.	D

· These are naturally occurring dietary compounds, measured as a reference for estrogenic exposure.

Ways to reduce exposure

· Whole-food sources are preferred over high-dose isoflavone supplements

CDC Biomonitoring Summary: Phytoestrogens

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) · 17 chemicals · Urine (hydroxylated metabolites)

Where exposure comes from: Tobacco smoke, grilled and charred meat, vehicle exhaust, wood smoke, coal tar sealants, asphalt.

Chemicals measured

1-Hydroxynaphthalene
2-Hydroxynaphthalene
2-Hydroxyfluorene
3-Hydroxyfluorene
9-Hydroxyfluorene
1-Hydroxyphenanthrene
2-Hydroxyphenanthrene
3-Hydroxyphenanthrene
4-Hydroxyphenanthrene
1-Hydroxypyrene
1-Hydroxybenz[a]anthracene
3-Hydroxybenz[a]anthracene
1-Hydroxybenzo[c]phenanthrene
2-Hydroxybenzo[c]phenanthrene
3-Hydroxybenzo[c]phenanthrene
6-Hydroxychrysene
3-Hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene

Effects on human health

Cancer	Benzo[a]pyrene is an IARC Group 1 carcinogen (lung, skin, bladder); PAH mixtures from soot, coal tar and tobacco smoke cause cancer.	A
Pregnancy & development	Prenatal PAH exposure associates with lower birth weight and later attention and behavior problems (Columbia cohort).	C
Lungs	Associated with asthma onset and worsening in children.	C
Heart & blood vessels	Urinary PAH metabolites associate with cardiovascular disease in NHANES.	C
Oxidative stress	Metabolism to reactive epoxides creates DNA adducts and oxidative damage — a direct T → O link.	B
Blood	Naphthalene causes hemolytic anemia, especially with G6PD deficiency (mothballs).	A

· 1-Hydroxypyrene is the most widely used biomarker of total PAH exposure.

Ways to reduce exposure

· Avoid tobacco and wood smoke indoors
· Limit charred and smoked meats
· Avoid naphthalene mothballs
· Use HEPA filtration near traffic

Dioxins, furans and dioxin-like PCBs · 27 chemicals · Blood serum (lipid-adjusted)

Where exposure comes from: Animal fat in diet (meat, dairy, fish), historical waste incineration, paper bleaching, herbicide contamination (Agent Orange).

Chemicals measured

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)
1,2,3,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
1,2,3,4,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
1,2,3,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
1,2,3,7,8,9-Hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-Heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
Octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzofuran
1,2,3,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran
2,3,4,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran
1,2,3,4,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran
1,2,3,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran
1,2,3,7,8,9-Hexachlorodibenzofuran
2,3,4,6,7,8-Hexachlorodibenzofuran
1,2,3,4,6,7,8-Heptachlorodibenzofuran
1,2,3,4,7,8,9-Heptachlorodibenzofuran
Octachlorodibenzofuran
PCB 81
PCB 126
PCB 169 (coplanar)
PCB 105
PCB 114
PCB 118
PCB 156
PCB 157
PCB 167
PCB 189 (mono-ortho)

Effects on human health

Cancer	TCDD and PCB 126 are IARC Group 1 carcinogens; all PCBs are Group 1.	A
Skin	Chloracne at high exposure (e.g. Seveso, Yushchenko poisoning).	A
Hormones	Bind the aryl hydrocarbon receptor; disrupt thyroid, estrogen and androgen signaling. Seveso cohort: altered sex ratio and sperm quality after childhood exposure.	B
Diabetes & metabolism	Serum levels associate with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome in NHANES and Vietnam veteran cohorts.	C
Immune	Suppress immune responses and reduce vaccine antibody responses in children.	B
Development	Prenatal exposure associates with dental defects and neurodevelopmental effects.	C

· Toxicity is summarized as a TEQ (toxic equivalency to TCDD).
· Half-life in humans is 7–10 years; levels have fallen sharply since the 1980s.

Ways to reduce exposure

· Trim animal fat; vary protein sources
· Avoid backyard burning of trash

Non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) · 29 chemicals · Blood serum (lipid-adjusted)

Where exposure comes from: Banned in 1979 but persistent: fatty fish from contaminated waters, old electrical equipment, caulk and fluorescent ballasts in older buildings.

Chemicals measured

PCB 28
PCB 44
PCB 49
PCB 52
PCB 66
PCB 74
PCB 87
PCB 99
PCB 101
PCB 110
PCB 128
PCB 138 & 158
PCB 146
PCB 149
PCB 151
PCB 153
PCB 170
PCB 172
PCB 177
PCB 178
PCB 180
PCB 183
PCB 187
PCB 194
PCB 195
PCB 196 & 203
PCB 199
PCB 206
PCB 209

Effects on human health

Brain & development	Prenatal exposure associates with lower IQ and memory scores (Michigan and Faroe cohorts).	B
Cancer	IARC Group 1 (melanoma; limited evidence for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and breast cancer).	A
Thyroid	Lower thyroid hormone levels in exposed populations.	C
Liver	Liver enzyme induction and fatty liver in animals and highly exposed workers.	B
Immune	Reduced vaccine antibody responses in exposed children (Faroe Islands).	B
Diabetes	Associated with type 2 diabetes in cohort studies.	C

· PCB 153 is the most abundant congener and is often used as a marker of total PCB exposure.

Ways to reduce exposure

· Follow local fish advisories
· Have older building caulk tested before renovation

ATSDR Toxicological Profile: Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Brominated flame retardants (PBDEs and PBBs) · 12 chemicals · Blood serum (lipid-adjusted)

Where exposure comes from: Older foam furniture, carpet padding, electronics; household dust is the main route; PBB from a 1973 Michigan feed contamination.

Chemicals measured

BDE-17
BDE-28
BDE-47
BDE-66
BDE-85
BDE-99
BDE-100
BDE-153
BDE-154
BDE-183
BDE-209
2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromobiphenyl (PBB 153)

Effects on human health

Brain & development	Prenatal PBDE exposure associates with lower IQ and more hyperactivity (CHAMACOS, HOME cohorts); EPA-reviewed evidence supports a causal link.	B
Thyroid	Structurally similar to thyroid hormone; associated with altered TSH and T4, especially in pregnancy.	C
Fertility	Associated with longer time to pregnancy and altered semen quality.	C
Cancer	PBB is IARC Group 2A; PBDE cancer evidence in humans is limited.	D

· U.S. levels were among the highest in the world; most PBDEs were phased out by 2004–2013, but they persist in dust and old furniture.

Ways to reduce exposure

· Wet-mop and HEPA-vacuum to reduce dust
· Wash hands before eating, especially children
· Replace damaged older foam furniture

ATSDR Toxicological Profile: Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)

Perfluorinated chemicals (PFAS) · 12 chemicals · Blood serum

Where exposure comes from: Contaminated drinking water near factories and airports (firefighting foam), stain- and water-resistant fabrics, grease-proof food packaging, non-stick coatings.

Chemicals measured

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDeA)
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUA)
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)
Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBuS)
Perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA)
2-(N-Methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetic acid (Me-PFOSA-AcOH)
2-(N-Ethyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetic acid (Et-PFOSA-AcOH)

Effects on human health

Cholesterol & liver	Higher PFOA/PFOS associates with higher total and LDL cholesterol and raised ALT (C8 Health Project, NHANES).	B
Immune	Reduced antibody response to vaccines in children — the effect EPA and EFSA used to set limits.	B
Cancer	PFOA is IARC Group 1 (2023; kidney and testicular cancer); PFOS is Group 2B.	B
Pregnancy	Associated with lower birth weight and pregnancy-induced hypertension/preeclampsia.	B
Thyroid	Associated with thyroid disease, particularly in women.	C
Hormones & fertility	Associated with later puberty, shorter breastfeeding and reduced semen quality.	C
Bowel	PFOA associated with ulcerative colitis in the C8 cohort.	C

· Half-lives in humans are 3–8 years.
· EPA set enforceable drinking-water limits of 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS (2024).
· NASEM (2022) recommends PFAS blood testing for people with likely elevated exposure, with clinical follow-up above 2 ng/mL (sum of 7 PFAS) and more above 20 ng/mL.

Ways to reduce exposure

· Check your water utility's PFAS results; use a certified reverse-osmosis or activated-carbon filter
· Avoid grease-proof takeout packaging and stain-repellent treatments

Phthalate metabolites · 15 chemicals · Urine

Where exposure comes from: Soft vinyl (PVC) plastics, food processing equipment and packaging, fragrances and personal-care products, medical tubing, some medication coatings.

Chemicals measured

Mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP)
Mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP)
Mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP)
Mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP)
Mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP)
Mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP)
Mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP)
Mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP)
Mono-(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate (MCPP)
Mono-cyclohexyl phthalate (MCHP)
Mono-n-octyl phthalate (MnOP)
Mono-isononyl phthalate (MiNP)
Mono-methyl phthalate (MMP)
Mono-carboxyoctyl phthalate (MCOP)
Mono-carboxynonyl phthalate (MCNP)

Effects on human health

Male reproductive development	Prenatal DEHP/DBP exposure associates with shorter anogenital distance in boys — the 'phthalate syndrome' reproduced in animals.	B
Hormones	Anti-androgenic; lower testosterone in men and boys in several studies.	B
Pregnancy	Associated with preterm birth (pooled analysis of 16 U.S. studies).	B
Brain & development	Prenatal exposure associates with attention and behavior problems.	C
Metabolism	Associated with insulin resistance and waist circumference in NHANES.	C
Lungs	Associated with childhood asthma and allergy (BBP, DEHP).	C

· Half-lives are hours, so a single urine sample reflects recent exposure only.
· MEP mostly comes from fragrance (diethyl phthalate).

Ways to reduce exposure

· Choose fragrance-free personal-care products
· Avoid heating food in plastic; prefer glass or stainless steel
· Eat fewer ultra-processed and fast foods

Environmental phenols and parabens · 11 chemicals · Urine

Where exposure comes from: Polycarbonate plastics and can linings (BPA), thermal receipts, antibacterial products (triclosan), sunscreens (benzophenone-3), cosmetics and preservatives (parabens).

Chemicals measured

Bisphenol A (BPA)
Bisphenol F
Bisphenol S
4-tert-Octylphenol
Triclosan
Triclocarban
Benzophenone-3
Methyl paraben
Ethyl paraben
Propyl paraben
Butyl paraben

Effects on human health

Hormones	BPA and parabens are weak estrogen-receptor agonists; BPA also affects thyroid and androgen signaling. Central to the estrogen-free lifestyle.	B
Metabolism	BPA associates with obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in NHANES (cross-sectional).	C
Brain & development	Prenatal BPA associates with anxiety and hyperactivity, especially in girls.	C
Fertility	Associated with poorer IVF outcomes and semen quality.	C
Immune	Triclosan associates with allergy and hay fever in children; it was removed from U.S. antiseptic soaps in 2016.	C
Regulatory	EFSA (2023) lowered the tolerable daily intake of BPA 20,000-fold, citing immune effects.	B

· BPA was detected in more than 90% of people tested.
· BPA substitutes (BPS, BPF) show similar hormonal activity in laboratory studies.

Ways to reduce exposure

· Decline paper receipts or wash hands after handling
· Choose fresh or frozen over canned foods
· Avoid microwaving in polycarbonate
· Choose paraben-free products

Organochlorine pesticides · 13 chemicals · Blood serum (lipid-adjusted)

Where exposure comes from: Mostly banned since the 1970s–80s but persistent in soil, animal fat and fish; still used for malaria control abroad (DDT).

Chemicals measured

p,p'-DDT
o,p'-DDT
p,p'-DDE
Hexachlorobenzene
beta-Hexachlorocyclohexane
gamma-Hexachlorocyclohexane (lindane)
Oxychlordane
trans-Nonachlor
Heptachlor epoxide
Mirex
Aldrin
Dieldrin
Endrin

Effects on human health

Diabetes & metabolism	Serum DDE, trans-nonachlor and oxychlordane associate with type 2 diabetes (meta-analyses).	C
Hormones	DDT is estrogenic; DDE is anti-androgenic.	B
Cancer	DDT is IARC Group 2A; lindane is Group 1 (non-Hodgkin lymphoma); in-utero DDT associated with later breast cancer (Child Health and Development Studies).	B
Brain	Dieldrin and beta-HCH associated with Parkinson's disease; lindane causes seizures at toxic doses.	C
Pregnancy	DDE associated with preterm birth and shorter lactation.	C

· p,p'-DDE remains detectable in most adults decades after the U.S. DDT ban (1972).

Ways to reduce exposure

· Trim fat from meat and fish; follow fish advisories

Organophosphate insecticides (metabolites) · 12 chemicals · Urine

Where exposure comes from: Residues on conventionally grown produce, agricultural drift near farms, past household pest control.

Chemicals measured

Dimethylphosphate (DMP)
Dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP)
Dimethyldithiophosphate (DMDTP)
Diethylphosphate (DEP)
Diethylthiophosphate (DETP)
Diethyldithiophosphate (DEDTP)
3,5,6-Trichloro-2-pyridinol (chlorpyrifos)
Malathion dicarboxylic acid
para-Nitrophenol (parathion)
2-Isopropyl-4-methyl-6-hydroxypyrimidine (diazinon)
2-Diethylamino-6-methyl pyrimidin-4-ol (pirimiphos-methyl)
3-Chloro-7-hydroxy-4-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one (coumaphos)

Effects on human health

Nerves (acute)	Inhibit acetylcholinesterase: sweating, cramps, breathing difficulty and death at poisoning doses.	A
Brain & development	Prenatal exposure associates with lower IQ and attention problems (CHAMACOS, Columbia, Mount Sinai); EPA banned chlorpyrifos on food crops (2021, later litigated).	B
Cancer	Malathion and diazinon are IARC Group 2A.	C
Brain (adult)	Occupational exposure associates with Parkinson's disease.	C

· Urinary metabolite levels fall within days of switching to an organic diet (intervention studies).

Ways to reduce exposure

· Wash and peel produce; choose organic for high-residue crops
· Use integrated pest management at home

Herbicides · 7 chemicals · Urine

Where exposure comes from: Lawn and agricultural use, drinking water in farming regions.

Chemicals measured

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)
2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid
Atrazine mercapturate
Acetochlor mercapturate
Alachlor mercapturate
Metolachlor mercapturate
Glyphosate (updated tables)

Effects on human health

Cancer	2,4-D is IARC Group 2B; glyphosate is IARC Group 2A (non-Hodgkin lymphoma), while EPA concluded 'not likely carcinogenic' — agencies disagree.	C
Hormones	Atrazine disrupts aromatase and reproductive hormones in animals; human evidence is limited.	D
Pregnancy	Atrazine in drinking water associated with lower birth weight and preterm birth.	D

· 2,4,5-T was a component of Agent Orange and was contaminated with TCDD.

Ways to reduce exposure

· Remove shoes indoors after lawn treatment
· Test well water in agricultural regions

Pyrethroid insecticides (metabolites) · 5 chemicals · Urine

Where exposure comes from: Household and pet insecticides, mosquito control, treated clothing, food residues. Use has grown as organophosphates were restricted.

Chemicals measured

3-Phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA)
4-Fluoro-3-phenoxybenzoic acid
cis-3-(2,2-Dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid
trans-3-(2,2-Dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid
cis-3-(2,2-Dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid

Effects on human health

Nerves	Prolong sodium channel opening: tingling, dizziness and tremor after high exposure.	A
Heart	Urinary 3-PBA associated with higher cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in NHANES (2020 cohort).	C
Brain & development	Associated with behavior problems in children.	D

· Cats are very sensitive to permethrin — never use dog products on cats.

Ways to reduce exposure

· Use bait stations rather than sprays
· Ventilate after any indoor application

Carbamate insecticides, fungicides, chlorophenols and repellents · 9 chemicals · Urine

Where exposure comes from: Agricultural fungicides and wood preservatives, mothballs and toilet deodorizers (paradichlorobenzene), insect repellent (DEET).

Chemicals measured

Carbofuran phenol
2-Isopropoxyphenol (propoxur)
ortho-Phenylphenol
2,4-Dichlorophenol
2,5-Dichlorophenol
2,4,5-Trichlorophenol
2,4,6-Trichlorophenol
Pentachlorophenol
N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) and metabolites

Effects on human health

Nerves	Carbamates reversibly inhibit acetylcholinesterase; poisoning resembles organophosphates.	A
Cancer	Pentachlorophenol is IARC Group 1; 2,4,6-trichlorophenol is Group 2B; paradichlorobenzene (2,5-dichlorophenol source) is Group 2B.	B
Metabolism	2,5-Dichlorophenol associated with childhood obesity and earlier puberty in girls.	D
Safety	DEET has a long safety record when used as directed; rare seizures after misuse.	B

· 2,5-Dichlorophenol was detected in most people, mostly from mothballs and toilet deodorizer blocks.

Ways to reduce exposure

· Replace mothballs with cedar and sealed storage
· Avoid paradichlorobenzene air fresheners

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and disinfection by-products · 35 chemicals · Blood; urinary VOC metabolites in Updated Tables

Where exposure comes from: Gasoline and vehicle exhaust, tobacco smoke, paints, solvents, dry cleaning, air fresheners, chlorinated tap water (trihalomethanes).

Chemicals measured

Benzene
Toluene
Ethylbenzene
m- and p-Xylene
o-Xylene
Styrene
Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)
Chloroform
Bromodichloromethane
Dibromochloromethane
Bromoform
Tetrachloroethene (PERC)
Trichloroethene (TCE)
1,4-Dichlorobenzene
1,2-Dichlorobenzene
1,3-Dichlorobenzene
Carbon tetrachloride
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
1,2-Dichloroethane
1,2-Dichloropropane
Dibromomethane
Hexachloroethane
cis-1,2-Dichloroethene
trans-1,2-Dichloroethene
1,1-Dichloroethene
Chlorobenzene
Nitrobenzene
Dichloromethane
Furan
2,5-Dimethylfuran
Acrylonitrile (urinary CYMA)
1,3-Butadiene (urinary metabolites)
Acrolein (urinary metabolites)
Crotonaldehyde (urinary HPMMA)

Effects on human health

Blood & cancer	Benzene is IARC Group 1 (acute myeloid leukemia); 1,3-butadiene Group 1; TCE Group 1 (kidney cancer); PERC and dichloromethane Group 2A.	A
Brain	Solvent mixtures cause headache and dizziness; chronic occupational exposure causes cognitive impairment. TCE associated with Parkinson's disease (Camp Lejeune).	B
Liver & kidney	Carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and TCE are liver and kidney toxicants.	A
Pregnancy	Toluene abuse causes fetal solvent syndrome; trihalomethanes associated with small-for-gestational-age births.	B
Lungs	Indoor VOCs associated with asthma symptoms; acrolein is a strong airway irritant.	C

· 2,5-Dimethylfuran is a blood marker of active smoking.
· Trihalomethanes come mainly from chlorinated water through drinking, showering and swimming.

Ways to reduce exposure

· Ventilate during painting and cleaning
· Don't idle cars in attached garages
· Air out dry-cleaned clothes
· A carbon filter reduces trihalomethanes in tap water

Tobacco smoke and tobacco-specific nitrosamines · 6 chemicals · Serum and urine

Where exposure comes from: Active smoking, vaping, secondhand and thirdhand smoke.

Chemicals measured

Cotinine
Hydroxycotinine
NNAL (4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol)
NNN (N'-nitrosonornicotine)
Anabasine
Anatabine

Effects on human health

Cancer	Tobacco smoke and NNK/NNN are IARC Group 1 — lung, head and neck, bladder, pancreas and more.	A
Heart & blood vessels	Secondhand smoke raises coronary heart disease risk by 25–30% (Surgeon General).	A
Children	Secondhand smoke causes asthma attacks, ear infections and sudden infant death.	A
Pregnancy	Causes low birth weight, preterm birth and stillbirth.	A

· Serum cotinine separates nonsmokers (under 1 ng/mL in most) from smokers (above 10 ng/mL). It is the marker the app uses to show secondhand exposure.

Ways to reduce exposure

· Smoke-free home and car rules
· Free help to quit: 1-800-QUIT-NOW

U.S. Surgeon General. The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke. 2006.

Acrylamide and other hemoglobin adducts · 3 chemicals · Blood (hemoglobin adducts)

Where exposure comes from: Starchy foods cooked at high temperature (fries, chips, toast, coffee), tobacco smoke.

Chemicals measured

Acrylamide hemoglobin adduct
Glycidamide hemoglobin adduct
Ethylene oxide hemoglobin adduct

Effects on human health

Cancer	Acrylamide is IARC Group 2A; ethylene oxide is Group 1. Dietary-level cancer risk in humans is not established.	C
Nerves	Occupational exposure causes peripheral neuropathy.	A
Pregnancy	Higher adducts in cord blood associated with lower birth weight (NewGeneris).	C

· Found in nearly everyone tested; smokers have about 2–3 times higher levels.

Ways to reduce exposure

· Cook starchy foods to golden rather than dark brown
· Avoid tobacco smoke

ATSDR Toxicological Profile: Acrylamide

What it covers

· Occupational & residential exposures
· Plastics, packaging & receipts
· Pesticides & solvents
· Air and water quality
· Cosmetics & personal care

Symptoms and exposures scored

6 questions

· How often are you around solvents, fumes, dusts, metals or industrial chemicals at work?
· When exposed at work, how often is ventilation or protective equipment inadequate?
· How often do you eat or drink from plastic containers, or heat food in plastic?
· How often do you use fragranced personal-care or cleaning products?
· How often are pesticides or herbicides used in your home, garden or neighborhood?
· Has your home had water damage, dampness or visible mold?

Lab ranges

Graded 0–100 against published cutoffs

Test	Grading points (value → concern 0–100)	Source
ALTU/L · higher is worse	33→0 40→30 80→60 200→100hepatic load	ACG: upper limit of normal ≈ 29–33 U/L (men), 19–25 (women)
GGTU/L · higher is worse	50→0 100→50 200→100hepatic and oxidative load	Typical laboratory upper limit ≈ 50 U/L
Blood leadµg/dL · higher is worse	1→0 3.5→60 10→100lead body burden	CDC blood lead reference value 3.5 µg/dL (2021)
Blood mercuryµg/L · higher is worse	5→0 10→60 20→100mercury body burden	EPA reference dose ≈ 5.8 µg/L blood equivalent

Formulas

Symptom score = average answer (0–4) × 25
Lab score = 0.6 × worst marker + 0.4 × average marker
T score = 60% symptoms + 40% labs (whichever exists if only one)
Bands: 0–33 lower · 34–66 moderate · 67–100 higher

Symptom score = average of your answers in that domain (0–4 scale, shown as 0–100). Lab score = 0.6 × the most out-of-range marker + 0.4 × the average of that domain's markers, where each marker is graded 0–100 against published clinical cutoffs. When both exist, the domain score = 60% symptoms + 40% labs. If you logged your journal in the last 14 days, 20% of the score comes from it: daily symptoms (I, O), sleep under 7 hours (O, B), low energy (N, O) and low mood (B).

Conditions where this domain weighs heavily

iClinical organizational scores based on the TOBIN framework. They group signals for review and are not validated diagnostic instruments or a medical diagnosis.

iDetection of an exposure does not establish that it caused a disease. This platform separates exposure, association, plausible mechanism, clinical evidence and demonstrated causation.

All domains · Score Calculator