ACE Biomonitoring
Biomonitoring refers to the measurement of chemicals in human bodies, such as in blood or urine. Measurements of pollutant levels in children's bodies provide information about their exposures to environmental contaminants. Measurements in women who may become pregnant or are currently pregnant or breastfeeding provide information about exposures that may affect their children.
The ACE biomonitoring section presents information on selected chemicals measured in the bodies of women of child-bearing age and children and addresses the following topics:
Lead
A naturally occurring metal used in the productions of fuels, paints, and a variety of other consumer products. The indicators are based on lead in children and stratified by race/ethnicity and income.
Mercury
A naturally occurring element used in producing batteries, disinfectants, thermometers, dental amalgam fillings, and a variety of other consumer products. Mercury deposits from these sources can bioaccumulate up the aquatic food chain and be found at high concentrations in some fish. The indicator is based on mercury in women.
Cotinine
A marker of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (or secondhand smoke). The indicators are based on cotinine in non-smoking children and cotinine in non-smoking women.
Perfluorochemicals (PFCs)
A group of industrial chemicals used as surface coating for packaging products, cookware, carpets, and a variety of other consumer products. The indicator is based on PFCs in women.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
A group of industrial chemicals used historically as insulating fluids in capacitors, transformers, and other electrical equipment and as plasticizers in paints and a variety of other consumer products. The indicator is based on PCBs in women stratified by race/ethnicity and family income.
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)
A group of industrial chemicals used as flame retardants in furniture, televisions, computers, and a variety of other consumer products. The indicator is based on PBDEs in women, stratified by race/ethnicity and family income.
Phthalates
A group of industrial chemicals used to increase the flexibility of plastics in a wide array of consumer products. The indicators are based on phthalate metabolites in women and phthalate metabolites in children.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
An industrial chemical used in the production of plastics and found in a variety of consumer products, most notably food and drink containers. The indicators are based on bisphenol A in women and bisphenol A in children.
Perchlorate
A naturally occurring and man-made chemical used to manufacture fireworks, explosives, flares, and rocket fuel. The indicator is based on perchlorate in women.