Environmental toxicants are substances present in the environment that threaten the health of all living organisms. Whether natural or human-made, these substances infiltrate through industrial activities, pollution, agriculture, and waste disposal.

Exposure to environmental toxicants, whether absorbed, inhaled, or ingested, has been associated with various health issues. Despite the staggering 2000% increase in plastic production from 15 million to 311 million tons between 1964 and 2014, and the annual disease cost burden of $340 billion from endocrine disrupting chemicals, the majority of chemicals remain unassessed for human impact. With over 80,000 chemicals registered in the U.S. under the Toxic Substances Control Act and thousands more introduced annually, it’s essential to identify exposures and mitigate their health impacts through testing.

Continuous and increasing exposure to environmental toxicants is posing serious health threats including:
ADHD 

Alzheimer’s Disease 

Asthma 

Autism Spectrum 

Behavioral Abnormalities 

Birth Defects 

Cardiovascular Disease 

Cognitive Dysfunction 

COPD 

Diabetes 

Endocrine Disruption 

Endometriosis 

Fatigue 

Headache 

Immune Dysfunction 

Fertility 

Memory Disturbance 

Mood Changes 

Nausea and Vomiting 

Neurological Symptoms 

Obesity 

Parkinson's Disease 

Respiratory Problems 

Various Cancers

Overview

Analytes Tested:

Parent: Phthalates
Enhanced insight into phthalate exposure is provided by measuring five phthalate metabolites. Phthalates are a family of widely used chemicals found in most products that have contact with plastics during production, packaging, or delivery. These plasticizers which make plastic more flexible, and durable are associated with a number of health problems including reproductive, neurological, respiratory, and increased risk of certain types of cancer. Most significantly they are known as endocrine disruptors. Phthalates are referred to as “the everywhere chemical” due to the fact they are used in hundreds of products, including toys, food packaging, shampoo, vinyl flooring, and more. Detection of Monoethylphthalate (MEP),Monobutyl phthalate (MBP), Mono-2ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), Mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) and Monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP) in urine is an indicator of exposure.

Parent: Xylene
Xylene is widely used in industry and medical laboratories. Xylene is released primarily from industrial sources. One can also come in contact with xylene through automobile exhaust and a variety of consumer products such as cigarette smoke, paints, varnish, rust preventives, and shellac. Literature suggests that xylene exposure causes toxic effects on various systems of the body. Longer term effects can damage the liver and kidneys. Detection of 2-3-4 Methylhippuric Acid (2,-3-,4-MHA) in urine is an indicator of exposure.

Parent: Styrene/Ethylbenzene
Styrene is widely used to make plastics and rubber, which are used to manufacture a variety of products, such as insulation, pipes, automobile parts, printing cartridges, food containers, and carpet backing. Exposure may occur through ingestion via transfer to foods, especially fatty foods heated in styrene containers, through breathing indoor air that has styrene vapors from building materials, photocopiers, tobacco smoke, and other products. Styrene and styrene oxide have been implicated as reproductive toxicants, neurotoxicants, and linked to an increased risk of leukemia and lymphoma. Detection of Phenylglyoxylic Acid (PGO) in urine is an indicator of exposure.

Parent: Benzene
Benzene has been used extensively in the past as an industrial solvent; however, due to its toxicity and potential health hazards, its use has been reduced. Exposure can occur occupationally, in the general environment and in the home as a result of the ubiquitous use of benzene-containing petroleum products, including motor fuels and solvents. Benzene exposure has been linked to respiratory, hepatic, cardiovascular, immune, nervous, and endocrine system dysfunction. Detection of N-Acetyl Phenyl Cysteine (NAP) in urine is an indicator of exposure.

Parent: Acrylonitrile
Acrylonitrile exposure occurs through the use of products containing acrylonitrile, such as acrylic fiber clothing or carpeting, acrylonitrile-based plastics, leaching into foods from plastic food containers, and cigarette smoke. Humans exposed to high levels via inhalation experienced respiratory tract irritation, labored breathing, dizziness, cyanosis, limb weakness and convulsions. It is considered a probable human carcinogen, with evidence suggesting an association with lung cancer. Detection of N-Acetyl (2-Cyanoethyl) Cysteine (NACE) in urine is an indicator of exposure.

Parent: 1-bromopropane
1-bromopropane is an organic solvent used for metal cleaning, foam gluing, and dry cleaning. Studies have shown that 1-BP is a neurotoxin as well as a reproductive toxin. Research indicates that exposure to 1-BP can cause sensory and motor deficits. Chronic exposure can lead to decreased cognitive function and impairment of the central nervous system. Acute exposure can lead to headaches. Detection of N-Acetyl (Propyl) Cysteine
(NAPR) in urine is an indicator of exposure.

Parent: 1,3 butadiene
1,3 butadiene is a petrochemical used to produce synthetic rubber used for car and truck tires and is also an environmental toxicant found in car exhaust, combustion of fuels for warmth or energy production and cigarette smoke. It is associated with adverse health impacts, including cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that 1,3 butadiene is a human carcinogen. Detection of N-Acetyl (3,4-Dihydroxybutyl) Cysteine (NADB) in urine is an indicator of exposure.

Parent: Ethylene Oxide, Vinyl Chloride
Ethylene oxide is a man made substance widely used in the production of various chemicals such as plastics, textiles and antifreeze (ethylene glycol). Additionally, ethylene oxide is commonly used as a sterilizing agent for medical equipment. Inhalation is the most common route of exposure in occupational settings and via tobacco smoke. There is some evidence that exposure to ethylene oxide can cause a pregnant woman to lose a pregnancy. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that ethylene oxide is a known human carcinogen, exposure is linked to increased risk of leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Vinyl chloride is colorless gas used primarily to manufacture polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and widely used in numerous products such as pipes, wire and cable insulation, packaging materials, various construction materials and disposable medical products. Inhalation is the most common route of exposure primarily in occupational settings, also via smoke from cigars or cigarettes. Acute high-level exposure can produce headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. Long term exposure can result in hepatocellular changes and increased incidence of liver cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that vinyl chloride is carcinogenic to humans. Detection of 2-Hydroxyethyl Mercapturic Acid (HEMA) in urine is an indicator of exposure.
Parent: 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid
2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (2,4-D) is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. It is commonly used in agriculture and landscaping. Chronic exposure to lower levels of 2,4-D has been associated with potential health effects, including endocrine disruption, reproductive effects, developmental effects, and increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Detection of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (2,4-D) in urine is an indicator of exposure.

Parent: Pyrethroids
Pyrethroids are widely used in agriculture, household insect control, and veterinary medicine. Pyrethroids work by targeting the nervous system of insects, causing hyperexcitation and paralysis. The most common potential impacts to health include neurobehavioral, neurodevelopmental, and endocrine disruption. Exposure has also been associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. Detection of 3-Phenoxybenzoic Acid (3-PBA) in urine is an indicator of exposure.

Parent: Organophosphates
Organophosphate pesticides are widely used in agriculture to control pests, as well as in residential settings to manage insects and rodents. The organophosphate pesticides work by inhibiting the activity of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme essential for proper nerve function. Exposure to organophosphates has been associated with neurological deficits, neurodegenerative diseases, peripheral nerve effects, and neurodevelopmental issues. Additionally, long-term exposure has been linked to oxidative stress, psychological effects, and liver function
abnormalities. Detection of Diethylphosphate (DEP) in urine is an indicator of exposure.

Parent: Triphenyl Phosphate
Triphenyl phosphate is commonly used as a flame retardant in consumer products such as

Practical

Sample required:

Urine FMV

Turnaround Time:

(Normally Maximum of 21 days