Commonwealth's study finds their subjects, including actor Peter Coyote, newspaper columnist Steve Lopez, and nine other influential state residents, have dangerously high amounts of toxic chemicals in their systems.
According to Commonwealth and the Breast Cancer Fund, blood, hair and urine tests of the residents measured 10-times the level of mercury detected in the average American. High levels of the pesticide DDT, the flame retardant PBDE, and other chemicals linked to health ailments from cancer to neurological damage were also detected.
The researchers suspect the chemicals originate in consumer products such as plastic water bottles and nonstick cookware.
The state assembly expects to create a statewide biomonitoring program.
