Details
What are Environmental Toxicants?
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.
Why Test?
Identifying and removing environmental toxicant exposure is fundamental to achieving comprehensive and lasting health outcomes for patients. The TOXDetect Profile is specifically designed to assess for exposure to various toxicants that can cause or contribute to chronic diseases. It equips healthcare practitioners with the ability to identify the underlying causes of toxicity and develop informed and personalized treatment plan for detoxification and healing.
Learn More About the TOXDetect Profile: Explore FAQs
Analytes
Review and download an overview of the analytes we measure with our Toxicant Testing Comparison Chart.
The TOXDetect Profile measures 19 metabolites across the below parent compounds:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Triphenyl phosphate is commonly used as a flame retardant in consumer products such as furniture, electronics, and textiles. It is also present in personal care products, such as nail polish and cosmetics, and contact with these products can lead to dermal absorption. Triphenyl phosphate can also be ingested from food and beverages due to migration from packaging materials or contamination during food processing. Exposure to triphenyl phosphate can alter endocrine function and impact reproduction. Altered thyroid function and decreased semen quality has been observed in humans. Detection of Diphenyl Phosphate (DPP) in urine is an indicator of exposure.
- Acrylamide is formed when starchy foods, such as potatoes, grains, and coffee beans, are cooked at high temperatures. Other potential sources of acrylamide exposure include cigarette smoke, as acrylamide is formed during the combustion of tobacco, and certain cosmetic products that may contain acrylamide as a contaminant. Acrylamide has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly in organs such as the kidneys, ovaries, and uterus. Other potential health effects include neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and increased cardiovascular risk. Detection of N-Acetyl (Carbomethyl) Cysteine (NAE) in urine is an indicator of exposure.
- Perchlorate is a chemical used in fireworks, road flares, explosives, and rocket fuel. Perchlorates are considered environmental contaminants due to their widespread use and persistence in the environment. Perchlorate can also enter the food supply through contaminated water used for irrigation or through food processing. Milk is also a source of perchlorate, the content in milk is related to the presence of perchlorate in feed. Perchlorate inhibits the thyroid’s uptake of iodine. This interference can disrupt thyroid function and lead to health problems such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or other thyroid disorders. Pregnant women, infants, and children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of perchlorate exposure on thyroid function. Detection of Perchlorate (PERC) in urine is an indicator of exposure.
- Bisphenols are synthetic compounds used in the production of plastics and resins, commonly found in various consumer products, including food and drink containers, water bottles, thermal receipt papers, dental sealants, toys, cosmetics, and the lining of canned goods. Along with being a known endocrine disruptor, BPA has raised concerns due to potential health impacts related to reproductive and developmental effects, increased risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. In response to these concerns many companies now produce “BPA-Free” products; however, some BPA alternatives like BPS have also raised concerns about potential similar effects. Detection of Bispehnol S (BPS) in urine is an indicator of exposure.
Sample Reports
The TOXDetect profile is design to help identify exposure to environmental toxicants and guide a targeted prevention and treatment plan. Our enhanced test report provides results in an easily comprehensible format, empowering practitioners with the essential insights and actionable clinical utility for informed decision making.
Key Enhancements on the Report Include:
- Summary of Elevated Results: Highlights elevated environmental toxicants at the beginning of the report for quick reference.
- Improved Readability: Results are categorized by environmental toxicant class for convenient referencing, enhanced by visually intuitive graphic results.
- Comprehensive Test Results: Presents results for all toxicants measured categorized into chemical classes including phthalates, VOCs, pesticides, and other important toxicants, for thorough analysis.
- Detailed Interpretations: Revised interpretations from literature review provide a succinct overview of the toxicant, potential exposure routes, health effects, and insights into its metabolic processes, facilitating comprehensive treatment planning.
Curious to delve deeper in the TOXDetect profile test report? Watch our quick 3-minute explainer video and download the sample report below:
Test Prep and Instructions
MosaicDX offers patient-friendly sample collection kits that make testing simple. Each kit includes:
- Visual, step-by-step instructions for test preparation and sample collection.
- Personalized shipping cards.
- Pediatric collection bags if needed.
With just one easy urine sample collection, patients can confidently and accurately collect their samples.
Patient Resources
Explore our assets designed to help practitioners educate and support patients about environmental toxicants and the MosaicDX TOXDetect Profile. These resources enhance patient understanding, decision-making, and overall health journey:
- Patient Brochure: A comprehensive guide that explains the importance of environmental toxicant testing and how the TOXDetect Profile can benefit patients.
- Sample Collection Factsheet: A summarized version of the detailed collection instructions, highlighting the most important aspects to ensure accurate sample collection and reliable test results.
