Our blood contains plenty of toxic chemicals, according to a study by the activist Environmental Working Group of Washington, DC and Rachel’s Network, an organization of female environmental leaders.

EWG released the study this month analyzing blood from five minority American women from around the country, who happen to be high-profile environmental activists. The two-year study found up to 48 toxic chemicals in the blood of the five, when testing for 75 compounds.

The compounds were chosen because they:

* are common in consumer products

* are not effectively regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act

* may be associated in animal studies with cancer, reproductive problems and behavioral effects.

The study found these contaminants in the blood of all five participants: flame retardants, Teflon chemicals, synthetic fragrances, the plastics ingredient bisphenol A (BPA) and the rocket fuel component perchlorate.

Participants tested postive for 35 to 60 percent of the 75 chemicals on the list. Each also showed a high level of at least one controversial unregulated chemical.

For example, the blood of New Orleans resident Beverly Wright, Ph.D., registered in the 87th percentile for perfluorochemicals (PFC’s) used in Teflon, in stain-resistant coatings such as Goretex and Stainmnaster, and in grease-resistant food packaging. Her blood also registered in the 87th percentile for mercury, especially dangerous to infants and fetuses.

Also found in her blood was:

* BPA, a plastics additive that mimics estrogen;

* perchlorate, a rocket fuel ingredient and common tap water and food contaminant;

* lead;

* polycyclic musks, fragrances associated with hormone disruption in animal studies; and

* PBDE’s, flame retardants found in furniture, computers, and televisions.

Meanwhile, reform of the current protection laws is under debate on Capitol Hill, according to the EWG.

If you are concerned about these chemical contaminants, you may want to consider getting a home water filter that allows you to filter out the bad stuff and avoid the chemical perils of plastic packaging. You can carry your purified water with you in healthy stainless steel bottles.