Steve Lopez, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times, participated in biomonitoring tests with ten other people and writes about the troubling results in his June 8 column, "We've Got Really Bad Chemistry". As California considers a bill for a state-wide biomonitoring research program, this test case bolsters the claims that biomonitoring can become a useful tool for protecting human health. Biomonitoring tests analyze blood and urine samples to determine levels of an individual's toxic exposure. Biomonitoring studies consistently find carcinogens, neurotoxins, reproductive toxins, developmental toxins, and endocrine disruptors in people, although in most cases below traditional levels of toxicological concern. Lopez, a Points West resident in California, was troubled to learn that he had the second-highest level of mercury among the 11 people tested. However, he was even more surprised to learn that compared to his group, he had 40-times the median level of phthalates in his body. Phthalates are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been linked to reproductive damage. They are present in flexible polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC), cosmetics, and other consumer items. This small experiment demonstrates that biomonitoring tests can provide new and important information on toxic exposure and the health impact on individuals. Lawmakers could use such information to focus chemical testing efforts and improve regulatory protections. Current U.S. chemical regulations do not require companies to test the safety of tens of thousands of synthetic chemicals on the market. The public and decision-makers lack basic health and environmental information on the majority of chemicals in everyday items such as fabrics, toys, paints, and other consumer products. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lacks basic safety data on more than 85 percent of chemicals in commerce. California currently has a bill before the state legislature that would establish a state-wide biomonitoring program. According to Nancy Evans, a Health Science Consultant for the Breast Cancer Fund, "The Healthy Californians Biomonitoring Program is close to passing in Sacramento. This legislation will establish first state-wide, community based biomonitoring program for the county. Each of us is a walking toxic waste site and it time to take action. We have a right to know what is in our bodies so we know how to reduce risk and demand corporate accountability for cleaning up the community. Public opinion polls in California said eight out of 10 support the bill. Biomonitoring can provide communities with the evidence they need to argue for better regulations."