What is Million Marker Research Institute?

Million Marker Research Institute is a team of scientists, educators, and communicators dedicated to conducting non-targeted product testing and analysis of everyday items to uncover hidden chemical contaminants. Our mission is to help people understand what's in their body that shouldn't be and provide clear solutions to minimize exposures.

About Us

How is the Million Marker Research Institute different from Million Marker?

Million Marker & The Million Marker Research Institute are two distinct entities with the goal of minimizing harmful chemicals from entering our bodies and the environment. Both organizations accomplish this task with two unique approaches. 

The Million Marker Research Institute is a nonprofit organization that utilizes non-targeted product testing to identify known and unknown harmful chemicals in everyday products. We are using this information to create a consumer-facing database that incorporates our science-backed scoring system to disseminate products in order of safety so that consumers can make informed decisions about their purchases. 

Million Marker is a for-profit company that provides mail-in urine testing for consumers, using targeted analysis to determine levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in a sample. Million Marker provides personalized reports to help people reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals.

How is the Million Marker Research Institute funded?

Million Marker Research Institute is funded through donations and is working on project sponsorships. All donations are processed through their fiscal sponsor, the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment (94-3179772), which is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations support the independent activities of Million Marker Research Institute and are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

What makes the Million Marker Research Institute unique in the field of product testing?

Million Marker Research Institute stands out in the field of product testing due to our distinctive approach. We specialize in conducting non-targeted product testing, which enables us to perform a comprehensive analysis of potential contaminants in everyday items. 

Our primary focus is on uncovering hidden chemical contaminants that may be present in products consumers use regularly. Through our work, we aim to identify clean suppliers and collaborate with brands to create safer formulations.

This approach not only enables companies to offer a wider selection of clean products but also empowers consumers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their purchases. By providing this valuable information, we help bridge the gap between manufacturers and consumers, promoting transparency and safety across the product lifecycle.

Are you a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization?

No, Million Marker Research Institute is not yet a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. However, they operate under the fiscal sponsorship of the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment, which is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

How can I access your annual reports or financial statements?

As Million Marker Research Institute is a newly formed organization, we do not yet have our own annual reports or financial statements available. However, we are committed to transparency and accountability, and we plan to provide these documents in the future as our organization grows.

In the meantime, since we operate under the fiscal sponsorship of the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment, you can access their financial information. The Rose Foundation, as a 501(c)(3) organization, provides comprehensive financial transparency. 

On their website, you can find:

  • Financial Audits: Annual audited financial statements, with the most recent being the 2023 Financial Audit.
  • IRS 990 Forms: Tax filings that offer a standardized view of financial activities and regulatory compliance.
  • IRS Determination Letter: Confirming their tax-exempt status.

These documents demonstrate the Rose Foundation's commitment to accountability and positive community impact. As the Million Marker Research Institute continues to develop, we aim to uphold similar standards of transparency in our operations and financial reporting.

Do you have a board of directors or advisory board?

Million Marker Research Institute is fortunate to have distinguished advisors, including Michael Green and Dr. Shanna Swan. Michael Green, the Founder and former CEO of the Center for Environmental Health, brings his extensive experience in environmental health advocacy and strategy to MMRI. Dr. Shanna Swan, an epidemiologist and Professor of Environmental Medicine and Public Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, contributes her expertise in researching the effects of chemicals on human health and reproduction

Does the Million Marker Research Institute receive compensation from brands, manufacturers, or ingredient suppliers? 

Since our inception, Million Marker Research Institute has not received compensation from brands, manufacturers, or ingredient suppliers.

Our Work

Do you work with manufacturers to improve their products?

Many brands consult with us to improve their formulations and make their products safer and more transparent. While companies cover the costs of testing, we do not receive financial compensation for listing approved products. We support these brands because they align with our mission to enhance consumer health, and our focus remains solely on advancing product safety and transparency for everyone’s well-being.

What types of chemicals do you test for in consumer products?

Million Marker uses a GC/MS non-targeted analysis (NTA) to identify chemical presence and concentrations in consumer products. While targeted analysis is commonly used to identify specific chemicals of interest in products (i.e. bisphenols and phthalates), our results are screened against thousands of potential chemicals. NTA provides a more complete picture of what is in a product, including chemicals not intentionally added such as contaminants and impurities.

How often do you update your testing protocols and criteria?

Million Marker is in the process of adding LC/MS suspect screening analysis to our current GC/MS non-targeted analysis. The dual techniques will provide better coverage for chemical identification and quantification. Targeted tests for heavy metals and total fluorine may be added in the future.

Our Findings

What should I do if I find a product with a low score?

Million Marker provides product scores so that consumers can make informed decisions about their purchases. You can search our approved products for higher scoring products to replace low scoring products. 

How can brands improve their scores?

Million Marker scores ingredients based on hazard ratings compiled from dozens of sources. This information can drive reformulation, with brands replacing low scoring ingredients with safer alternatives.

Getting Involved

How can I support Million Marker Research Institute?

You can support the Million Marker Research Institute in several ways:

  • Donate: Your donations help us operate by funding product purchases, result analysis, website maintenance, supplier and brand consultations, and educational material creation. All donations are processed through our fiscal sponsor, the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment, and are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
  • Project Funding: If you're interested in funding a specific project or investing in MMRI, you can reach out to us via email for more information.
  • Spread the Word: Share what you know about us and our test results with others. Knowledge is power. If we don’t support companies who have products with harmful ingredients, it can force them to change! 

Can companies request product testing from the Million Marker Research Institute?

Companies can request product testing from MMRI. If you're interested in having your products tested, you can contact us to discuss potential opportunities and requirements. 

We consider factors such as:

  • Current testing projects
  • Number of products needed for testing
  • Additional services required for intervention

If you would like to learn more, please reach us at: mmri@millionmarker.com

How does Million Marker Research Institute collaborate with other research institutions or universities?

Currently, the Million Marker Research Institute doesn't have active collaborations with research institutions or universities. However, our sister company, Million Marker, conducts studies with various research institutions. While we may leverage these relationships in the future, we are open to potential partnerships.

Do you offer educational programs or resources?

You can learn more about harmful chemicals in everyday products by reading our blog. Our blog serves as a platform to share our findings, raise awareness about potential chemical exposures in everyday products, and provide consumers with the knowledge to make informed decisions.