Developing Human Biomonitoring as a 21st Century Toolbox within the European Exposure Science Strategy 2020−2030

Human biomonitoring (HBM) is a crucial tool for exposure assessment as emphasized in the European Commission’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability with the aim of improving the availability of chemical open data and creating a more effective science policy interface. A vision and strategy were established through workshops and several rounds of expert discussions for both more tailored and broader application of HBM as an exposure assessment tool in chemicals regulations and public health policy in Europe and beyond. HBM could help improve chemical policies in four major key areas: (1) bridging regulatory silos on aggregate exposure, (2) enhancing the effectiveness of risk management measures, (3) assessing exposure across life-stages and in different target populations, and (4) assessing combined exposure to multiple chemicals (mixtures). Overall, we have outlined six strategic objectives each with more detailed objectives and actions for strengthening the HBM methodology as well as the implementation of HBM in chemical policies for protecting public health. HBM can develop into a key toolbox in exposure science to address scientific, regulatory and societal challenges. To reach its full potential in the public health and in the regulatory decision-making, HBM needs full and strong support from the scientific as well as the regulatory domain. Our results highlight the importance of the use of HBM in chemical regulatory decision-making and the wider area of chemical and health policy development.

ZARE JEDDI Maryam;  HOPF Nancy B.;  LOURO Henriqueta;  VIEGAS Susana;  GALEA Karen;  PASANEN-KASE Robert;  SANTONEN Tiina;  MUSTIELES Vicente;  FERNANDEZ Mariana;  VERHAGEN Hans;  BOPP Stephanie;  ANTIGNAC Jean-Philippe;  DAVID Arthur;  MOL Hans;  BAROUKI Robert;  AUDOUZE Karine;  DUCA Radu-Corneliu;  FANTKE Peter;  SCHEEPERS Paul;  GOSH Manosij;  VAN NIEUWENHUYSE An;  LOBO VICENTE Joana;  TRIER Xenia;  RAMBAUD Loic;  FILLOL Clémence;  DENYS Sebastian;  CONRAD André;  KOLOSSA-GEHRING Marike;  PAINI Alicia;  ARNOT John;  SCHULZE Florian;  JONES Kate;  SEPAI Ovnair;  ALI Imran;  BRENNAN Lorraine;  BENFENATI Emilio;  CUBADDA Francesco;  MANTOVANI Alberto;  BARTONOVA Alena;  CONNOLLY Alison;  SLOBODNIK Jaroslav;  BRUINEN DE BRUIN Yuri;  VAN KLAVEREN Jacob;  PALMEN Nicole;  DIRVEN Hubert;  HUSOY Trine;  THOMSEN Cathrine;  VIRGOLINO Ana;  ROOSLI Martin;  VON GOETZ Natalie;  BESSEMS Jos; 

2022-09-06

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

JRC129182

0160-4120 (online),   

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412022004032,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC129182,   

10.1016/j.envint.2022.107476 (online),