Human Biomonitoring Program: monitoring and surveillance
Introduction
Human biomonitoring is one of the most direct methods to measure the impact of pollutants in men. It takes into account exposure over time by various routes, and reflects the internal dose which is toxicologically relevant for interpretation of health effects.
This research aims for the further establishment of a human biomonitoring network which has to become an important tool for policy support in the domains of environment and environmental health. The biomonitoring network also contributes to research projects elaborating on the relationship between environment and health.
Human Biomonitoring Program: monitoring and surveillance
Since several members of the consortium have been involved in the Flemish biomonitoring pilot project (1999) and in the three past Flemish biomonitoring campaigns (newborns and mothers, adolescents and older adults 2001-2006 ) we built on the available knowledge, fill in the gaps and improve the approach. Since members of the consortium are also involved in the preparation of a European pilot project on biomonitoring, we also attempt to integrate the Flemish proposal optimally into the European initiative.
One of the new aims is to obtain reference values for the Flemish population, not only for traditional pollutants but also for newer emerging chemicals. The reference values will be the basis for comparison with data from international studies, and for the comparison with data from high risk populations e.g. residents of specific locations (hot spots) within Flanders or specific subgroups in the population which may be vulnerable due to specific diets, habits, social behavior, health status etc.
A framework for decision making will be established which will allow the different stakeholders (authorities, scientists, advisory groups, the public, etc.) to be consulted to define and prioritize the needs for specific tailored studies. Selection of biomarkers, study population and number of participants will be tailored in response to these specific study demands.
Transparency in the communication on objectives, methodology and results to stakeholders and participants, ethical and privacy issues are major aspects of the presented program.
Staff
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Promotor-coordinator | Greet Schoeters, Departement of Environmental Toxicology, Flemish Institute for Technological Research |
| Scientific researcher | Elly Den Hond, Departement of Environmental Toxicology, Flemish Institute for Technological Research |
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Promotor fieldwork | Vera Nelen, Provincial Instituut for Hygiene of Antwerp |
| Scientific researcher | Els Van De Mieroop Provincial Institute for Hygiene of Antwerp |
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Promotor-spokesman | Nik Van Larebeke, Department of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, University Ghent |
| Promotor nutritional aspects | Stefaan De Henauw, Department of Public Health, University Ghent |
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| Scientific researcher | Isabelle Sioen Department of Public Health, University Ghent |
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Promotor statistical analyses | Geert Molenberghs, Centre for Statistics, University Hasselt |
| Scientific researcher | Liesbeth Bruckers, Centre for Statistics, University Hasselt |
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Promotor general aspects and analyses | Willy Baeyens department of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry Free University Brussels |
| Scientific researcher | Kim Croes, department of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry Free University Brussels |