Human Biomonitoring – An overview on biomarkers and their application in Occupational and Environmental Health

Abstract

Abstract Human biomonitoring (HBM) is a scientificallydeveloped approach for assessing human exposures to natural and synthetic compounds from environment, occupation, and lifestyle. It relies on the measurement of particular substances or biological breakdown products, known as metabolites, in human tissues and/or fluids, and also includes the study of their effects and the possible influence of individual susceptibility as response modulators. HBM is a growing area of knowledge used for exposure and risk assessment in environmental and occupational health, and its importance has been increasing as a result of advancements in the ability to measure greater numbers of chemicals in the human body and tissues. In order to achieve this purpose, HBM focuses on the use of biomarkers as measurable indicators of early changes in biological systems. However, because data interpretation requires caution, it is strongly recommended that the interpretation of HBM results be combined with air monitoring data or pharmacokinetic modelling in order to better understand exposure sources and the metabolism of chemicals.