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THE USE OF BIOMONITORING DATA IN EXPOSURE AND HUMAN HEALTH RISK
Citation:
ALBERTINI, R., M. BIRD, N. DOERRER, L. L. NEEDHAM, S. ROBISON, L. S. SHELDON, AND H. ZENICK. THE USE OF BIOMONITORING DATA IN EXPOSURE AND HUMAN HEALTH RISK. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, 114(11):1755-1762, (2006).
Impact/Purpose:
Objectives for this task include the following: Investigate the current research on biomarkers of exposure for humans (ILSI documents); develop better measurement methods and procedures for collecting biomarkers of exposure in human research studies; conduct advanced statistical analyses on existing urinary biomarker data generated from EPA funded studies; identify and provide valuable data inputs for modelers in their toxicokinetic and exposure models; use modeling tools to understand the exposures of humans to chemicals related to biomarkers of exposure; form a collaborative partnership with CDC to develop analytical methods for chemicals used as biomarkers of exposure in humans; and develop statistical methods and models to assess human exposures to chemicals of concern.
Description:
Biomonitoring utilizes analytical methods which permit the accurate measurement of low levels of environmental chemicals in human tissues. However, depending on the intended use, biomonitoring, like all exposure tools, may not be a stand-alone exposure assessment tool for some of its environmental public health uses. While biomonitoring data demonstrate that many environmental chemicals are absorbed in human tissues, uncertainty exists regarding if and at what concentrations many of these chemicals cause adverse health outcomes. Moreover, without exposure pathway information, it is difficult to relate biomonitoring results to sources and routes of exposure and develop effective health risk management strategies. Based on the workshop and follow-up discussions, this overview paper summarizes "lessons learned," identifies data gaps, outlines research needs, and offers guidance for designing and conducting biomonitoring studies, as well as interpreting biomonitoring data in the context of risk assessment and risk management.