A new study, led by researchers from University College Dublin (study outputs available here ↗), proposed an adaptable framework of practical steps for implementing sustainable national Human Biomonitoring (HBM) programmes. The study, global in scope and first of its kind, reviewed existing well-established national HBM programmes in 14 countries to identify best practices.

National HBM programmes play a crucial role in monitoring health exposure and protecting public health through continuous sampling and analysis. However, a significant number of countries, both within the EU and globally, still lack national HBM programmes, despite having competent laboratories and experience in previous participation in international HBM studies.

The authors of the study identified a significant knowledge and implementation gap in translating countries’ existing capacities into comprehensive national programmes, as well as a lack of guidance on the actionable steps required. To address this gap, the study identifies essential components for planning, stakeholder engagement, infrastructure development, and governance. The framework provides a structured foundation for policymakers, researchers and institutions seeking to operationalise HBM at the national level, including key features necessary for the effectiveness and sustainability of the programme.

With global chemical production expected to rise sharply by 2050, posing increasing environmental and public health concerns, HBM is becoming an essential tool for accurately measuring chemical exposure. By analysing biological samples such as blood or urine, HBM can directly measure the levels of chemicals that accumulate in the human body from all sources and routes of exposure.

Alison Connolly, one of the authors of the study, Principal Investigator of the Human Biomonitoring for Ireland (HBM4IE) programme, and contact person for University College Dublin (UCD), a PARC beneficiary contributing to the project’s work on human biomonitoring, says:

While human biomonitoring approaches have had significant advancements, there is still a lack of open-source information on criteria for national HBM programmes. This knowledge is now critical under the 'One Substance, One Assessment' framework, which makes data collection a priority. Our team aspire that this publication will serve as a practical foundational guideline for nations building their national HBM programmes.

According to the study findings, successful HBM programmes rely on strong legal mandates and governance mechanisms, secure funding, strong collaboration between the government, research institutions, and public health agencies, and standardised operationalisation and methodology. First step, however, is defining clear aims and objectives. Additionally, discovery and innovation were identified as guiding principles when establishing and sustaining HBM programmes.

The authors also suggest two different governance and organisational models for national HBM implementation: one based on a multi-agency steering committee responsible for national coordination, and another led by a single governmental division that coordinates activities with support from partner agencies and stakeholders.

In Europe alone, over 100 000 chemicals are present on the market. While the EU already has comprehensive chemical legislation and strategies in place, aimed at phasing out hazardous substances, new chemicals, often substitutes for banned or restricted substances, continue to appear. Consequently, more effective systems for the measurement and management of chemical exposure data are needed to support a transition towards a toxic-free environment. This study aims to provide a foundation for developing national HBM programmes that would improve monitoring chemical exposures and respond to environmental and public health challenges.

You may also consult the report from Environmental Protection Agency (available here ↗), which provides further information related to the HBM4IE project.