The PARC Aligned Studies are a collection of human biomonitoring studies conducted across 24 different European countries, coordinated under the framework of PARC. These studies follow common protocols to ensure harmonisation across countries. Specific age groups were selected for investigation, and for each age group, a targeted set of environmental pollutants was chosen for measurement. A harmonized questionnaire is used, and samples are collected according to best practice guidelines.

The studies are currently in the implementation phase, with most partners having started participant recruitment and sampling. To discuss the next steps, partners gathered in Brussels on 27-28 May. A wide range of topics were addressed, including the start of the chemical analysis,  data management, planning of the statistical analysis, communication, quality control/quality assessment of effect biomarkers, and the long-term sustainability of human biomonitoring.

The workshop brought together representatives from 34 PARC partner organisations, attending either in person or online. It provided a valuable platform to share progress, exchange experiences and discuss best practices moving forward.

The PARC Aligned Studies bring us another step closer to building a sustainable human biomonitoring programme for Europe. The upcoming results will offer invaluable insights to support evidence-based policymaking and protect public health,

 highlighted Liese Gilles at the project’s launch.

Have you ever participated as a survey participant in a human biomonitoring study? Within the Aligned Studies, PARC is planning to recruit more than 10,000 Europeans from different age groups. Scroll down to answer this one-question survey!