Overview

Developing a long-term, sustainable and inclusive human biomonitoring (HBM) ↗ framework for assessing chemical exposure across Europe is the main objective of this project. It is building upon previous initiatives, including the HBM4EU aligned studies ↗ and the PARC aligned studies, while integrating insights from global experts in Europe, the USA, Canada, Japan, etc.

Current HBM efforts, such as those under PARC, are providing valuable data on chemical exposure ↗, but a long-term, standardized system ensuring continuous and harmonised human biomonitoring is missing. The main challenges include streamlining HBM efforts between EU countries to develop a cost-efficient EU wide Human biomonitoring program that delivers harmonised data collected across EU countries and ensures truly representative results for policymakers and address public concerns.

By 2028, a concept for such an EU wide HBM program will be prepared. This system ensures to generate EU-wide comparable HBM data, optimising resources by improving study design and reducing costs, and supporting policy decisions with reliable data on chemical exposure. It is also enhancing public health protection by addressing risks from environmental, dietary, and consumer product exposure.

The framework is aligning with European regulatory processes governing chemical use, environmental safety, and human health. It is serving as the foundation for the future EU-wide HBM campaigns, adapting to evolving regulatory needs and scientific advancements to ensure a safer and healthier environment for European citizens. 

Achievements & Results

Part of the project is focused on building a network of international HBM experts (beyond Europe) and facilitating knowledge exchange. In the margin of the annual meeting of the International Society of Exposure Science (ISES ↗) partners of the PARC sustainable HBM project have organized a get together with international HBM experts from the US, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, Korea. In previous meetings the topics of sustainability and communication were addressed.

The project delivered feedback to the legal proposal ↗ for a common data platform on chemicals, establishing a monitoring and outlook framework for chemicals regarding sustainability of HBM activities in Europe.