- Developing a roadmap to explore the links between chemical exposures and health concerns from a human biomonitoring perspective, with a focus on integrating and validating biomarkers of effect
- Providing supporting materials for PARC surveys, including standardised and harmonised procedures for data collection, as well as plans for integrating effect biomarkers
- Addressing knowledge gaps related to the exposure to prioritised chemical substances and associated health concerns
Key messages
- The project develops a strategy to connect chemical exposures with health outcomes using effect biomarkers.
- It follows a two-step approach: integrating health data into human biomonitoring (HBM) surveys and assessing retrospective exposure through biobanked samples.
- It will deliver concrete tools for PARC surveys, including standardized procedures and materials for effect biomarker implementation.
- The results will strengthen the scientific basis for public health policies and chemical risk regulation in Europe.
- The project fosters a more integrated approach to biomonitoring by linking exposure data with health outcomes.
Overview
This project aims to assess adverse health impacts of chemical exposures by analysing biomarkers of effect ↗ in HBM studies. Biomarkers of effect are measurable indicators, such as specific proteins or metabolites in the body, that can show early signs of how exposure to a chemical can affect health. The project includes developing standardised methods to assess health outcomes, providing a clear and consistent approach to understanding links between chemical exposure and health effects. This study aims to create a roadmap outlining specific actions and tools for investigating these links within the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC).
The project will be carried out in two phases. The first integrates standardised measures of effect biomarkers and health indicators, as well as health-related questionnaires, into existing human biomonitoring surveys. The second phase will assess past exposures to certain prioritised chemicals by analysing stored samples and examining links to current health outcomes. A case study will apply this method to a priority substance identified by the PARC project, using historical data to assess long-term effects.
This project establishes a core strategy for linking past exposures to current health effects and creates a baseline assessment that will guide future surveys combining biomonitoring and health examinations.
The project will deliver tools and information for measuring exposure and health-effect biomarkers to complement classical toxicological, regulatory risk assessment. These findings will inform Governing Board members, European Commission, agencies and national bodies, policy makers and regulators across Europe.