Identifying a role for human biomonitoring in incidents involving hazardous materials

Human biological monitoring (HBM) is an established method for chemical exposure characterization. Over the past few years HBM complemented environmental modelling and measurement strategies in several large scale chemical incidents in Belgium and Germany. These applications showed biomarkers to persist in body fluids, allowing sample collection to start in the aftermath of the incident. In addition, integration of exposure over time and from different routes and sources of exposure were reflected in HBM results. Especially adducts to hemoglobin were used to study exposures of workers and of the general population in retrospect. HBM results confirmed the exposure, sometimes pointing to a-typical sources and routes of exposure, not foreseen in incident scenarios. As a next step in Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands guidelines were prepared to support a role for HBM in the response to chemical incidents. Current practices indicate that the interpretation of HBM outcome can still be improved, using refined sample collection strategies and reverse dose calculations to facilitate the use of available exposure standards in the interpretation of HBM results. Exchange of knowledge and experience as well as sharing technical resources will further strengthen the role of HBM in the response to public health incidents and disasters.