Human biomonitoring (HBM)
Human biomonitoring is a method to assess human exposure to chemicals.
In our daily lives, we are constantly exposed to a wide variety of chemicals. With human biomonitoring, it is possible to determine whether and to what extent these substances enter our bodies. Human biomonitoring measures the concentrations of chemical substances in human body fluids or tissues. For example, blood lead levels can be determined for an individual or for a population group. Based on toxicological and epidemiological data, conclusions may then be drawn concerning possible health effects of exposure.
Further topics
What is human biomonitoring (HBM)?
In our everyday lives, we are exposed to chemicals. Human biomonitoring is a tool to measure the exposition to these substances in biological samples such as blood, urine or hair.
Human biomonitoring projects in Switzerland
In Switzerland, there are several studies that include human biomonitoring. However, these do not yet provide representative data for Switzerland, so that a national study is being considered.
Human biomonitoring projects abroad
Many countries have long-established HBM programmes. Recently, newly initiated multidisciplinary follow-up studies called cohorts link human biomonitoring data to health data.
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern