Human biomonitoring: important projects in Switzerland
Switzerland participated in DEMOCOPHES and HBM4EU, the Europe-wide harmonised, one-off HBM cross-sectional studies. Human biological samples are also being tested for chemicals as part of several long-term studies (cohort studies) in Switzerland.
As part of the European DEMOCOPHES pilot study, urine and hair samples from 120 mothers and their children were tested for certain chemical substances in each of the 17 participating countries between 2010 and 2012. In addition, the mothers filled in a questionnaire about behaviours and habits relevant for the exposure to these substances.
Between 2017 and 2022, SwissTPH investigated pesticide exposure in 300 adults from Basel as part of the HBM4EU project. During the same period, 789 adults from the cantons of Bern and Vaud were tested for various metals, glyphosate and PFAS as part of the pilot phase of the Swiss Health Study. HBM for children was/is being carried out as part of the MenuCH-Kids study commissioned by the FSVO.
In Switzerland, some larger long-term studies such as SAPALDIA or CoLaus associate biomonitoring data to clinical data and thorough interviews about life style, dietary habits or socio-economic factors. A regular follow-up of the volunteers can bring to light risk factors and behaviours for known diseases. In these studies, HBM data is collected selectively and is primarily used to elucidate the causes of certain diseases.
However, projects in this area are sporadic, and are limited in number of participants, their place of residence, duration and scope. They often focus on a specific issue, e.g. the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study (STCS). There is thus no study that allows assessing representatively the exposure of the Swiss population to chemical substances.
Further information
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern