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.
Starting point
As the first parliamentary initiative in Switzerland, the postulate Moser 08.3223 in 2009 called for human biomonitoring (HBM) in Switzerland. In the meantime, the FOPH has responded to the postulate by conducting an inventory and initiating a pilot study.
Important projects in Switzerland
Between 2010 and 2012, Switzerland participated in DEMOCOPHES, the first cross-sectional HBM study harmonized across Europe. In the context of some cohort studies in Switzerland, human biosamples are taken, some of which are analysed for chemicals.
Towards a national programme
In collaboration with academic scientists, the FOPH had planned a national programme to collect human biomonitoring data and health data. This was to be a multidisciplinary follow-up study that would enable data to be collected on the health status, chemical exposure and nutritional status of the Swiss population.
The aim of such a study would have been to provide reference values for the Swiss population, to better understand the influences of the environment on our health, and thus to support health policy. However, in view of the federal government's tight financial situation, the FOPH, in consultation with the Federal Department of Home Affairs, had to decide in spring 2025 not to pursue the Swiss health study at this time.
In March 2026, the final report on the pilot phase was published on the FOPH website. Particular attention is paid to clarifying organisational and financing options, as well as the necessary legal basis. In the corresponding project, the FOPH worked closely with the Federal Offices of the FOEN, FSO, FSVO, SERI and SECO.
There is interest from academic circles in further promoting a Swiss population cohort. The Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+) has offered to act as a contact for the strategy and development of a cohort. The FOPH welcomes this initiative.
Pilot phase
A pilot project for a national health study with Human Biomonitoring (HBM) was conducted under the name "Swiss Health Study - Pilot Phase". The interim report on the operational phase was published in June 2023, and the analytical results from human biomonitoring in August 2023. The final report, focusing on financing, organisation and legal principles, was published in March 2026. You can find the reports (in German and French) together with further evaluations and scientific publications under ‘Documents’ and ‘Links’.
Further information
Related Topics
Human biomonitoring: initial situation
As the first parliamentary initiative in Switzerland, the postulate Moser 08.3223 in 2009 called for human biomonitoring (HBM) in Switzerland. In the meantime, the FOPH has responded to the postulate by conducting an inventory and initiating a pilot study.
Human biomonitoring: important projects in Switzerland
Between 2010 and 2012, Switzerland participated in DEMOCOPHES, the first cross-sectional HBM study harmonized across Europe. In the context of some cohort studies in Switzerland, human biosamples are taken, some of which are analysed for chemicals.
Human biomonitoring projects: pilot phase
A pilot project for a national health study with Human Biomonitoring (HBM) is being conducted under the name “Swiss Health Study - Pilot Phase”. The first results regarding feasibility and HBM analytics were published in German and French in summer 2023 (see below).
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
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Switzerland - 3003 Bern