Browsing by Author "Sepai, Ovnair"
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- Application of human biomonitoring data to support policy development, raise awareness and environmental public health protection among countries within the HBM4EU projectPublication . Ubong, Dorothy; Stewart, Lorraine; Sepai, Ovnair; Knudsen, Lisbeth E.; Berman, Tamar; Reynders, Hans; Van Campenhout, Karen; Katsonouri, Andromachi; Van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Ingelido, Anna Maria; Castaño, Argelia; Pedraza-Díaz, Susana; Eiríksdóttir, Ása Valgerður; Thomsen, Cathrine; Hartmann, Christina; Gjorgjev, Dragan; De Felip, Elena; Tolonen, Hanna; Santonen, Tiina; klanova, Jana; Norström, Karin; Kononenko, Lijana; Silva, Maria João; Uhl, Maria; Kolossa-Gehring, Marike; Apel, Petra; Jõemaa, Merli; Jajcaj, Michal; Estokova, Milada; Luijten, Mirjam; Lebret, Erik; von Goetz, Natalie; Holcer, Natasa Janev; Probst-Hensch, Nicole; Cavaleiro, Rita; Barouki, Robert; Tarroja, Elena; Balčienė, Rosita Marija; Strumylaite, Loreta; Latvala, Siiri; Namorado, Sónia; Szigeti, Tamás; Ingi Halldorsson, Thorhallur; Olafsdottir, Kristin; Wasowicz, Wojciech; Viegas, Susana; Alvito, PaulaMost countries have acknowledged the importance of assessing and quantifying their population’s internal exposure from chemicals in air, water, soil, food and other consumer products due to the potential health and economic impact. Human biomonitoring (HBM) is a valuable tool which can be used to quantify such exposures and effects. Results from HBM studies can also contribute to improving public health by providing evidence of individuals’ internal chemical exposure as well as data to understand the burden of disease and associated costs thereby stimulating the development and implementation of evidence-based policy. To have a holistic view on HBM data utilisation, a multi-case research approach was used to explore the use of HBM data to support national chemical regulations, protect public health and raise awareness among countries participating in the HBM4EU project. The Human Biomonitoring for Europe (HBM4EU) Initiative (https://www.hbm4eu.eu/) is a collaborative effort involving 30 countries, the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Commission (contracting authority) to harmonise procedures across Europe and advance research into the understanding of the health impacts of environmental chemical exposure. One of the aims of the project was to use HBM data to support evidence based chemical policy and make this information timely and directly available for policy makers and all partners. The main data source for this article was the narratives collected from 27 countries within the HBM4EU project. The countries (self-selection) were grouped into 3 categories in terms of HBM data usage either for public awareness, policy support or for the establishment HBM programme. Narratives were analysed/summarised using guidelines and templates that focused on ministries involved in or advocating for HBM; steps required to engage policy makers; barriers, drivers and opportunities in developing a HBM programme. The narratives reported the use of HBM data either for raising awareness or addressing environmental/public health issues and policy development. The ministries of Health and Environment were reported to be the most prominent entities advocating for HBM, the involvement of several authorities/institutions in the national hubs was also cited to create an avenue to interact, discuss and gain the attention of policy makers. Participating in European projects and the general population interest in HBM studies were seen as drivers and opportunities in developing HBM programmes. A key barrier that was cited by countries for establishing and sustaining national HBM programmes was funding which is mainly due to the high costs associated with the collection and chemical analysis of human samples. Although challenges and barriers still exist, most countries within Europe were already conversant with the benefits and opportunities of HBM. This article offers important insights into factors associated with the utilisation of HBM data for policy support and public awareness.
- Assessment of occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium – recommendations from HBM4EU chromate studyPublication . Santonen, Tiina; Bocca, Beatrice; Bousoumah, Radia; Duca, Radu Corneliu; Galea, Karen S.; Godderis, Lode; Göen, Thomas; Hardy, Emilie; Iavicoli, Ivo; Janasik, Beata; Jones, Kate; Leese, Elizabeth; Leso, Veruscka; Louro, Henriqueta; Majery, Nicole; Ndaw, Sophie; Pinhal, Hermínia; Porras, Simo P.; Scheepers, Paul T.J.; Sepai, Ovnair; Silva, Maria João; van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Verdonck, Jelle; Viegas, Susana; Wasowicz, WojciechIntroduction: Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is an important occupational carcinogen. In addition to air monitoring biomonitoring is commonly applied to monitor exposure to Cr(VI). Within the EU biomonitoring initiative, HBM4EU, we explored the applicability of different biomonitoring methods in the assessment of occupational exposure to Cr(VI) in welding and surface treatment activities. Materials and Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional study was performed in Belgium, Finland, France, Italy, Poland, Portugal, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and United Kingdom. Harmonized procedures were used to collect biological and industrial hygiene samples. Contextual information was collected using questionnaires. Altogether 602 exposed workers and controls were included in the study. Exposure biomarkers studied included urinary, red blood cell (RBC) and plasma Cr, and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) Cr(VI)/Cr(III). In addition, number of effect biomarkers were studied. Results: All exposure markers showed highest exposure levels among chrome plating workers. U-Cr showed a good correlation with air Cr(VI) in bath platers and welders. Observed low correlations between different exposure biomarkers suggest that these approaches are not interchangeable but rather complementary. Conclusions: U-Cr showed its value as the first approach for the assessment of internal exposure to Cr(VI). We recommend pre- and post-shift samples for low exposure levels. RBC/P-Cr and EBC-Cr(VI)/Cr(III) provide additional information when more specific information on exposure is needed. The current exposure levels require analytical methods with high sensitivity.
- Cadmium exposure in adults across Europe: Results from the HBM4EU Aligned Studies survey 2014-2020Publication . Snoj Tratnik, Janja; Kocman, David; Horvat, Milena; Andersson, Anna-Maria; Juul, Anders; Jacobsen, Eva; Olafsdottir, Kristin; Klanova, Jana; Andryskova, Lenka; Janasik, Beata; Wasowicz, Wojciech; Janev Holcer, Natasa; Namorado, Sónia; Coelho, Inês; Rambaud, Loic; Riou, Margaux; Van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Appenzeller, Brice; Kolossa-Gehring, Marike; Weber, Till; Esteban, Marta; Castano, Argelia; Gilles, Liese; Rodriguez Martin, Laura; Schoeters, Greta; Sepai, Ovnair; Govarts, EvaThe objectives of the study were to estimate the current exposure to cadmium (Cd) in Europe, potential differences between the countries and geographic regions, determinants of exposure and to derive European exposure levels. The basis for this work was provided by the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) which established a framework for alignment of national or regional HBM studies. For the purpose of Cd exposure assessment, studies from 9 European countries (Iceland, Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Croatia, Portugal, Germany, France, Luxembourg) were included and urine of 20–39 years old adults sampled in the years 2014–2021 (n = 2510). The measurements in urine were quality assured by the HBM4EU quality assurance/quality control scheme, study participants' questionnaire data were post-harmonized. Spatially resolved external data, namely Cd concentrations in soil, agricultural areas, phosphate fertilizer application, traffic density and point source Cd release were collected for the respective statistical territorial unit (NUTS). There were no distinct geographic patterns observed in Cd levels in urine, although the data revealed some differences between the specific study sites. The levels of exposure were otherwise similar between two time periods within the last decade (DEMOCOPHES - 2011–2012 vs. HBM4EU Aligned Studies, 2014–2020). The age-dependent alert values for Cd in urine were exceeded by 16% of the study participants. Exceedances in the different studies and locations ranged from 1.4% up to 42%. The studies with largest extent of exceedance were from France and Poland. Association analysis with individual food consumption data available from participants’ questionnaires showed an important contribution of vegetarian diet to the overall exposure, with 35% higher levels in vegetarians as opposed to non-vegetarians. For comparison, increase in Cd levels due to smoking was 25%. Using NUTS2-level external data, positive associations between HBM data and percentage of cropland and consumption of Cd-containing mineral phosphate fertilizer were revealed, which indicates a significant contribution of mineral phosphate fertilizers to human Cd exposure through diet. In addition to diet, traffic and point source release were identified as significant sources of exposure in the study population. The findings of the study support the recommendation by EFSA to reduce Cd exposure as also the estimated mean dietary exposure of adults in the EU is close or slightly exceeding the tolerable weekly intake. It also indicates that regulations are not protecting the population sufficiently.
- Consultation on a sustainable HBM initiative in Europe - Deliverable Report D6.3 WP6 Sustainability and Capacity building.Publication . Ganzleben, Catherine; Vicente, Joana Lobo; Barouki, Robert; Tarroja, Elena; Silva, Maria João; Isidro, Glória; Louro, Henriqueta; Katsonouri, Andromachi; Reynders, Hans; Campenhout, Karen Van; Mampaey, Maja; Sepai, Ovnair; Virgolino, AnaThis deliverable was produced under Task 6.3 of Work Package 6 on “Longer-term needs and expectations of stakeholders (2021-2030)”. The aim of this task was to gather information on the needs and expectations of both the National Hubs (NH) and a broad range of stakeholders regarding a long-term Human Biomonitoring (HBM) programme for Europe, to be establish in follow up to the current project, HBM4EU. Firstly and with a focus on options for financing a future initiative, information was collected on a range of available funding mechanisms at national, regional and international level. In terms of national funding, the results presented rely on responses to a survey with the NH. Unfortunately, the response from NHs was very limited, and as such the report only captures funding mechanisms from a limited number of countries, including Portugal, Spain, France, Germany and Cyprus. In order to gain insight into the status of the National Hubs and their capacities for HBM, a survey was conducted. The results provide an overview of the current situation across the NHs with regards to a range of aspects, including the level of activity of the NH, status of political support, availability of funding, ongoing HBM studies and willingness to align studies with HBM4EU. The results suggest that HBM4EU has raised the political profile of HBM in partner countries. Regarding ongoing HBM studies, only six countries have national HBM programmes, with most countries having only hot spot studies. Despite this, there was support for the alignment of studies to achieve European geographical coverage. Regarding funding, access to European funding is seen as important to leverage funds at national level. A second survey was targeted at a wide range of stakeholders, aiming to better understand their expectations for a long-term sustainable HBM initiative. The survey was followed by a workshop, where a more limited number of stakeholders had the opportunity to discuss the survey results and address such aspects as the scope of a future initiative, how to achieve financial sustainability, how to involve and how a future initiative might contribute to chemical policies. Concerning the needs and expectations of stakeholders, there is a strong interest in and support for a future HBM initiative at European level. The involvement of a European Union (EU) institution as part of a future steering committee was seen as crucial. According to this stakeholders’ consultation, the initiative should focus on protecting human health and the environment in Europe from hazardous chemical exposures by producing harmonised, high quality, transparent and inclusive data for effective risk assessment and management.
- Developing human biomonitoring as a 21st century toolbox within the European exposure science strategy 2020-2030Publication . Zare Jeddi, Maryam; Hopf, Nancy B.; Louro, Henriqueta; Viegas, Susana; Galea, Karen S.; Pasanen-Kase, Robert; Santonen, Tiina; Mustieles, Vicente; Fernandez, Mariana F.; Verhagen, Hans; Bopp, Stephanie K.; Antignac, Jean Philippe; David, Arthur; Mol, Hans; Barouki, Robert; Audouze, Karine; Duca, Radu-Corneliu; Fantke, Peter; Scheepers, Paul; Ghosh, Manosij; Van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Lobo Vicente, Joana; Trier, Xenia; Rambaud, Loïc; Fillol, Clémence; Denys, Sebastien; Conrad, André; Kolossa-Gehring, Marike; Paini, Alicia; Arnot, Jon; Schulze, Florian; Jones, Kate; Sepai, Ovnair; Ali, Imran; Brennan, Lorraine; Benfenati, Emilio; Cubadda, Francesco; Mantovani, Alberto; Bartonova, Alena; Connolly, Alison; Slobodnik, Jaroslav; Bruinen de Bruin, Yuri; van Klaveren, Jacob; Palmen, Nicole; Dirven, Hubert; Husøy, Trine; Thomsen, Cathrine; Virgolino, Ana; Röösli, Martin; Gant, Tim; von Goetz, Natalie; Bessems, JosHuman biomonitoring (HBM) is a crucial approach for exposure assessment, as emphasised in the European Commission’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS). HBM can help to improve chemical policies in five major key areas: (1) assessing internal and aggregate exposure in different target populations; 2) assessing exposure to chemicals across life stages; (3) assessing combined exposure to multiple chemicals (mixtures); (4) bridging regulatory silos on aggregate exposure; and (5) enhancing the effectiveness of risk management measures. In this strategy paper we propose a vision and a strategy for the use of HBM in chemical regulations and public health policy in Europe and beyond. We outline six strategic objectives and a roadmap to further strengthen HBM approaches and increase their implementation in the regulatory risk assessment of chemicals to enhance our understanding of exposure and health impacts, enabling timely and targeted policy interventions and risk management. These strategic objectives are: 1) further development of sampling strategies and sample preparation; 2) further development of chemical-analytical HBM methods; 3) improving harmonisation throughout the HBM research life cycle; 4) further development of quality control / quality assurance throughout the HBM research life cycle; 5) obtain sustained funding and reinforcement by legislation; and 6) extend target-specific communication with scientists, policymakers, citizens and other stakeholders. HBM approaches are essential in risk assessment to address scientific, regulatory and societal challenges. HBM requires full and strong support from the scientific and regulatory domain to reach its full potential in public and occupational health assessment and in regulatory decision-making.
- FAIR environmental and health registry (FAIREHR)- supporting the science to policy interface and life science research, development and innovationPublication . Zare Jeddi, Maryam; Galea, Karen S.; Viegas, Susana; Fantke, Peter; Louro, Henriqueta; Theunis, Jan; Govarts, Eva; Denys, Sébastien; Fillol, Clémence; Rambaud, Loïc; Kolossa-Gehring, Marike; Santonen, Tiina; van der Voet, Hilko; Ghosh, Manosij; Costa, Carla; Teixeira, João Paulo; Verhagen, Hans; Duca, Radu-Corneliu; Van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Jones, Kate; Sams, Craig; Sepai, Ovnair; Tranfo, Giovanna; Bakker, Martine; Palmen, Nicole; van Klaveren, Jacob; Scheepers, Paul T. J.; Paini, Alicia; Canova, Cristina; von Goetz, Natalie; Katsonouri, Andromachi; Karakitsios, Spyros; Sarigiannis, Dimosthenis A.; Bessems, Jos; Machera, Kyriaki; Harrad, Stuart; Hopf, Nancy B.The environmental impact on health is an inevitable by-product of human activity. Environmental health sciences is a multidisciplinary field addressing complex issues on how people are exposed to hazardous chemicals that can potentially affect adversely the health of present and future generations. Exposure sciences and environmental epidemiology are becoming increasingly data-driven and their efficiency and effectiveness can significantly improve by implementing the FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) principles for scientific data management and stewardship. This will enable data integration, interoperability and (re)use while also facilitating the use of new and powerful analytical tools such as artificial intelligence and machine learning in the benefit of public health policy, and research, development and innovation (RDI). Early research planning is critical to ensuring data is FAIR at the outset. This entails a well-informed and planned strategy concerning the identification of appropriate data and metadata to be gathered, along with established procedures for their collection, documentation, and management. Furthermore, suitable approaches must be implemented to evaluate and ensure the quality of the data. Therefore, the 'Europe Regional Chapter of the International Society of Exposure Science' (ISES Europe) human biomonitoring working group (ISES Europe HBM WG) proposes the development of a FAIR Environment and health registry (FAIREHR) (hereafter FAIREHR). FAIR Environment and health registry offers preregistration of studies on exposure sciences and environmental epidemiology using HBM (as a starting point) across all areas of environmental and occupational health globally. The registry is proposed to receive a dedicated web-based interface, to be electronically searchable and to be available to all relevant data providers, users and stakeholders. Planned Human biomonitoring studies would ideally be registered before formal recruitment of study participants. The resulting FAIREHR would contain public records of metadata such as study design, data management, an audit trail of major changes to planned methods, details of when the study will be completed, and links to resulting publications and data repositories when provided by the authors. The FAIREHR would function as an integrated platform designed to cater to the needs of scientists, companies, publishers, and policymakers by providing user-friendly features. The implementation of FAIREHR is expected to yield significant benefits in terms of enabling more effective utilization of human biomonitoring (HBM) data.
- Guidance on minimum information requirements (MIR) from designing to reporting human biomonitoring (HBM)Publication . Jeddi, Maryam Zare; Galea, Karen S.; Ashley-Martin, Jillian; Nassif, Julianne; Pollock, Tyler; Poddalgoda, Devika; Kasiotis, Konstantinos M.; Esteban-López, Marta; Chung, Ming Kei; Kil, Jihyon; Jones, Kate; Covaci, Adrian; Ait Bamai, Yu; Fernandez, Mariana F.; Pasanen Kase, Robert; Louro, Henriqueta; Silva, Maria J.; Santonen, Tiina; Katsonouri, Andromachi; Castaño, Argelia; Quirós-Alcalá, Lesliam; Argelia Castaño; Lesliam Quirós-Alcalá; Lin, Elizabeth Ziying; Pollitt, Krystal; Ana Virgolino; Virgolino, Ana; Scheepers, Paul T.J; Mustieles, Vicente; Cañas-Portilla, Ana Isabel; Viegas, Susana; von Goetz, Natalie; Sepai, Ovnair; Bird, Emily; Gӧen, Thomas; Fustinoni, Silvia; Ghosh, Manosij; Dirven, Hubert; Kwon, Jung-Hwan; Carignan, Courtney; Mizuno, Yuki; Ito, Yuki; Xia, Yankai; Shoji F. Nakayama; Nakayama, Shoji F.; Makris, Konstantinos C.; Parsons, Patrick J.; Gonzales, Melissa; Bader, Michael; Dusinska, Maria; Menouni, Aziza; Duca, Radu Corneliu; Chbihi, Kaoutar; El Jaafari, Samir; Godderis, Lode; van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Qureshi, Asif; Ali, Imran; Costa Trindade, Carla; Teixeira, Joao Paulo; Bartonova, Alena; Tranfo, Giovanna; Audouze, Karine; Verpaele, Steven; LaKind, Judy; Mol, Hans; Bessems, Jos; Magagna, Barbara; Nasution Waras, Maisarah; Connolly, Alison; Nascarella, Marc; Yang, Wonho; Huang, Po-Chin; Heussen, Henri; Goksel, Ozlem; Yunesian, Masud; Yeung, Leo W.Y.; Souza, Gustavo; Vekic, Ana Maria; Haynes, Erin N.; Hopf, Nancy B.Human biomonitoring (HBM) provides an integrated chemical exposures assessment considering all routes and sources of exposure. The accurate interpretation and comparability of biomarkers of exposure and effect depend on harmonized, quality-assured sampling, processing, and analysis. Currently, the lack of broadly accepted guidance on minimum information required for collecting and reporting HBM data, hinders comparability between studies. Furthermore, it prevents HBM from reaching its full potential as a reliable approach for assessing and managing the risks of human exposure to chemicals. The European Chapter of the International Society of Exposure Science HBM Working Group (ISES Europe HBM working group) has established a global human biomonitoring community network (HBM Global Network) to develop a guidance to define the minimum information to be collected and reported in HBM, called the “Minimum Information Requirements for Human Biomonitoring (MIR-HBM)”. This work builds on previous efforts to harmonize HBM worldwide. The MIR-HBM guidance covers all phases of HBM from the design phase to the effective communication of results. By carefully defining MIR for all phases, researchers and health professionals can make their HBM studies and programs are robust, reproducible, and meaningful. Acceptance and implementation of MIR-HBM Guidelines in both the general population and occupational fields would improve the interpretability and regulatory utility of HBM data. While implementation challenges remain—such as varying local capacities, and ethical and legal differences at the national levels, this initiative represents an important step toward harmonizing HBM practice and supports an ongoing dialogue among policymakers, legal experts, and scientists to effectively address these challenges. Leveraging the data and insights from HBM, policymakers can develop more effective strategies to protect public health and ensure safer working environments.
- Harmonization of Human Biomonitoring Studies in Europe: Characteristics of the HBM4EU-Aligned Studies ParticipantsPublication . Gilles, Liese; Govarts, Eva; Rodriguez Martin, Laura; Andersson, Anna-Maria; Appenzeller, Brice M.R.; Barbone, Fabio; Castano, Argelia; Coertjens, Dries; Den Hond, Elly; Dzhedzheia, Vazha; Eržen, Ivan; Esteban, Marta; Fábelová, Lucia; Fillol, Clémence; Franken, Carmen; Frederiksen, Hanne; Gabriel, Catherine; Haug, Line Småstuen; Horvat, Milena; Halldórsson, Thórhallur Ingi; Janasik, Beata; Holcer, Nataša Janev; Kakucs, Réka; Karakitsios, Spyros; Katsonouri, Andromachi; Klánová, Jana; Kold-Jensen, Tina; Kolossa-Gehring, Marike; Konstantinou, Corina; Koponen, Jani; Lignell, Sanna; Lindroos, Anna Karin; Makris, Konstantinos C.; Mazej, Darja; Morrens, Bert; Murínová, Ľubica Palkovičová; Namorado, Sónia; Pedraza-Diaz, Susana; Peisker, Jasmin; Probst-Hensch, Nicole; Rambaud, Loïc; Rosolen, Valentina; Rucic, Enrico; Rüther, Maria; Sarigiannis, Dimosthenis; Tratnik, Janja Snoj; Standaert, Arnout; Stewart, Lorraine; Szigeti, Tamás; Thomsen, Cathrine; Tolonen, Hanna; Eiríksdóttir, Ása; Van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Verheyen, Veerle J.; Vlaanderen, Jelle; Vogel, Nina; Wasowicz, Wojciech; Weber, Till; Zock, Jan-Paul; Sepai, Ovnair; Schoeters, GreetHuman biomonitoring has become a pivotal tool for supporting chemicals’ policies. It provides information on real-life human exposures and is increasingly used to prioritize chemicals of health concern and to evaluate the success of chemical policies. Europe has launched the ambitious REACH program in 2007 to improve the protection of human health and the environment. In October 2020 the EU commission published its new chemicals strategy for sustainability towards a toxic-free environment. The European Parliament called upon the commission to collect human biomonitoring data to support chemical’s risk assessment and risk management. This manuscript describes the organization of the first HBM4EU-aligned studies that obtain comparable human biomonitoring (HBM) data of European citizens to monitor their internal exposure to environmental chemicals. The HBM4EU-aligned studies build on existing HBM capacity in Europe by aligning national or regional HBM studies. The HBM4EU-aligned studies focus on three age groups: children, teenagers, and adults. The participants are recruited between 2014 and 2021 in 11 to 12 primary sampling units that are geographically distributed across Europe. Urine samples are collected in all age groups, and blood samples are collected in children and teenagers. Auxiliary information on sociodemographics, lifestyle, health status, environment, and diet is collected using questionnaires. In total, biological samples from 3137 children aged 6–12 years are collected for the analysis of biomarkers for phthalates, HEXAMOLL® DINCH, and flame retardants. Samples from 2950 teenagers aged 12–18 years are collected for the analysis of biomarkers for phthalates, Hexamoll® DINCH, and per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), and samples from 3522 adults aged 20–39 years are collected for the analysis of cadmium, bisphenols, and metabolites of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The children’s group consists of 50.4% boys and 49.5% girls, of which 44.1% live in cities, 29.0% live in towns/suburbs, and 26.8% live in rural areas. The teenagers’ group includes 50.6% girls and 49.4% boys, with 37.7% of residents in cities, 31.2% in towns/suburbs, and 30.2% in rural areas. The adult group consists of 52.6% women and 47.4% men, 71.9% live in cities, 14.2% in towns/suburbs, and only 13.4% live in rural areas. The study population approaches the characteristics of the general European population based on age-matched EUROSTAT EU-28, 2017 data; however, individuals who obtained no to lower educational level (ISCED 0–2) are under represented. The data on internal human exposure to priority chemicals from this unique cohort will provide a baseline for Europe’s strategy towards a non-toxic environment and challenges and recommendations to improve the sampling frame for future EU-wide HBM surveys are discussed.
- Harmonized human biomonitoring in European children, teenagers and adults: EU-wide exposure data of 11 chemical substance groups from the HBM4EU Aligned Studies (2014-2021)Publication . Govarts, Eva; Gilles, Liese; Rodriguez Martin, Laura; Santonen, Tiina; Apel, Petra; Alvito, Paula; Anastasi, Elena; Andersen, Helle Raun; Andersson, Anna-Maria; Andryskova, Lenka; ANTIGNAC, Jean-Philippe; Rüther, Maria; Sarigiannis, Denis; Silva, Maria João; Šlejkovec, Zdenka; Snoj Tratnik, Janja; Stajnko, Anja; Szigeti, Tamas; Tarazona, Jose; Thomsen, Cathrine; Tkalec, Žiga; Trnovec, Tomas; Tolonen, Hanna; Uhl, Maria; Van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Vasco, Elsa; Verheyen, Veerle J.; Viegas, Susana; Vinggaard, Anne Marie; Vogel, Nina; Vorkamp, Katrin; Wasowicz, Wojciech; Wimmerova, Sona; Weber, Till; Woutersen, Marjolijn; Zimmermann, Philipp; Zvonar, Martin; Koch, Holger; Kolossa-Gehring, Marike; Esteban López, Marta; Castano, Argelia; Stewart, Lorraine; Sepai, Ovnair; Appenzeller, Brice; Schoeters, Greta; Barbone, Fabio; Barnett-Itzhaki, Zohar; Barouki, Robert; Berman, Tamar; Bil, Wieneke; Borges, Teresa; Buekers, Jurgen; Cañas-Portilla, Ana; Covaci, Adrian; Csako, Zsofia; Den Hond, Elly; Dvorakova, Darina; Fabelova, Lucia; Fletcher, Tony; Frederiksen, Hanne; Gabriel, Catherine; Ganzleben, Catherine; Göen, Thomas; Halldorsson, Thorhallur; Haug, Line Småstuen; Horvat, Milena; Huuskonen, Pasi; Imboden, Medea; Jagodic Hudobivnik, Marta; Janasik, Beata; Janev Holcer, Natasa; Karakitsios, Spyros; Katsonouri, Andromachi; Klanova, Jana; Kokaraki, Venetia; Kold Jensen, Tina; Koponen, Jani; Laeremans, Michelle; Laguzzi, Federica; Lange, Rosa; Lemke, Nora; Lignell, Sanna; Lindroos, Anna Karin; Lobo Vicente, Joana; Luijten, Mirjam; Makris, Konstantinos C.; Mazej, Darja; Melymuk, Lisa; Meslin, Matthieu; Mol, Hans; Montazeri, Parisa; Murawski, Aline; Namorado, Sónia; Niemann, Lars; Nübler, Stefanie; Nunes, Baltazar; Olafsdottir, Kristin; Palkovicova Murinova, Lubica; Papaioannou, Nafsika; Pedraza-Diaz, Susana; Piler, Pavel; Plichta, Veronika; Poteser, Michael; Probst-Hensch, Nicole; Rambaud, Loic; Rauscher-Gabernig, Elke; Rausova, Katarina; Remy, Sylvie; Riou, Margaux; Rosolen, Valentina; Rousselle, ChristopheAbstract: As one of the core elements of the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) a human biomonitoring (HBM) survey was conducted in 23 countries to generate EU-wide comparable HBM data. This survey has built on existing HBM capacity in Europe by aligning national or regional HBM studies, referred to as the HBM4EU Aligned Studies. The HBM4EU Aligned Studies included a total of 10,795 participants of three age groups: (i) 3,576 children aged 6–12 years, (ii) 3,117 teenagers aged 12–18 years and (iii) 4,102 young adults aged 20–39 years. The participants were recruited between 2014 and 2021 in 11–12 countries per age group, geographically distributed across Europe. Depending on the age group, internal exposure to phthalates and the substitute DINCH, halogenated and organophosphorus flame retardants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), cadmium, bisphenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), arsenic species, acrylamide, mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol (total DON)), benzophenones and selected pesticides was assessed by measuring substance specific biomarkers subjected to stringent quality control programs for chemical analysis. For substance groups analyzed in different age groups higher average exposure levels were observed in the youngest age group, i.e., phthalates/DINCH in children versus teenagers, acrylamide and pesticides in children versus adults, benzophenones in teenagers versus adults. Many biomarkers in teenagers and adults varied significantly according to educational attainment, with higher exposure levels of bisphenols, phthalates, benzophenones, PAHs and acrylamide in participants (from households) with lower educational attainment, while teenagers from households with higher educational attainment have higher exposure levels for PFASs and arsenic. In children, a social gradient was only observed for the non-specific pyrethroid metabolite 3-PBA and di-isodecyl phthalate (DiDP), with higher levels in children from households with higher educational attainment. Geographical variations were seen for all exposure biomarkers. For 15 biomarkers, the available health-based HBM guidance values were exceeded with highest exceedance rates for toxicologically relevant arsenic in teenagers (40%), 3-PBA in children (36%), and between 11 and 14% for total DON, Σ (PFOA + PFNA + PFHxS + PFOS), bisphenol S and cadmium. The infrastructure and harmonized approach succeeded in obtaining comparable European wide internal exposure data for a prioritized set of 11 chemical groups. These data serve as a reference for comparison at the global level, provide a baseline to compare the efficacy of the European Commission's chemical strategy for sustainability and will give leverage to national policy makers for the implementation of targeted measures.
- HBM4EU - Deliverable Report D 6.2. Revised set of key indicatorsPublication . Reynders, Hans; Van Campenhout, Karen; Mampaey, Maja; Gilles, Liese; Colles, Ann; Baken, Kirsten; Bessems, Jos; Schoeters, Greet; Ay, Derya; Lobo Vicente, Joana; Ganzleben, Catherine; Isidro, Glória; Louro, Henriqueta; Silva, Maria João; Uhl, Maria; Ubong, Dorothy; Sepai, Ovnair; Tarroja, Elena; Persoz, Charles; Barouki, Robert; Kobosil, Nicole; David, Madlen; Appel, Petra; Kolossa, Marike; Coertjens, Dries; Crabbé, Ann; Loots, Ilse; Covaci, Adrian; Antignac, Jean-Philippe; Debrauwer, Laurent; Fernandez, Mariana; Berglund, Marika; Blaha, Ludek; Esteban López, Marta; Scheepers, Paul; Tolonen, Hanna; Nørager., SofieThe current deliverable describes the process of revision of the first list of indicators (published in June 2017 as D6.1.) and presents the indicator leaflets ((see attachment 1) that link key results of HBM4EU to the objectives of the project as laid down in the description of action. These indicator leaflets already contain a lot of results on the revised list of indicators, and give very valuable information on the progress of HBM4EU in relation to the specific goals of the project. Combining the information from these leaflets in the frame of expected impacts will allow us to put forward conclusions towards impact and sustainability of HBM4EU. As such, this restructured list answers to the main comments on the first list of indicators from the task 6.5 partners, the Management Board, the Governing Board and the EU Policy Board, in concretu to: • Drastically reduce the number of indicators from 48 indicators (including 9 internal indicators) on the first list to 28 indicators on the revised list without losing essential information. Moreover by bundling related indicators we now have 22 indicator leaflets (and 1 overview leaflet); • Make the relationship between the indicators and the goals of HBM4EU more clear by structuring the list of indicators according to the overarching objectives and specific goals; • Use the indicators to say something about the impact of the HBM4EU project: the indicator leaflets were used to give input for the impact section of the periodic technical reporting 2018 to describe the progress made for the 5 expected impacts of HBM4EU. This exercise will be continued and ameliorated in the 2019 periodic technical reporting as more indicator leaflets will be available compared to 2018; • Link the indicators with the work on sustainability of HBM in Europe: the indicators were presented at the sustainability workshop in Paris. Participants indicated that they think the leaflets will be useful for institutional discussions, national hub meetings, meetings with policy makers and other meetings and that they would like to use them as soon as they are available. The added value of having indicators of success, is to monitor the implementation and achieved impact of HBM4EU. This will allow for a more efficient tracking of achieved goals. This deliverable will help to further optimize and revise the first set of indicators to monitor the implementation of the HBM4EU and the achieved impact. The indicators of success are written in a clear language, they are concise and capture the main achievements in the list of indicators that has been agreed amongst the partners. Therefore, they can be easily used by all partners across the consortium, the EU Policy Board and our HBM4EU ambassador Thomas Jackl.
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