Setting a Baseline for Biomonitoring

Biomonitoring of tissues such as blood, urine, and breast milk is an extremely valuable tool for identifying population exposure to harmful chemicals. The data gathered through biomonitoring can provide guidance on how to prioritize toxicological research, and can result in measures to control and prevent exposure. Despite these benefits, however, “tremendous challenges” still surround the use of this technology, according to Human Biomonitoring for Environmental Chemicals, a report released 24 July 2006 by a committee of the National Research Council (NRC). The report noted, for instance, that there should be much more emphasis on communicating the results of studies in the design of the research. It also called for a “consistent rationale for selecting chemicals to be studied based on exposure and public health concerns.”