The field of biomonitoring is an emerging area that sheds light on human exposure through sampling blood, urine, exhaled breath, and breast milk to determine the presence of contaminants in the body. In this presentation, we will present data on endocrine disruptors in human tissues. New data from major governmental studies as well as smaller studies will shed light on the prevalence and trends of selected contaminants, with a focus on women of reproductive age and children. A broader discussion of biomonitoring will include the scientific and policy utility of this type of exposure data, and the ethics around biomonitoring. In particular, we will discuss questions such as How far does the public’s right to know extend regarding chemical exposures in their bodies? Is biomonitoring an effective impetus for exposure reduction by allowing specific goals for exposure reduction over time? Should we create an ongoing, global, systematic exposure monitoring system with federal funding and labs around the country capable of measuring chemical contaminants in human tissues? Is biomonitoring a useful tool for identifying exposure ‘hotspots’ and disproportionately exposed subpopulations for immediate protection?
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the learner will be able to: 1) Define the meaning and scope of biomonitoring; 2) Identify data sources for human exposure information; 3) Discuss the prevalence and exposure levels of key endocrine disrupting chemicals in human tissues; 4) Formulate public health policy approaches using biomonitoring information
Keywords: Environmental Exposures, Epidemiology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.