Oral

Chemicals have improved the efficiency and quality of our lives, yet their presence in consumer products and the environment is raising concerns among public health professionals, policymakers and the public. Bisphenol-A, dioxins, brominated flame retardants and many more chemicals appear in the media, scientific journals and state legislation due to potentially harmful health effects, especially in children. While we know these chemicals are toxic at high levels, we have less information about effects related to ongoing exposures at lower levels. The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) believes biomonitoring is the best way to estimate exposure to these and many more chemicals. Biomonitoring studies are the gold standard to measure chemical exposures in people. While CDC and other federal agencies conduct biomonitoring studies, these national-level studies only provide population-based estimates. In order for states to be able to examine data at community and individual levels, they need the capability and capacity to conduct biomonitoring studies. This will allow States to respond to community and political concerns regarding chemical exposures and will establish background levels for emergency response events such as an oil spill, chemical plant explosion, train derailment and more. In order to establish capacity and capability at the state level, APHL developed the Five-Year Plan for Building a National Biomonitoring Network of Public Health Laboratories. This plan calls for the establishment of a network of public health laboratories able to provide accurate human exposure data that will inform public health decisions through biomonitoring. In keeping with the National Biomonitoring Plan, APHL, CSTE, NCSL and ASTHO worked together developed a guidance document for laboratories interested in creating or expanding biomonitoring programs. The document lists considerations and recommendations regarding what needs to happen from a laboratory, epidemiological, legislative and policy perspective for a state to successfully participate in the National Biomonitoring System. Such a system will create standardization across biomonitoring studies, allowing comparisons of data and results.

Session Objectives: 1. Explain the benefits a National Biomonitoring System offers over current biomonitoring programs. 2. Discuss infrastructure, resources, and next steps in creating the National Biomonitoring System. 3. Describe the National Biomonitoring System Guidance Document.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)