Publication
Title
Concept of the Flemish human biomonitoring programme
Author
Abstract
Since 2002 a human biomonitoring network has been established in Flanders (Belgium) as part of a programme on environmental health surveillance. The human biomonitoring network should support environmental health policy by identifying priorities for further action. The first cycle of the programme (20022006) confirmed the hypotheses that living in areas with different environmental pressure is reflected in different loads of environmental chemicals in the residents. In the second cycle of the programme (20072011) the number of environmental chemicals for which human biomonitoring data were obtained was expanded substantially. The goal of the Flemish programme is to use and translate the scientific results into policy actions. Its further orientation in the second cycle to human biomonitoring in hot spots and sensitive age groups or susceptible persons with underlying complications (e.g. persons with diabetes) are linked to these goals. Interaction with stakeholders is embedded in the programme emphasizing transparency of the choices that are made and direct communication. The Flemish human biomonitoring programme is organized centrally with major involvement of research partners from different disciplines which allows engrafting environmental health research on the programme. One of the major focuses is the question whether combinations of pollutants in the general population are associated with biological effects. The objective of this paper is to review and discuss the options that were taken in the human biomonitoring programme in order to achieve its goals.
Language
English
Source (journal)
International journal of hygiene and environmental health / Gesellschaft für Hygiene, Umweltmedizin und Öffentliche Gesundheit; International Society of Environmental Medicine. - Jena, 2000, currens
Publication
Jena : Elsevier , 2012
ISSN
1438-4639 [print]
1618-131X [online]
DOI
10.1016/J.IJHEH.2011.11.006
Volume/pages
215 :2 (2012) , p. 102-108
ISI
000303224500008
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 10.04.2012
Last edited 30.01.2024
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