Current Relevance of New Biomarkers for Inclusion into HBM Surveillance Studies

Abstract

ISEE-0433 Background: Phthalates, acrylamide, aromatic amines and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) belong to those environmental pollutants, which currently attract most attention. Phthalates are ubiquitously occurring plasticizers modulating the endocrine system. Acrylamide is an unavoidable constituent of the diet and is “probably carcinogenic to humans” (IARC). This also applies to aromatic amines. Recent studies have demonstrated that the population is exposed to a broad spectrum of aromatic amines. PFCs are accumulating in the human body and may reduce fecundity as well as fetal growth even at environmental background levels. Methods: For human biomonitoring (HBM) purposes reliable analytical methods have been developed. Those parameters in blood or urine were chosen, which specifically and sensitively reflect internal exposure. The results of several HBM population studies are summarized in order to draw first conclusions on exposure and possible health risks. Results: HBM population studies showed that: Phthalates internal exposure of the population is very high the general population is exposed to a set of phthalates simultaneously certain population groups are exposed far beyond ADI the main metabolites are the secondary metabolites. Acrylamide uptake of acrylamide in non-smokers occurs almost exclusively via diet uptake of acrylamide by the general population has to be reduced. Aromatic amines aromatic amines are taken up from multiple sources like diet, pesticides residues etc the role of tobacco smoking for the exposure to aromatic amines has been overestimated in the past. PFCs some PFCs have extraordinarily long half lives even under conditions of environmental exposure. The German HBM commission is deriving limit values for these substances. Conclusions: HBM provides a very powerful tool to estimate internal exposure. Methods and parameters are readily available even for newly emerging substances. HBM can be used to study human metabolism under environmental conditions.