Abstract
Human biomonitoring (HBM) data provide information on total exposure regardless of the route and sources of exposure. HBM studies have been applied to quantify human exposure to contaminants and environmental/occupational pollutants by determining the parent compounds, their metabolites or even their reaction products in biological matrices. HBM studies performed among the Portuguese population are disperse and limited. To overcome this knowledge gap, this review gathers, for the first time, the published Portuguese HBM information concerning polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals, metalloids, and pesticides concentrations detected in the urine, serum, milk, hair, and nails of different groups of the Portuguese population. This integrative insight of available HBM data allows the analysis of the main determinants and patterns of exposure of the Portuguese population to these selected hazardous compounds, as well as assessment of the potential health risks. Identification of the main difficulties and challenges of HBM through analysis of the enrolled studies was also an aim. Ultimately, this study aimed to support national and European policies promoting human health and summarizes the most important outcomes and lessons learned through the HBM studies carried out in Portugal.
Highlights
It is of utmost importance to ensure scientific evidence in order to allow early protection of human health, since some of these chemicals cause deleterious effects, and prolonged human exposure, even at low doses, can be linked with chronic diseases and cancer [1]
human biomonitoring (HBM) studies allow the determination of total exposure to mixtures of contaminants/pollutants that are causing growing concern in human health risk assessment regardless of the route of exposure and taking into account personal characteristics and individual lifestyles [4,5]
HBM studies allow the assessment of exposure trends, and comparison of the data obtained with the available reference guidelines and/or with the values obtained for control groups will allow, if necessary, corrective actions [6]
Summary
HBM studies allow the determination of total exposure to mixtures of contaminants/pollutants that are causing growing concern in human health risk assessment regardless of the route of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or dermal uptake) and taking into account personal characteristics and individual lifestyles [4,5]. The HBM4EU initiative, a European project with 30 participating countries, including Portugal, and with the support of the European Environment Agency (https://www.hbm4eu.eu/; accessed on 28 October 2021), is coordinating and advancing HBM across Europe It has defined a list of priority hazardous substances including, but not limited to, emerging substances, flame retardants, phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides, benzophenones, mycotoxins, and some heavy metals and metalloids [12]. By integrating the main challenges and lessons learned from Portuguese HBM studies, the main potential health risks are reviewed, contributing to improve and supporting the implementation of safety, health, and environment policies in Europe
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