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 means of determining the parent compounds, their metabolites, or even their reaction products in biological matrices. HBM studies performed among the Portuguese population are dispersed and limited. Thus, to overcome this knowledge gap, this work reviews the published Portuguese HBM information concerning mycotoxins detected in the urine, serum, milk, hair, and nails of different groups of the Portuguese population. This integrative approach to the available HBM data allows us to analyze the main determinants and patterns of exposure of the Portuguese population to the selected hazardous compounds, as well as to assess the potential health risks. We also aimed to identify the main difficulties and challenges of HBM through the analysis of the enrolled studies. Ultimately, this study aims to support national and European policies in promoting human health by summarizing the most important outcomes and lessons learned through the HBM studies carried out in Portugal.
Highlights
In everyday life, humans are exposed to a broad range of hazardous substances and their mixtures, which are present in air, soil, water, and food
human biomonitoring (HBM) studies allow the determination of total exposure to mixtures of contaminants/pollutants with growing concern for human health risk assessments, 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 helps to assess the health risks for exposed individuals and to conduct corrective actions if necessary [6]
Summary
Humans are exposed to a broad range of hazardous substances and their mixtures, which are present in air, soil, water, and food. 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 helps to assess the health risks for exposed individuals and to conduct corrective actions if necessary [6]. 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 22 December 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 through Portuguese HBM studies, the main potential health risks are reviewed, contributing support for safety, health, and environment policies in Europe
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