With biological monitoring exposure to hazardous substances can be evaluated. This is done by determining the concentration of the substance (or metabolite) in e.g. blood, urine or exhaled air. In this way it is possible to determine how much of the substance has actually entered the body via different routes of exposure (inhalation, skin absorption and ingestion).

Biological monitoring is a valuable, cost-effective technique that can be used for e.g. substances that are easily absorbed through the skin, or to determine the effectiveness of personal protective equipment (gloves, respirators). When a substance has a biological limit value, the detected concentration can be compared with this limit value. In this way it becomes clear if the employee is exposed to the substance and whether control measures have worked adequately. Depending on the half-life of the substance information is obtained on short- or long term exposure.

The ECTS has many years of experience in biological monitoring, provides (inter)national training and works together with among others UMC St. Radboud , Health&SafetyLaboratory(UK) and the National Institute for Occupational Health (SA).

Biological monitoring in occupational health practice - More than just a technique, by H. Heussen.

For more information, please contact Henri Heussen, +31 652 501 196, henri.heussen@arbounie.nl.