This article is part of the supplement: Ethics and communication in human biomonitoring: European perspectives

Review

Conceptual framework for a Danish human biomonitoring program

Marianne Thomsen¹ , Lisbeth E Knudsen^2,3 , Katrin Vorkamp³ , Marie Frederiksen² , Hanne Bach¹ , Eva Cecilie Bonefeld-Jorgensen⁴ , Suresch Rastogi³ , Patrik Fauser¹ , Teddy Krongaard⁵ and Peter Borgen Sorensen⁶

¹National Environmental Research Institute, University of Aarhus, Department of Policy Analysis, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark

²Institute of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, DK-1014 København K, Denmark

³National Environmental Research Institute, University of Aarhus, Department of Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark

⁴Unit of Cellular & Molecular Toxicology, Institute of Public Health, University of Aarhus, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark

⁵National Environmental Research Institute, University of Aarhus, Department of Atmospheric Environment, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark

⁶National Environmental Research Institute, University of Aarhus, Department of Terrestrial Ecology, DK-8600 Silkeborg, Denmark

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Environmental Health 2008, 7(Suppl 1):S3doi:10.1186/1476-069X-7-S1-S3

Published:	5 June 2008

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present the conceptual framework for a Danish human biomonitoring (HBM) program. The EU and national science-policy interface, that is fundamental for a realization of the national and European environment and human health strategies, is discussed, including the need for a structured and integrated environmental and human health surveillance program at national level. In Denmark, the initiative to implement such activities has been taken. The proposed framework of the Danish monitoring program constitutes four scientific expert groups, i.e. i. Prioritization of the strategy for the monitoring program, ii. Collection of human samples, iii. Analysis and data management and iv. Dissemination of results produced within the program. This paper presents the overall framework for data requirements and information flow in the integrated environment and health surveillance program. The added value of an HBM program, and in this respect the objectives of national and European HBM programs supporting environmental health integrated policy-decisions and human health targeted policies, are discussed.

In Denmark environmental monitoring has been prioritized by extensive surveillance systems of pollution in oceans, lakes and soil as well as ground and drinking water. Human biomonitoring has only taken place in research programs and few incidences of e.g. lead contamination. However an arctic program for HBM has been in force for decades and from the preparations of the EU-pilot project on HBM increasing political interest in a Danish program has developed.