The HBM4EU chromates study – Outcomes and impacts on EU policies and occupational health practices

Santonen T, Louro H, Bocca B, Bousoumah R, Duca RC, Fucic A, Galea KS, Godderis L, Göen T, Iavicoli I, Janasik B, Jones K, Leese E, Leso V, Ndaw S, Poels K, Porras SP, Ruggieri F, Silva MJ, Van Nieuwenhuyse A, Verdonck J, Wasowicz W, Tavares A, Sepai O, Scheepers PTJ, Viegas S (2023)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2023

Journal

International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health Elsevier

Book Volume: 248

Article Number: 114099

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114099

Abstract

Within the EU human biomonitoring initiative (HBM4EU), a targeted, multi-national study on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) was performed. Cr(VI) is currently regulated in EU under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) and under occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation. It has recently been subject to regulatory actions to improve its risk management in European workplaces. Analysis of the data obtained within the HBM4EU chromates study provides support both for the implementation of these regulatory actions and for national enforcement programs and may also contribute to the updating of occupational limit values (OELs) and biological limit values for Cr(VI). It also provides useful insights on the contribution of different risk management measures (RMMs) to further reduce the exposure to Cr(VI) and may support the evaluation of applications for authorisation under REACH. Findings on chrome platers’ additional per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure highlight the need to also pay attention to this substance group in the metals sector. A survey performed to evaluate the policy relevance of the HBM4EU chromates study findings supports the usefulness of the study results. According to the responses received from the survey, the HBM4EU chromates study was able to demonstrate the added value of the human biomonitoring (HBM) approach in assessment and management of occupational exposure to Cr(VI). For future occupational studies, we emphasise the need for engagement of policy makers and regulators throughout the whole research process to ensure awareness, relevance and uptake of the results in future policies.

Authors with CRIS profile

Thomas Göen Lehrstuhl für Arbeits-, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin

Involved external institutions

New University of Lisbon / Universidade Nova de Lisboa PT Portugal (PT) Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL) / Catholic University of Leuven BE Belgium (BE) Italian National Health Institute / Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) IT Italy (IT) Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) / Työterveyslaitos (TTL) FI Finland (FI) Health & Safety Laboratory GB United Kingdom (GB) Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (NIOM) PL Poland (PL) INRS Institut National de Recherche et Sécurité FR France (FR) Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS) LU Luxembourg (LU) UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) GB United Kingdom (GB) Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II IT Italy (IT) Radboud University Nijmegen NL Netherlands (NL) IOM Institute of Occupational Medicine GB United Kingdom (GB) Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health HR Croatia (HR)

How to cite

APA:

Santonen, T., Louro, H., Bocca, B., Bousoumah, R., Duca, R.C., Fucic, A.,... Viegas, S. (2023). The HBM4EU chromates study – Outcomes and impacts on EU policies and occupational health practices. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 248. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114099

MLA:

Santonen, Tiina, et al. "The HBM4EU chromates study – Outcomes and impacts on EU policies and occupational health practices." International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 248 (2023).

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