• Project number: F 2608
• Institution: Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA)
• Status: Ongoing Project
• Planned end: 2028-08-31

Description:

In occupational medicine, biomonitoring refers to the analysis of biological samples such as blood or urine to determine whether, and to what extent, workers have absorbed hazardous substances. It helps occupational physicians identify individual exposures resulting from work-related activities and thus contributes to the assessment of potential health risks. Biomonitoring is a component of occupational health surveillance (Section 6 (2) of the German Ordinance on Preventive Occupational Health Care – ArbMedVV).

Beyond monitoring individual workers, biomonitoring can also provide insights into the extent to which employees are exposed to hazardous substances during specific tasks or at certain workplaces. For this purpose, measurement data from workers with comparable working conditions must be collected representatively and analysed statistically while safeguarding personal data and privacy. Systematic approaches for this type of evaluation have so far been scarcely established in practice.

The project investigates the feasibility of biomonitoring measurement strategies under real workplace conditions. The entire process - from planning and data evaluation to deriving control measures and communicating results - is professionally prepared and supported using standardised procedures and template measurement plans. The actual data collection is carried out independently and under their own responsibility by the participating occupational physicians within their companies.

The findings and experiences will be incorporated into practical guidelines for occupational physicians. These guidelines are intended to promote a standardised approach, facilitate the implementation of biomonitoring campaigns, and contribute to the further development of occupational health regulations.