Remarkable advances in analytical chemistry now make
it possible to measure minute levels of both natural
and synthetic compounds in human tissue and body
fluids. This “biomonitoring” allows researchers to
determine more precisely than ever the degree to which
individuals have been exposed to specific chemicals in
the environment, and how exposures change over time.
Consequently, federal and state officials increasingly
regard biomonitoring as a potential new underpinning of
environmental and public health regulations.
There is a great deal to be said in favor of basing
regulations on actual exposure data, rather than
relying on hypothetical modeling or extrapolations
of animal studies, as currently is the case. But while
biomonitoring certainly offers enormous opportunities
for increasing our knowledge and understanding of
chemical exposures, caution must be exercised in its
application and interpretation. There are limitations to
what biomonitoring can reveal, and its misuse will sow
confusion, fear and misguided policies.
In this paper, we examine current biomonitoring
programs and the benefits of their broader use. We also
describe valid interpretations of biomonitoring data and
conclude with recommendations for public policy.
