The role of biological monitoring in the evaluation of the risk of from chemical compounds

Over the years, the assessment of the risk to human health from occupational and environmental exposure to chemicals has become increasingly important. Exposure to chemicals, their biochemical effects and individual susceptibility can be estimated by biological monitoring carried out on potentially exposed subjects. Valid markers are needed to be effectively used within the framework of biological monitoring programs. Quality assurance, which includes all those activities necessary to provide adequate confidence that the results of laboratory test are reliable, is of the utmost importance. Among these activities the participation in external quality assessment schemes is strongly recommended. Biological monitoring has a key role also in the field of human reproduction since the level of exposure to many chemicals which are known or suspected to be reproductive toxicants can be assessed by specialized laboratories.