Biomonitoring
What Is Biomonitoring?
Biomonitoring is the laboratory analysis of blood, urine, serum, saliva, and other body fluids to identify the burden of certain chemicals present in the human body. Biomonitoring allows us to recognize the populations that are exposed to and potentially affected by chemicals in the environment. When combined with a nationwide system for tracking chronic diseases, biomonitoring can provide the information necessary for public health departments, health care providers, and policymakers to identify and address public health threats. A 1999 study of biomonitoring data provided information for the first National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, published in 2001 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); the report can be accessed at www.cdc.gov/nceh/dls/report.
Biomonitoring constitutes an important part of the nationwide chronic disease monitoring and tracking network needed by the United States. It confirms that an exposure has occurred and that varying amounts of toxins are present in the human body. This data must be overlaid with current environmental hazard tracking done by Environmental agencies and the clinical tracking of incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases and conditions. Only when all of the information is complete can we systematically identify and analyze the relationships between human exposure to environmental hazards and the incidence and prevalence of certain diseases and conditions in that same population.
Biomonitoring in Montana
Montana received funding starting in October 2001 as a member of the six state Rocky Mountain Biomonitoring Consortium. This Consortium is funded 100% by federal funds from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The funding has allowed States to assess needs and create a collaborative plan. In Montana the funding supports a project coordinator who along with an epidemiologist have worked with an Advisory Group to develop a list of prioritized environmental risks and potential pilot projects. Other States in the Consortium include; Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. All six states share common environmental problems. Funding was renewed in the summer of 2003 and the Consortium will begin collaborative efforts on two demonstration projects. The budget for the consortium is coordinated among the member states.
Rocky Mountain Biomonitoring Consortium Executive Summary
