WWF-UK: About biomonitoring
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Chemicals and Health
About biomonitoring
About biomonitoring
Biomonitoring is the scientific testing of biological samples, in this case blood, to identify the presence and levels of certain substances in the human body.
The results give a record of the chemicals to which a person has been exposed and which have been retained within the body. This information is also useful for policy makers who need to know about the extent to which chemicals are accumulating in human tissue.
The findings can be used to determine whether current regulations are adequately protecting the public from chemical risks and if they are found not to be, to decide how to rectify the situation.
The surveys are scientifically rigorous but of limited scope. WWF believes that the UK Government should follow up this work and conduct wider surveys.
The findings can be used to determine whether current regulations are adequately protecting the public from chemical risks and if they are found not to be, to decide how to rectify the situation.
Why has WWF conducted biomonitoring surveys?
The surveys aim to raise awareness of the occurrence of hazardous man-made chemicals in everyday situations and products. Through the surveys we aim to stimulate debate by discovering the extent to which specific man-made chemicals are contaminating people.The surveys are scientifically rigorous but of limited scope. WWF believes that the UK Government should follow up this work and conduct wider surveys.
What chemicals are WWF testing for?
Find out the types of man-made chemicals that we are testing for.
