Welcome to biomonitoringinfo.org, a resource for policymakers, scientists, educators, workers, journalists and the public on the nature and promise of biomonitoring.

Biomonitoring is a scientific technique for assessing human exposures to natural and synthetic chemicals, based on sampling and analysis of an individual's tissues and fluids. While blood, urine, breast milk and expelled air are most commonly measured, hair, nails, fat, bone and other tissues may also be sampled. This technique takes advantage of the knowledge that chemicals that have entered the human body leave markers reflecting this exposure. The marker may be the chemical itself. It may also be a breakdown product of the chemical or some change in the body that is a result of the action of the chemical on the individual.

The results of these measurements provide information about the amounts of natural and manufactured chemicals that have entered and remained in the body. Biomonitoring data do not inform us about how the chemical got into people, how long it has been there, or whether it poses any health risk. Scientists use biomonitoring results to guide further research into sources of human exposures and possible health effects and ways to reduce or prevent future exposures.

This site offers information about many aspects of biomonitoring. Users can learn about biomonitoring basics; access recent scientific results, commentaries, news reports and government updates; and, in addition, journalists can find story ideas and identify media-friendly experts on the various aspects of biomonitoring. Users will also find annotated links to other sources of information. In addition, a search engine provides readers easy access to specific information of interest to them.

• What's New — highlights and puts in context:
  Conferences — Scientific meetings and workshops, especially those intended to address the broader public policy issues regarding biomonitoring.
  Recent Studies — Published articles, original papers, high quality unpublished studies such as the second annual CDC biomonitoring report, and original scholarship, with links to text or source organization, if appropriate.
  Commentaries — Valuable insights, suggestions or commentary by Science Advisory Council members and other experts about the promise, uses and misuses of biomonitoring technology and data.
  Press Reports — Significant press coverage of biomonitoring, with links to text or source organization, if appropriate.
  Regulatory and Government Update — Periodic summary of federal and state government actions, legislation and related international developments.
• Biomonitoring Basics — A core essay on the nature of biomonitoring, sources of exposure, detection and measurement, interpretation of data and directions for research to protect public health, along with a list of sources for more information.
• Frequently Asked Questions — Key questions and answers on biomonitoring.
• Glossary — Short definitions and explanations of key biomonitoring terms.
• Biomonitoring Resources — Full text or links to important research, studies and government reports.

We hope several features will encourage information flow and help us make biomonitoringinfo.org even more valuable:

• Journalist Interviews — EHRF will help journalists locate and arrange interviews with scientists and experts on biomonitoring.
• Send Comments — E-mail your comments, ideas or questions.
• Request E-mail Alerts — Sign up to receive e-mail alerts when significant new biomonitoring developments are added to biomonitoringinfo.org.

You will find a useful text-search feature on the left side of this page.