Human biomonitoring in Hoboken gets underway
Press Release of the Province of Antwerp - Provincial Institute for Hygiene (PIH)
Residents living near the Umicore site in Hoboken have long been concerned about exposure to metals and its effects on their health. To obtain a clear and scientific view of the situation, a human biomonitoring study will start this fall among 200 youth aged 14-15 from Hoboken, Hemiksem, and Kruibeke. The study will assess in depth the risk to the community's health from exposure to lead, cadmium, arsenic, and soot particles.
The study will be commissioned by the Flemish government, the city of Antwerp, the province of Antwerp, and Umicore. The outcome will form an important basis for the region's future environmental and health policy.
The study is being conducted among 200 young people from Hoboken, Hemiksem and Kruibeke living within a 3 km radius of the Umicore site. Metals (lead, cadmium, and arsenic) and soot particles are measured in their blood or urine. A comparison with readings from general Flanders and with reference values will tell us more about the severity of the exposure. The results will be linked at group level to health parameters, including blood pressure, thyroid hormones, kidney function, markers for DNA damage, behavior, lung function, etc... This will allow researchers to study the effects of exposure to environmental pollution on the body.
Through human biomonitoring, pathways of exposure are studied by correlating the values of environmental pollutants in blood and urine with environmental factors (including housing characteristics, weather conditions, etc.) and lifestyle (e.g. consumption of local foods, hygiene measures, etc.). This information is obtained through questionnaires from the participants. In addition, a set of environmental measurements is conducted to support these relationships.
What is human biomonitoring?
Human biomonitoring (HBM) stands for "measuring in humans". Through measurements in blood and urine samples, among others, human exposure to chemicals can be tracked and the relationship to health effects can be examined. HBM measures early signals ("early warnings"), i.e. changes in the body even before the disease has manifested itself. The target group of adolescents is ideally suited because adolescence is a sensitive period, because youth reflect local exposure well (no historical exposure) and because there is no distortion yet because of occupational exposure.
HBM can also play an important role in raising awareness about chemical exposure in daily life. Because we measure in the body, participants are personally involved in the study. The HBM data provide information about the degree and manner of exposure of local residents and the health risk. This information will then serve to develop future environmental and health policies for the region. For Umicore, this comprehensive environmental health study will also provide more scientific information and insights into the presence of its industrial activity in the surrounding area.
Attention to participation
Throughout the study, particular attention is given to involving the local population through a participative process. From the start, their concerns and expectations are sought to ensure that the interpretation of the results will best take into account the local context. Local organizations such as local authorities, citizens' groups, schools, general practitioners, youth associations, etc. will be invited to follow the study closely in a sounding board group.
Launch of the study
Invitations to participants will be sent out in November 2022. The studies themselves will continue during 2023. Results are expected in 2024. Prior to the study's actual start, two information meetings for the general public will be organized. On Tuesday, Oct. 25, a meeting will be held in the evening at Youth and Cultural Center Gravenhof in Hoboken. On Wednesday, Oct. 26, the same information will be presented online.
Research team and funding
The study is carried out by scientists from the Provincial Institute for Hygiene (PIH) of the province of Antwerp, the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), the University of Hasselt, and the University of Antwerp.
The commissioners of this study, namely the Flemish government (Minister Hilde Crevits through the Care and Health Agency and Minister Zuhal Demir through the Environment Department and the Flemish Environment Agency), the city of Antwerp, the province of Antwerp and Umicore, are funding the research. The interaction between the researchers and commissioners is through a steering committee.
Environment Deputy Jan De Haes is pleased with this initiative: "The PIH hopes to do its part by being a leader in this thorough study and ensuring open communication."
Further monitoring of environmental impact remains important
This study complements ongoing research efforts that have been in place for years, such as the semi-annual blood tests of children in the Moretusburg and Hertogvelden areas, the lead exposure study of preschoolers in a wider perimeter in Hoboken, and the environmental measurements by the Flemish Environmental Society. These studies will mutually reinforce each other to reach an informed appreciation of the health impact of environmental exposures in the region. An overview can be found on the websites of Flanders and the City of Antwerp.
Elly Den Hond
Provinciaal Instituut voor Hygiëne
+32 59 12 66 / +32 484 06 42 65
elly.denhond@provincieantwerpen.be
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