Biological monitoring is a process of measuring and analysing substances in biological samples, such as blood, urine, or breath, to determine an individual’s level of exposure to hazardous substances. The aim of biological monitoring is to identify potential health risks and to evaluate the effectiveness of exposure control measures.

How reliable is biological monitoring?
Biological monitoring can provide a more accurate and reliable assessment of exposure than air monitoring or other methods, as it reflects the actual uptake and metabolism of the hazardous substance in a worker’s body.

These types of measurement can be used to help with exposure control in several ways:

• It can help to identify workers who may be at increased risk of adverse health effects from exposure to hazardous substances. By measuring the levels of a substance in a worker’s sample, it is possible to determine if an employee has been exposed to hazardous levels of a substance. It will identify if they require protection (PPE) and/or medical surveillance. This information can be used to adjust exposure control measures, such as providing extraction or improving ventilation.
• It can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of existing exposure control measures. By measuring the levels of a substance in workers’ samples over time, it is possible to determine whether exposure has been reduced as a result of improvements in control measures or changes in production.
• Selective biological monitoring can be used to identify sources of exposure in the workplace. By analysing the levels of a substance in workers’ biological samples, it is possible to determine which processes or tasks are associated with the highest levels of exposure. This information can be used to target exposure control measures more effectively and to identify areas where additional monitoring or control measures may be required.
• Biological monitoring can help to promote worker awareness of the risks associated with exposure to workplace substances. By providing workers with feedback on their results, they can better understand the risks associated with their work and can take appropriate steps to protect themselves. This might include improving personal hygiene, wearing appropriate PPE, and reporting any symptoms or concerns to their employer in a timely fashion.

Why should biological monitoring be used in the workplace?
Biological monitoring is a valuable tool for providing feedback on the effectiveness of exposure control in the workplace. By providing accurate and reliable information on exposure levels, it can help to identify workers at risk of adverse health effects, evaluate the effectiveness of control measures, identify sources of exposure, and promote worker awareness of the risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances.

Employers should consider implementing biological monitoring as part of a comprehensive occupational health programme to ensure the health and safety of their workforce.

Get in touch with us if you would like to implement biological monitoring in your workplace.