Implementation of biomonitoring programme will enable India detect health trends early, participate in global efforts to address common environmental, health challenges
The strength of human biomonitoring lies in its ability to directly quantify the amount of chemicals inside the human body. Photo: iStock India’s chemical industry is experiencing a significant growth, positioning itself as the sixth largest producer of chemicals globally and the third in Asia. The sector contributes a substantial 7 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product.
With a wide range of around 80,000 commercial products, India plays a crucial role in the global chemical market, representing 2.5 per cent of global chemical sales and exporting to more than 175 countries. It is estimated that by 2025, this sector is poised to reach a value of $304 billion, with a growth rate of 9.3 per cent.
The country is taking measures to transform itself into a global manufacturing hub for chemicals and petrochemicals and help realise the vision of the country becoming a $5 trillion dollar economy, according to the report published by the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers in 2022.
Also, India is a significant consumer of chemicals, despite its per capita consumption being lower than that of numerous other countries. Industries, ranging from agriculture to manufacturing, play a role in driving the demand for various chemical substances.
The country’s utilisation of chemicals encompasses a broad spectrum of products, including fertilisers, pesticides, industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods. This consumption is influenced by factors such as population growth, urbanisation, industrial development and agricultural practices.
Although the country’s rapid growth as an economic hub in the chemical industry is exciting, it also necessitates an urgent resolution of public health challenges. It is critical to thoroughly investigate the impact of chemicals on human health, particularly focusing on vulnerable demographics such as children, pregnant women and the elderly.
Also, a significant concern is that people working in related industries may be exposed to harmful chemicals due to occupational hazards. This includes the workforce of chemical manufacturing plants, industries where chemicals are extensively utilised and various manufacturing facilities. This highlights the urgent need for monitoring the impacts of chemical exposure and framing stringent regulations and protective measures to safeguard the health and well-being of workers.
The human biomonitoring (HBM) serves as a vital tool for researchers to measure the presence of chemicals within the human body, predominantly in hair, blood, urine and other bodily tissues. This enables scientists to conduct more rigorous studies on overall exposures and aids policymakers in regulating chemicals in food, consumer products and the surrounding environment.
HBM’s strength lies in its ability to directly quantify the amount of chemicals inside the human body. The internal exposure data are scientifically more relevant for risk assessments than extrapolations from chemical concentrations in the environment that surrounds the human body such as soil, air, or water. For instance, the quantity of pesticides reaching inside the human body sounds more alarming and scientific for risk assessors than what it is in the soil, air, and water.
Given that everyone is regularly exposed to chemicals through air, water, soil, food and consumer products, the significance of HBM studies is critical. The United States, Canada, Germany, South Korea, Japan, China and several European Union countries like Germany, Czech Republic and Belgium have already recognised the importance of HBM and have mandated national HBM programmes as part of their policies.
These countries actively analyse and monitor the presence of ‘chemicals of concern’ within the bodies of their citizens to ensure better public health and compliance with regulations. This monitoring can help identify whether banned chemicals, supposed to be absent, are inadvertently making their way into the human body.
Human biomonitoring programmes typically analyse a range of chemicals to assess exposure levels within populations. These chemicals include:
These chemicals, along with many others, are analysed due to their potential significant health impacts, such as reproductive disorders, cancers and neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular and immune defects.
Many other countries are investing in the research related to HBM and are in the process of establishing their national HBM programme. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ireland has funded a project to assess the feasibility of establishing a national HBM programme, including preparing a national chemical priority list to guide monitoring efforts and regulatory measures. The principal investigator of the study, Alison Connolly, said:
HBM surveys provide essential information to regulatory agencies and policymakers to manage the health and environmental risks associated with chemicals. The HBM4IRE project outputs will be crucial for designing the framework for newly developed national HBM programmes and serve as a blueprint for other countries in constructing their chemical prioritisation strategies.
These initiatives emphasise the urgent need for other countries to prioritise investment in research and development related to HBM studies. In addition, establishing national HBM programmes is crucial as they enable proactive measures to mitigate exposure to hazardous chemicals. By using the insights gained through biomonitoring, countries can implement preventive and protective measures effectively, thereby safeguarding public health and environmental well-being.
Among the Indian population, a national HBM programme can help in evaluating the levels of exposure to environmental pollutants, general pollutants and emerging contaminants. This information is critical for understanding the potential health risks associated with various exposures. The data generated by such a programme can form the basis for developing evidence-based policies related to environmental protection, occupational health and public health. It can also help in formulating regulations aimed at reducing exposure to harmful substances in the country.
Implementation of a biomonitoring programme would enable India to compare its population’s exposure levels with those of other countries. This comparative analysis can offer insights into global trends, facilitate collaboration on research and contribute to international efforts to address common environmental and health challenges.
Biomonitoring can also play a role in the early detection of health trends and patterns, enabling proactive measures to be taken in response to emerging health threats. The proactive approach can enhance the country’s preparedness and response capabilities.
While there may be challenges in implementing such a programme, including financial and logistical considerations, the potential benefits in terms of public health, environmental protection and scientific knowledge make a human biomonitoring programme a worthwhile consideration for India.
Richa Singh is research scientist, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin. Formerly Programme Manager, Municipal Solid Waste, Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi. Views expressed are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth.
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