HUMAN BIOMONITORING FOR TOXIC METALS – A REVIEW OF THE CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES
HUMAN BIOMONITORING FOR TOXIC METALS – A REVIEW OF THE CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES

Summary/Abstract: Exposure to excessive levels of toxic metals, resulting from both occupational and environmental pollution, is a global problem that is increasingly drawing attention. Measures related to the reliable evaluation of their impact on human health provide opportunities for the effective implementation of health policies aimed at reducing high exposures to these xenobiotics. Along with toxic metals, the role of inorganic nanoparticles (iNPs) as another potential pollutant is increasingly being discussed in this context. Nanomedicine has made revolutionary progress in the development of various applications of iNPs over the past decade. NPs are used in the production of antibacterial and antiviral agents, contrast agents, drug carriers, and in the process of photothermal anticancer therapies. In this regard, human biomonitoring (HBM) studies are increasingly planned as a preventive measure, providing continuous observation, control, and prognosis of the population's exposure to environmental pollutants. According to the World Health Organization, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) are among the most hazardous xenobiotics for human health. Children and adolescents are at particularly high risk of neurotoxic effects due to increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Besides, the level of respiratory and gastrointestinal absorption by children is higher per unit of body weight than in adults. This facilitates accumulation, especially in neural tissue, whereby even low-dose exposure is clinically significant. It is scientifically proven that neurological and behavioral disorders manifested as a result of heavy metal intoxication are dose-dependent and irreversible. They are expressed in learning deficits, mental retardation, and reduced intelligence quotient. Aim: The aim of the following review is to focus on the available analytical laboratory methods and biomarkers for the evaluation of intoxication with Pb, Cd, As, Hg, and iNPs. Additionally, the review aims to summarize the contemporary challenges to clinical-laboratory practice in this regard, including gaps in the availability of a harmonized diagnostic approach and quality assurance tools. Conclusion: The analysis of previous studies reporting the results of the first harmonized HBM studies in Europe emphasizes the importance of implementing measures to overcome the variability in interlaboratory methodological approaches. The continued development of efficient analytical methods and fit-for-purpose biomarkers is of leading importance for the reliability of conducting HBM research and integrating it into health policies.

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