Together, we build a European Exposure Science Strategy
ISES-Europe committee selected 4 poster prize winners below. Thank you for your presentations to share scientific findings with our society!
Here is the list of awardees and their poster information below!
Urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels in Slovene children and the contributing factors
This study characterizes urinary PAH metabolite concentrations in 1,816 Slovenian children (SLO-HBMII), revealing significantly elevated NAP and PYR levels when benchmarked against previous adult biomonitoring data. Spatial and regression analyses identified distinct exposure clusters in industrial and high-traffic regions, with levels further modulated by lifestyle determinants such as household biomass combustion, environmental tobacco smoke, and dietary habits. Future research will integrate these findings with geospatial datasets and explore the influence of genetic polymorphisms, specifically AhR and CYP450, on PAH metabolism.
Tracing the UV filter DHHB and its contaminant Di-n-hexylphthalate across time and age groups – results from two cycles of the German Environmental Survey (GerES)
A true crime story – how HBM successfully detected the exposure, identified the source, and thus helped to improve regulation. This poster summarizes the case of a UV filter contaminated with a reprotoxic phthalate, which was detected in Germany in 2024 and resulting in a re-evaluation of the safety of the UV filter by the SCCS, thus demonstrating the power and ability of HBM and population surveys for informing policy. (SCCS opinion: https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/sccs-scientific-advice-safety-d...)”
Advancing Occupational Exposure Models: Insights from a Case Study
At TNO we are currently working on a promising modeling approach specifically for metal fume exposure, which is a type of occupational exposure currently not covered by higher tier exposure models. A Bayesian Network was created, including 13 different modeling parameters with direct and indirect effects. The preliminary results are promising when comparing the model to measured data. In order to extend and validate this model, we are looking for additional data, specifically for hot metalworking processes. Might you have any use-cases or relevant data, please drop an email to Remy.Franken@tno.nl.
Reframing the Assessment of Fungal Exposure in Woodworking Environments
Addressing the paucity of standardized microbial assessment protocols, this study characterizes the occupational co-exposure to particulate matter, fungi, and mycotoxins across 19 woodworking environments in the Lisbon metropolitan area. By employing a multi-methodological framework that integrates environmental monitoring with cytotoxicity assays (A549 and HepG2), the research evaluates the synergistic health risks posed by these biological and chemical hazards. The findings validate this comprehensive protocol as a reproducible benchmark for future exposure assessments, advocating for the inclusion of bioaerosol monitoring alongside dust control in risk management strategies.