Together, we build a European Exposure Science Strategy
Occupational and environmental assessments should extend beyond chemical exposures to consider multiple and co-occurring hazards, including biological agents. Even in the absence of a dedicated legal framework, routine assessment of microorganisms and their metabolites is essential to build the evidence base needed for developing robust and effective regulation.
Climate change further amplifies biological risks: extreme events such as floods can increase indoor microbial contamination, while changes in temperature and humidity affect microbial growth and airborne dissemination. Optimizing ventilation strategies and monitoring specific environments and occupational settings are key to preventing outbreaks and supporting pandemic preparedness.
Exposure to biological agents can pose serious health effects, yet assessment and risk evaluation remain challenging. Biological exposures often co-occur with chemical exposures, creating combined health risks. Unlike chemicals, biological hazards—including antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) organisms—depend on viability and host susceptibility, requiring tailored approaches. Applying a One Health perspective is essential, as human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected. Harmonization of sampling strategies and analytical methods is crucial to ensure fit-for-purpose assessments, whether for routine monitoring, surveillance, or identification of potential occupational disease agents.
Effective prevention requires multidisciplinary collaboration, integrating expertise from microbiology, epidemiology, occupational health, and indoor air quality. Evidence-based guidance and communication tools are also needed to inform policymakers, professionals from other disciplines, and the general public.
Build a multidisciplinary network of experts in bioaerosols and microbial contamination across One Health, indoor air quality, and occupational health & safety.
Promote harmonization and consensus on terminology, data collection, and methodological approaches tailored to different assessment objectives.
Bridge the gap between laboratory research, field studies, and policy implementation to advance evidence-based prevention strategies for biological agents.