An introduction to BASIC Guide: human biomonitoring and surveillance of chemical exposure in occupational settings

Abstract

Human biomonitoring (HBM) complements air and surface measurements by integrating exposure from all routes and sources, strengthening occupational exposure assessment and control. In occupational settings, HBM can quantify exposure during routine work and nonroutine activities, evaluate controls, investigate incidents (potential overexposures), and support medical surveillance. To use HBM to its full potential, occupational health and safety professionals (OHPs) should adopt harmonized biomonitoring approaches reflecting best practice. This short communication presents the BASIC Guide series (Human Biomonitoring and Surveillance of Chemical Exposure in Occupational Settings), initiated by the International Society of Exposure Science Human Biomonitoring working group (ISES Europe HBM WG) as an integral part of the HBM Global Network. These chemical-specific practical documents operationalize the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) occupational biomonitoring guidance, supporting the consistent implementation of exposure biomonitoring programs. Each BASIC Guide provides clear instructions on biomarker selection, sample handling, analytical methods, quality assurance, and result interpretation and communication. By translating international frameworks into actionable protocols, the BASIC Guides improve reproducibility and regulatory alignment in occupational HBM and enable more defensible exposure assessments worldwide.