Identification, Evaluation and Prioritization of Chemicals for National Human Biomonitoring Program: Insights from Latvia

Human biomonitoring (HBM) is a critical tool for assessing chemical exposure in populations and informing public health policies. This study aimed to prioritize chemical substances for the development of a national HBM program in Latvia, addressing the need for systematic evaluation of chemicals in the local context. Initially, 318 chemical substances were reviewed, of which 130 were shortlisted and assessed using an adapted Hanlon methodology. Substances were assessed based on their health significance, hazardous properties, exposure characteristics, national relevance, and public interest. The results identified 30 high-priority substances across various categories, providing a foundation for the HBM4LV program. This prioritization process highlighted the challenges of data gaps, resource limitations, and the need to balance national priorities with alignment to European frameworks. Despite addressing key methodological challenges, the study highlights the importance for ongoing refinement, robust data collection, and strengthened international collaboration to enhance the program’s scope and long-term sustainability. While the methodology addressed key challenges, further refinement and international collaboration are essential to enhance the program’s scope and sustainability.