Line 1.1 – Human Biomonitoring (HBM) 

Human biomonitoring involves analyzing biological matrices—such as urine, blood, or hair—to measure chemical exposure in the population. This method is a vital tool in public health, providing insights into: 

• Sources of chemical exposure 
• Temporal and geographic exposure trends 
• Vulnerable groups within the population 
• Provides feedback on the effectiveness of environmental policies 

B-EHRG conducts HBM research through two key sub-lines: 

1.1.1 – HBM during Pregnancy, Childhood, and Adolescence 

This line of research is primarily conducted through the INMA Project (Childhood and Environment), which studies the effects of environmental pollutants on children’s health during prenatal and postnatal stages (from birth to adulthood). With over 3,900 participants across six Spanish cohorts, the project examines contaminants such as heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, pesticides, parabens, phthalates, perfluorinated compounds, and phenols, among others. 

These exposures are linked to outcomes such as neurodevelopment, respiratory health, and obesity and their impact on them determined. One landmark finding was the detection of high levels of methylmercury in umbilical cord samples, with 68% of newborns exceeding the EPA's safety threshold for neurodevelopment. This finding prompted a revision of dietary fish consumption guidelines during pregnancy and early childhood by several agencies such as the European Environmental Agency (EEA) and the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) 

1.1.2 – Biomonitoring in the General Population 

In adults, B-EHRG collaborates in two major European initiatives: 

• HBM4EU (Human Biomonitoring for Europe) 
• PARC (European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals) 

Both aim to evaluate the health risks posed by hazardous chemical substances across the European Union. 

Locally, the group developed a comprehensive methodology to assess the potential environmental and health impacts of a municipal waste to energy plant in Gipuzkoa. This includes: 

• Air pollutant measurement 
• Body burden analysis of contaminants in residents 
• Soil and locally produced food contamination assessments 
• Short- and long-term population health evaluations 

LINE 1.2 – Estimation of environmental and social factors related to the urban environment

This research line examines the environmental and social factors of the urban environment and their impact on health. The European Environment Agency, in its report Urban Environment, highlighted that by 2020, 80% of the European population would be living in urban areas. The expansion of urban settings has led to an increase in the number of people exposed to air pollution, noise, hostile or violent environments, reduced green spaces, poorer social cohesion and interactions, and marked social inequalities. Through various projects, this line of research assesses environmental exposure in the urban environment, particularly among vulnerable populations.

1.2.1. Estimation of environmental exposure to the urban environment in Vulnerable population

In pregnant women and children, the INMA and UGARE (Urban Green Activity Reproductive Effects) projects have assessed the quality of the urban environment by measuring air pollution, contaminants in water, electromagnetic fields, noise, and residential greenness. The INMA-Gipuzkoa project includes urban areas characterized by low population density and high industrial activity. The UGARE project, carried out in Donostia and Barcelona, evaluates walkability and air pollution and their relationship with mental health, physical activity, and childbirth complications. The “Muro Verde” (Green Wall) project, conducted in school settings in Bilbao, has assessed air pollution and noise levels in school playgrounds, as well as students’ perceptions of these two environmental pollutants.

1.2.2. Estimation of environmental exposure to the urban environment

In the general population, the Health Survey of the Basque Autonomous Community (ESCAV) provides information on the status and trends of health, health determinants, and the use of health services from a community perspective. This survey collects data on health and social determinants, including urban characteristics such as noise, green spaces, and walkability. With a sample of 14,000 individuals, the research group analyzes health trends and related risk factors with the aim of improving urban and health policy planning.