Biomonitoring enables the identification of individual stresses, and contributes to the assessment of working conditions and the checking of the effectiveness of occupational safety measures. Its goal is to prevent damage to health due to chemical substances.

Part of occupational medicine

The use of biomonitoring requires specific knowledge of hazardous substances and detailed insights into the work situation of the person under examination. It is also necessary to take individual factors which can influence the absorption and the resulting stresses and hazards into account. Company doctors are responsible for the biomonitoring of employees.

The application and development of biomonitoring processes at BAuA

BAuA uses biomonitoring to research current issues surrounding the employees' exposure to substances. In this respect, it develops new methods of analysis and makes contributions about the use of biomonitoring in occupational practice.

Can You Help Us?
Organisations needed to take part in study!

Moulds can release the toxic metabolic products known as mycotoxins in workplaces and livestock facilities where organic materials such as hay or cereals are present. These toxins find their way into the body via airborne routes and can have health-damaging effects, even in small quantities. The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, BAuA) is currently undertaking the first comprehensive investigation of these hazardous substances’ prevalence and effects with the research project "Detection of Mycotoxin Exposure of Employees at the Workplace and its Effects on the Respiratory Tract" (F 2575).

Mycotoxins in the workplace - an underestimated risk? 

Organisations needed for study of mould contamination at feed business establishments and livestock facilities

We are currently looking for organisations to help us conduct this study, in particular organisations that keep livestock and store animal feed. By participating in the project, you will make an important contribution to the improvement of occupational safety and health in your industry.

Interested? You can find further information for potential participants in our study flyer (German). You can also contact us directly at mykotoxine@baua.bund.de .