PROGRAMME

Chemicals are part of our daily lives, and we are exposed to multiple chemicals through multiple pathways. Relevant scientific evidence contributing to regulation of hazardous chemicals requires a holistic approach to assess simultaneous exposure to multiple compounds. In this sense, recent advances in analytical chemistry are crucial to obtain a more complete view of human exposure to organic chemicals. Human fetus is particularly susceptible to chemical exposures, with effects of such exposures not only appear during early postnatal and childhood periods, but could also influence health and disease later in life. An exploratory study to characterize the human chemical exposome was conducted in maternal blood and placenta samples, available from the BISC mother-child cohort (Barcelona Life Cohort Study, http://projectebisc.org). Ultimate HRMS-based approaches were applied including wide-scope target and suspect screening (for >2300 and >10000 chemicals, respectively). Dozens of chemicals were determined including pesticides, personal care products or industrial compounds, among others, in the range of ng·mL-1. In parallel, sewage sludge from the wastewater treatment plants serving the residence areas of the studied population was also screened to evaluate its potential use as a proxy of the human body and its application in early warning systems to prevent chemical threats.