Cellule Environnement – Santé / Cel Leefmilieu – Gezondheid / Zelle Umwelt- Gesundheit 1 Updated information on Life+ proposal « DEMOCOPHES » DEMOnstration of a study to COordinate and Perform Human biomonitoring on a European Scale Consultative Forum - December 2009

Cellule Environnement – Santé / Cel Leefmilieu – Gezondheid / Zelle Umwelt- Gesundheit 2 Introduction Life+ Proposal –Submission –Evaluation No DEMOCOPHES without COPHES –Guidelines –Helpdesk –Coordination DEMOCOPHES will bring an added value to COPHES IG on HBM 20 countries ESBIO 19 countries COPHES 27 countries DEMOCOPHES 21 countries

Cellule Environnement – Santé / Cel Leefmilieu – Gezondheid / Zelle Umwelt- Gesundheit 3 Identity card of DEMOCOPHES Participants – 16 Beneficiaries + 5 Adhoc members (All members of COPHES) – FPS as coordinating beneficiary (on behalf of the Belgian EH cell) Funding : maximum 50% co-funding by the EC Timing – Evaluation of the proposal : Spring 2010 – Start : September 2010 Minimum study population – 120 Children/MS between 6-11 years – 120 Mothers/MS between years Minimum set of biomarkers – Total mercury in hair – Cadmium, cotinine and phthalates in urine

Cellule Environnement – Santé / Cel Leefmilieu – Gezondheid / Zelle Umwelt- Gesundheit 4 Objectives of DEMOCOPHES In line with the objectives of COPHES The main objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of an EU harmonised approach to HBM More detailed objectives are therefore: – To build capacity and improve the implementation/use of HBM studies in participating MS – To develop the information base for policy on EH in line with the EU Action Plan on EH – To establish tools for policy developments such as an effective and harmonized approach for the interpretation and communication of HBM results

Cellule Environnement – Santé / Cel Leefmilieu – Gezondheid / Zelle Umwelt- Gesundheit 5 Structure of DEMOCOPHES

Cellule Environnement – Santé / Cel Leefmilieu – Gezondheid / Zelle Umwelt- Gesundheit 6 Links with COPHES

Cellule Environnement – Santé / Cel Leefmilieu – Gezondheid / Zelle Umwelt- Gesundheit 7 Planning with COPHES DEMOCOPHES will start 10 months later and finish 3 months before COPHES Time periods for deliverables, milestones and reports have been adjusted 3 key meeting will be hold back to back in the MS having the EU Presidency

Cellule Environnement – Santé / Cel Leefmilieu – Gezondheid / Zelle Umwelt- Gesundheit 8 Expected results of DEMOCOPHES AT EU LEVEL 1.The demonstration of the feasibility of an EU harmonised approach 2.An EU infrastructure tested in 16 MS will be available 3.A pan European database will be established for the 4 selected biomarkers 4.The EU website will be updated and communication products will be issued AT MS LEVEL 1.National HBM framework will be developed and their units will be trained 2.National databases will be set up as a starting point for other studies 3.National storage policies of remaining samples will be introduced 4.National reports will be issued (results and policy recommendations) AT STAKEHOLDER LEVEL 1.An agreed harmonised approach will be delivered facilitating a common use of HBM for policy making. 2.National web pages will give an updated information throughout the project

Cellule Environnement – Santé / Cel Leefmilieu – Gezondheid / Zelle Umwelt- Gesundheit 9 Necessary steps after both projects At short-term – To design the outline of a more global EU programme collecting information on a representative sample of the EU population from human biomarkers as well as from a questionnaire about risk factors including clear communication strategies and scenarios for translation of scientific data into policy At mid-term – To collaborate with other existing/in development surveys coupling HBM to health interview and/or examination surveys, to house examination survey and/or to environmental biomonitoring and/or to cohort studies and/or to INSPIRE – To give the necessary information for data interpretation – To provide considerable cost savings and – To create unforeseen research, risk/benefit and policy assessment opportunities. At long-term – To assure the continuity of a EU HBM programme as a policy tool. embedding HBM survey activities in governmental institutions rather than to outsource it to academic groups even if support from the scientific community stays important in the long run.

Cellule Environnement – Santé / Cel Leefmilieu – Gezondheid / Zelle Umwelt- Gesundheit 10 Identified critical tools at EU level (based on Paris Conference, 2008) A decision making structure that brings together mandated MS representatives and EU authorities in a HBM Committee that could adopt a transparent decision making strategy with respect to choices for the future implementation of HBM, while taking into account information delivered by both projects. An advisory group of EU experts; this could start from the EU implementation group on human biomonitoring, and provide recommendations to the HBM committee. A transparent process to define EU HBM reference and health based values; this could build on the process defined for exposure limits for chemicals in the workplace and include a Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL) that provides scientific advice to the European Commission A dedicated funding for long-lasting programmes foreseen at a very early stage to avoid problems encountered with the 1st action plan Legal instruments or policies that integrate capacities, competences skills, and infrastructures (labs, biobanks).