Introduction Biomonitoring and atmospheric metrology are complementary approaches to assess occupational exposure to chemicals. The ANSES working group on biomarkers of exposure (WGBME) has developed an approach to derive Biological Limit Value (BLV) for occupational priority substances.

Objectives The aim of this commuication is to present the approach as we as the derived BLV for the priotity substances.

Methods Based on available data and using a decision tree, 4 types of BLV may be derived: a BLV based on a health effect for substances with threshold effects, a BLV based on an Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL), a BLV based on a cancer risk level (10–4, 10–5 or 10–6) or a theoretical value called ‘pragmatic BLV’. When knowledge on the relationship biomarker-health effects or biomarker-exposure is lacking, no BLV is derived. Whenever possible, a Biological Reference Value (BRV) based on the 95th percentile of a non-occupationally exposed population is also proposed. BRVs are not risk-based but are part of the preventer’s toolbox.

Results Since 2011, 16 substances were assessed by the ANSES WGBME. Detailed information has been published in scientific reports which are publicly available on the ANSES website. Lead and Cadmium were the only chemicals for which BLVs based on relationship between health effect and biological levels were derived: lead BLV of 180 μg.L-1 based on neurological effects and urinary cadmium (5 μg.g-1 creatinine) and blood cadmium (4 μg.L-1) based on nephrotoxicity. BLVs (urinary concentrations) based on OELs were derived for cobalt (5 μg.g-1 creatinine), dichloromethane (0.2 mg.L-1) and styrene (40 μg.L-1). A pragmatic BLV based on OEL was calculated for chromium VI (2.5 μg.L-1). No BLV was based on cancer risk level. In addition, no BLVs but BRVs were proposed for substances such as acrylamide, beryllium, butadiene and some phtalates.

Conclusion This expertise from the ANSES WGBME has led to derive several BLV to prevent health effects in workers or to control exposure to contaminants. BLV and BRV help occupational physician to unfold prevention program and surveillance in occupational settings.