Biomonitoring
- Refers to the methodology of exposure assessment for the exposure to and health effects of environmental hazardous substances. Exposure biomarkers are used to specifically confirm the presence of hazardous substances that are absorbed into the body.
- Exposure assessment involves measuring a biomarker (hazardous substance) or its metabolite in a biological matrix such as urine or blood using biomarkers.
- A biomarker is sometimes translated as a “biological indicator” that signifies internal exposure or a health effect, and it is categorized as either an exposure biomarker or effect biomarker.
Status of Biomonitoring for Smoking Damage
- As part of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, “Biomonitoring for Smoking Damage” has been performed since 2005 (3rd survey) to assess the level of direct and indirect smoking exposure at the national level by collecting blood and urine samples from survey participants.
| Survey Period | Survey Duration (Year) | Target Population | Sample Type | Measurement Substance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd | 2005 | Ages 10+, approx. 2,000 persons | Urine | Cotinine |
| 4th | 2007-2009 | Ages 10+, approx. 2,000 persons annually | Urine | Cotinine |
| 5th | 2010-2012 | Ages 10+, approx. 2,400 persons annually | Urine | Cotinine |
| 6th | 2013-2015 | Ages 10+, approx. 7,000 persons annually | Urine | Cotinine |
| 7th | 2016-2018 | Ages 6+, approx. 7,000 persons annually | Urine | Cotinine |
| 2016-2017 | Ages 6+, approx. 3,000 persons annually | Urine | Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni) | |
| 8th | 2019-2021 | Ages 6+, approx. 2,000 persons | Blood | Nicotine, Nornicotine, Cotinine, OH-cotinine, Anabasine, |
| 9th | 2022-2024 | Ages 10+, approx. 7,000 persons annually | Urine | nicotine, nornicotine, cotinine, OH-cotinine, anabasine, lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) |
Biomarker Information Summary Sheet
- Contains information on the characteristics and related health effects of biomarkers for a total of 11 substances, including nicotine metabolites and heavy metals, that are measured and presented to assess smoking damage.
