Table 2.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria for participation in the joint HBM4EU survey.

Inclusion criteria

•Sampling period: samples collected between 2014 and 2020. • More specifically this may include: (i) Completed studies with available biobanked samples (ii) Studies that were initiated before the start of the HBM4EU project but sampling fell within the stipulated timeframe (iii) New studies, adopting the HBM4EU protocols •Study targets general population and includes both male and female subjects within the selected age groups (children 6-11y, teenagers 12-19y, young adults 20-39y) •Availability of a basic set of variables (see Supplementary Table 1) •Analyse HBM4EU priority substance groups as proposed per age group •Analysis performed in a laboratory that successfully passed the HBM4EU quality assurance quality control (QA/QC) programme •Sampling conditions and sample storage conditions are consistent with specific technical requirements as specified by the quality assurance unit of HBM4EU •Demonstrated ethical approval and permission to transfer the individual data for statistical analysis at EU level •Compliance with the HBM4EU data management plan and data policy

Exclusion criteria

•Residents of hotspot areas for 1st set HBM4EU priority chemicals (e.g. industrially contaminated sites or known historical contamination sites) •Patient populations •Institutionalized citizens •Targeted occupational groups