Human biomonitoring in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): A systematic review

The aim of this review was to summarise the available HBM data in DRC in order to provide recommendations for developing the HBM field. We performed a systematic search of PubMed/MedLine, EMBASE, and ISI Web of Science for papers on exposure levels to chemicals in DR C (2009-2019). A total of 12 papers were found: 9 in Kinshasa (75.0%) and 3 in Katanga (25.0%). Globally, the results reveal concern about exposure levels to environmental chemicals, mostly heavy metals. Some studies connected HBM data to negative health effects (preeclampsia, birth defects, children's temperament difficulties, holoprosencephaly) demonstrating the importance of regulation in occupational and environmental settings. The recommendations of this review include expanding HBM studies as well as the number of environmental chemicals; and establishment of a national HBM laboratory for developing and/or enhancing the capacity of DRC to undertake a national policy-related HBM