Disease outbreaks in recent years have expanded public appreciation for linkage between an emerging environmental hazard and health outcomes. Oftentimes, there is not sufficient information to gauge health risk from emerging biological contaminants in the environment nor sufficient collaboration and communication between public health and environmental sectors to coordinate a response. Building a bridge between the expertise of environmental and public health sectors would help to fill this gap.
This guidance document about biological contaminants of emerging concern (BioCEC) is intended for public health and environmental professionals and is rooted in the “One Health” framework. It aims to broaden and deepen technical knowledge and expedite quality regulatory decision-making while protecting human health and the environment. It builds upon the Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC) Framework that was published in December 2023 and is meant to provide guidance for states to identify and evaluate the broad range of contaminants and pathogens covered by the term BioCEC.
BioCEC are diverse, and the risks they pose are varied; therefore, it is important to note that this guidance is not comprehensive and will not identify specific risks. This guidance can, however, aid entities as they assess the risk for their unique circumstances. The scope of this guidance is driven in part by the ITRC team’s capacity and the expertise of the team members/volunteers.
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