AB Biomonitoring Ltd (ABB) was founded in 1998 by Drs J P Aston and R L Ball, both former Shell employees, with a view to developing and commercialising rapid, cost-effective screening methods for monitoring occupational exposure in the chemical / petrochemical industry. Using their unique know-how ABB scientists select biomarkers and develop simple, rapid and cost effective tests. Research efforts during the last 3 years have focused on the development of methods of monitoring occupational exposure to a range of carcinogenic chemicals including, benzene, ethylene oxide, and propylene oxide.
	Founders & Research Scientists: Dr. J.P. Aston: Dr. Aston has a BSc Hons in Biochemistry, and a PhD University of Wales College of Medicine, UK, for the studies of antibody production and immunoassay development in the field of clinical endocrinology. He has over 15 years post-doctoral experience and has published in excess of 30 papers in the scientific literature and textbooks. Dr Aston has more than 9 years experience working in industry including employment at Shell Research Ltd (UK), and Shell International Chemicals (Netherlands). Dr. Aston is currently coordinator of a major European program addressing biomonitoring of cancer causing substances for routine industry application. Dr. R.L. Ball: Dr Ball has a BSc Hons and PhD in Applied Biology. At Shell Research Ltd (UK) he developed, published and patented immunoanalytical methods for the analysis of low molecular weight compounds in biomedical and environmental monitoring programs, trace residue analysis and the quality monitoring of group products. At Shell International Chemicals (Netherlands), he developed biomedical assays for monitoring of human exposure to carcinogenic compounds, and progressing programs to monitor occupational exposure to benzene, ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Current Research & Development <links to Research/Dev sub page>