Unit of Environmental Epidemiology
The activities of the unit are focused on following major themes:
- Causes of asthma and allergy
- Health effects of air pollution
- Health risks related to noise
- Health effects related to residential greenness
- Molecular epidemiology
- Health risk assessment
Several studies are performed on health risks related to ambient air pollution, including effects in the cardiovascular system and respiratory tract. Both effects of short- and long-term exposure are of interest. Cardiovascular and metabolic effects of community noise are also investigated. Health effects related to residential greenness is investigated in several studies. Major research activities are focused on risk factors for asthma and allergy in children, partly based on a large birth cohort (BAMSE). Molecular biomarkers are used to assess interactions between environmental and hereditary factors as well as to better characterize exposure and health effects.
Most projects are conducted in international collaboration and aim to strengthen the basis for environmental health risk assessment. Such assessments are performed for both international and national organizations and authorities, and are often based on research conducted within the unit.