The ExpoHealthNet Cluster: Advancing Research on Environmental Stressors and Non-Communicable Diseases
The ExpoHealthNet cluster brings together seven EU-funded projects under the HORIZON Environmental and Social Health Determinants programme. These projects collectively investigate how environmental stressors contribute to the onset and progression of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
By adopting a joint research strategy, ExpoHealthNet harnesses the synergies among these sister projects to maximize the impact of their findings. The cluster will coordinate joint conferences and workshops, share knowledge and good practices, and develop policy recommendations informed by their collective insights.
Each participating project addresses distinct yet interconnected aspects of environmental exposures and NCDs:
- ENACT examines environmental stressors linked to both acute and chronic NCDs. It evaluates pollutant types, exposure levels, and individual susceptibility to develop a predictive risk assessment model.
- CLIMAIR assesses the interplay between climate change, air pollution, and chronic respiratory conditions.
- ENVESOME maps interactions between chemical and physical pollutants and their potential role in chronic disease development.
- EXPOSIGNALZ focuses on the relationship between airborne pollutants and neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular emphasis on Alzheimer’s disease.
- EXPOSIM studies the effects of environmental stressors such as air pollution, chemicals, and hazardous waste on the immune system, with attention to autoimmune diseases and allergies.
- MARKOPOLO explores the influence of noise and air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter, on neurological and cardiovascular health.
- UPRISE investigates the impact of ultrafine particles (UFPs) and micro/nano plastics (MNPs) on foetal development.
Together, these projects generate critical scientific evidence to inform policies that protect public health. ExpoHealthNet supports the translation of research into actionable solutions, empowering policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities to mitigate environmental risks and foster a healthier future for all.