EHEN policy brief - Unravelling the Exposome: A Call for Policy Action on Environmental and Public Health

The policy brief highlights key research findings, emphasising that environmental factors, from air pollution to chemical exposure, significantly contribute to the burden of non-communicable diseases. It calls for targeted interventions and transformative policies that prioritise health and sustainability, including:

✅ Expanding urban green spaces and designing walkable neighbourhoods to promote health and well-being.

✅ Stronger regulations on chemicals, particularly endocrine-disrupting compounds, to safeguard public health.

✅ Prioritising early-life interventions, as prenatal and childhood exposures have lasting health consequences.

✅ Tackling air and noise pollution in economically disadvantaged regions, where communities face higher exposure risks.

✅ Clarifying data consent laws to enable vital exposome research while protecting individual privacy.

With support from the EU’s Horizon2020 programme, EHEN researchers have developed innovative tools such as exposome maps and occupational exposure databases, which provide invaluable insights for policymakers. By leveraging these resources, European leaders can implement evidence-based solutions to reduce environmental health risks.

Read the full policy brief here.