MRC/DH Centre for Environment and Health

There are major public and public health concerns about the effects that the environment may be having on our health. Chronic exposure to potentially toxic substances in the environment is a fact of modern life. Chemicals and other physical agents in the environment are thought to contribute, in part, to the occurrence of various childhood and chronic diseases including reproductive effects (such as low birth weight, still birth and occurrence of congenital anomalies), chest and heart problems, and several cancers. A new approach is needed which combines epidemiological studies of large groups of people with toxicological studies if we are to understand the mechanisms by which pollutants in the environment affect health. The proposed Centre, to be held jointly between Imperial College (lead institution) and King?s College London, adopts such an integrated and multidisciplinary approach. It involves leading scientists in environmental, respiratory and air pollution epidemiology, toxicology, exposure modelling, biostatistics and research on biomarkers present in blood or urine (which may indicate levels of exposure to specific polluatants and possible early biological effects). We will integrate information from both individuals and areas where people live to look at the relations between environmental exposures and health. We will combine the use of advanced geographical information systems (GIS) and statistical modelling techniques, with experimental data, analysis of biomarkers, mechanistic studies and analyses of large population cohorts. Our aims encompass both research and training. Research in the Centre and its application will include a) methods development, involving spatial and statistical modelling and environmental toxicology and mechanisms; b) investigation of priority questions in environment and health, through two integrated research themes: health effects of sources and emissions of environmental contaminants, including mixtures of chemicals from contaminated land, major industrial sources, agriculture and the water supply, and combined effects of different pollutants; and air pollution and health, including short-, medium- and long-term effects of air pollution, pollutant mixtures, and allergens on both heart and lung problems; c) improving the science base underlying the translation of this research into environmental health policy. The training programme will support an extensive programme of short courses, Masters courses, 3- and 4-year PhD studentships, and mentoring of junior and senior researchers, with the aim of fostering the next generation of researchers and research leaders in environmental health.

The environment and its possible effects on health have become major issues affecting public health and public perception of risk. Chronic exposure to potentially toxic substances in the environment is a fact of modern life. Chemicals and other physical agents in the environment are thought to contribute, in part, to the occurrence of various childhood and chronic diseases including reproductive effects, cardio-respiratory illness, and several cancers. Epidemiological and toxicological studies are required to study the effects of environmental pollutants on health among the general population, and to investigate mechanisms. Improved methods and new integrated approaches are required to provide high-quality and robust scientific evidence to inform risk assessment and underpin environmental health policies. The proposed Centre, to be held jointly between Imperial College (lead institution) and King?s College London, adopts such an integrated and multidisciplinary approach. It involves leading scientists in environmental, respiratory and air pollution epidemiology, toxicology, exposure modelling, biostatistics and biomarkers. The main conceptual thrust is to integrate individual-level and small-area analyses of environmental exposures and health ? using advanced geographical information systems and statistical modelling techniques, combined with experimental data, biomarker and mechanistic studies, and analyses of large population cohorts ? to tackle environmental health problems of public health and scientific importance. The Centre will take advantage of, and develop the national Small Area Health Statistics Unit (SAHSU) databases at Imperial College which include individual-level health data, and data on populations, environmental exposures and sources of environmental pollution. Aims encompass both research and training in environment and health: i) Research and its application will include a) methods development, involving spatial and statistical modelling and environmental toxicology and mechanisms; b) investigation of priority questions in environment and health, through two integrated research themes: health effects of sources and emissions of environmental contaminants, including mixtures of chemicals from contaminated land, major industrial sources, agriculture and the water supply, and combined effects of different pollutants; and air pollution and health, including short-, medium- and long-term effects of air pollution, pollutant mixtures, and allergens; c) improving the science base underlying translation into policy. There will be a research focus on vulnerable groups, especially children, the elderly, and risk of adverse reproductive effects. ii) Training will involve establishment of an extensive programme with short courses, Masters courses, 3- and 4-year PhD studentships, and mentoring of junior and senior researchers, to foster the next generation of researchers and research leaders in environmental health.