Group | Exposome Science

The Exposome Science Group has established one of the largest chronic disease-related biobanks in Switzerland, the SAPALDIA Biobank. The biobank allows for studies of the genetic background of complex chronic diseases and related subclinical phenotypes, with a particular focus on phenotypes related to respiratory and cardiovascular health (i.e. lung function, asthma, COPD, heart rate variability, intima-media thickness and renal function).

Through international collaborations and genetics (e.g. Spirometa) as well as exposome (e.g. EXPANSE, Basel Urban Labs) consortia, staff contribute to and lead large meta-analyses to identify novel disease genes and understand how they modify susceptibility to lifestyle and environmental factors. We also contribute and lead broad analyses on the health effects of the broad exposome and on the mediating molecular pathways. Studies of the interaction of inherited genetic and epigenetic susceptibility factors with exposomel factors are a major focus of the group. 

Air Pollution and Health

Our long-standing expertise – nested across all groups of the Chronic Disease Epidemiology unit and several other EPH groups and units – ranges from reviewing the international literature on air pollution and health (LUDOK) and measuring and modelling exposure to ambient air pollution, to investigating its health effects in children and adults, and estimating the related public health burden or the benefits of clean air.

Collaborations and Projects

Our experts serve on committees and advisory boards to advance research and policies at the international level, and collaborate with local and national authorities to provide valuable information on air quality. Seminal long-term projects, such as SAPALDIA, ECRHS, ESCAPE, EGEA, REGICORE, SALIA, EXPOSOMICS and EXPANSE, highlight our involvement in investigating the effects of air pollution on chronic pathologies in various part of the world.

Nicole Probst-Hensch

Nicole Probst-Hensch

Professor, PhD (Pharmacy and Epidemiology), MPH

Darkhawaja R et al. Cross-sectional but not prospective association of accelerometry-derived physical activity with quality of life in children and adolescents. Int J Public Health. 2024;69:1606737. DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2024.1606737

Ekou F.K et al. Randomised controlled trial on the effect of social support on disease control, mental health and health-related quality of life in people with diabetes from Côte d'Ivoire: the SoDDiCo study protocol. BMJ Open. 2024;14(1):e069934. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069934

Long K.Z et al. Randomized trial to improve children's body composition and micronutrient status among South African Children. Am J Prev Med. 2024(in press). DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2024.01.017

Pan H et al. Gas cooking indoors and respiratory symptoms in the ECRHS cohort. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2024;256:114310. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114310

Probst-Hensch N et al. Long-term trajectories of densely reported depressive symptoms during an extended period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland: social worries matter. Compr Psychiatry. 2024;130:152457. DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152457