Group | Physical Hazards and Health

Man-made and natural physical hazards are ubiquitously distributed in our environment. The research of the Physical Hazards and Health Research group focuses on (but is not restricted to) the health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields, ultraviolet radiation, ionizing radiation, climate including extreme weather events, and noise.

Impact of our Environment

We develop exposure assessment methods and apply them to epidemiological studies to examine the impact of physical hazards on health. We consider a wide variety of health outcomes that are relevant in this context, such as carcinogenicity, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases or health-related quality of life. We also conduct regular health impact assessments and systematic reviews. In addition to physical hazards, we address the cardio-respiratory health effects of passive smoking and air pollution exposure.

Martin Röösli

Martin Röösli

Full Professor, PhD

Bessems J et al. Environmental health risks to children and adolescents: an umbrella review on chemical: European Topic Centre on Human Health and the Environmen, 2024

Chen K et al. Impact of population aging on future temperature-related mortality at different global warming levels. Nat Commun. 2024;15:1796. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45901-z

Chikha W.B et al. Assessment of radio frequency electromagnetic field exposure induced by base stations in several micro-environments in France. IEEE Access. 2024;12:21610-21620. DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3363914

Domingo N.G.G et al. Ozone-related acute excess mortality projected to increase in the absence of climate and air quality controls consistent with the Paris Agreement. One earth. 2024;7(in press). DOI: 10.1016/j.oneear.2024.01.001

Domingo N.G.G et al. Ozone-related acute excess mortality projected to increase in the absence of climate and air quality controls consistent with the Paris Agreement. One Earth. 2024;7(2):325-335. DOI: 10.1016/j.oneear.2024.01.001

Röösli M et al. The effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields exposure on tinnitus, migraine and non-specific symptoms in the general and working population: a systematic review and meta-analysis on human observational studies. Environ Int. 2024;183:108338. DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108338

Sørensen M et al. Health position paper and redox perspectives - disease burden by transportation noise. Redox Biol. 2024;69:102995. DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102995

Veludo A.F et al. Child exposure to organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides measured in urine, wristbands, and household dust and its implications for child health in South Africa: a panel study. Environ Epidemiol. 2024;8(1):e282. DOI: 10.1097/EE9.0000000000000282

Wicki B, Flückiger B, Vienneau D, de Hoogh K, Röösli M, Ragettli M.S. Socio-environmental modifiers of heat-related mortality in eight Swiss cities: a case time series analysis. Environ Res. 2024;246(in press). DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118116

Wicki B et al. Acute effects of military aircraft noise on sedative and analgesic drug administrations in psychiatric patients: a case-time series analysis. Environ Int. 2024;185(in press). DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108501