Group | Physical Hazards and Health

Man-made and natural physical hazards are ubiquitous in our environment. The Physical Hazards and Health Research group's research focuses particularly on the health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields, ultraviolet radiation, ionising radiation, noise and climate, including extreme weather events. However, the scope of our research is not limited to these areas.

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 relevant health outcomes, such as carcinogenicity, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases and health-related quality of life. We also conduct regular health impact assessments and systematic reviews. In addition to physical hazards, we examine the cardio-respiratory health effects of passive smoking and exposure to air pollution.

Martin Röösli

Martin Röösli

Full Professor, PhD

Dopico J et al. Investigating the associations between road traffic noise exposure at home, green spaces and stress biomarkers: a cross-sectional field study. Urban For Urban Green. 2026;117:129291. DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2026.129291

Hoek G et al. European Code Against Cancer, 5th edition - outdoor and indoor air pollution and cancer. Mol Oncol. 2026;20(1):81-95. DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.70184

Jochems S.H.J et al. European Code Against Cancer, 5th edition - occupational exposures and cancer. Mol Oncol. 2026;20(1):68-80. DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.70174

Perry R.C et al. Longitudinal associations between SES and EF during adolescence: evidence from the SCAMP study. Learn Individ Differ. 2026;125:102822. DOI: 10.1016/j.lindif.2025.102822

Ritchie D et al. European Code Against Cancer, 5th edition - ultraviolet radiation, radon and cancer. Mol Oncol. 2026;20(1):49-67. DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.70171

Viglietti P.G et al. Postnatal pesticide exposure and executive function in children and adolescents: findings from South Africa. Environ Res. 2026;289:123310. DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.123310