EHEN calls for policy action on environmental and health risks
The European Human Exposome Network (EHEN), which LongITools is a member of, has released a policy brief urging EU policymakers to take action to address the rising public health crisis caused by pollution, chemicals and environmental degradation.
The policy brief highlights key findings from EHEN’s extensive research, 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 pollution in economically disadvantaged regions, where communities face higher exposure risks.
- Clarifying data consent laws to enable vital exposome research while protecting individual privacy.
Launching the policy brief, Sophie Lanone, current co-lead of EHEN said:
“The evidence is clear: environmental exposures are affecting people’s health. We must integrate scientific research with policy decisions to create healthier environments for future generations.”
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.
