Bright Beginnings: Understanding the Impact of the Exposome on Early Life

The seventh and final LongITools Policy Forum, “Bright Beginnings: Understanding the Impact of the Exposome on Early Life,” will take place on Thursday, 19th September 2024, from 09:30 to 11:00 am BST.

In 2019, air pollution in Europe was linked to 472 deaths among children and adolescents, with infants under one year old being most affected. From the air they breathe to the food they eat and the green spaces where they play, every aspect of children’s environments is instrumental in shaping their health and development from the very start. Children’s vulnerability to environmental factors is exacerbated by their developing physiology and limited ability to alter their surroundings. Moreover, the first 1,000 days of life, from conception to a child’s second birthday, represent a critical window of opportunity to positively influence a child’s future health and neurodevelopment.

The LongITools project employs an ‘exposome’ approach to understand the comprehensive impact of environmental exposures on health throughout the life course, aiming to inform and drive policy and intervention strategies that create safer, more nurturing environments, securing a healthier future for the next generations.

This forum, facilitated by Beta Technology, will include brief presentations covering a range of engaging topics and ongoing research efforts. These presentations will explore crucial topics related to child health, exposome research, and how policy and environmental planning impact children’s well-being and development.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Frances Bestley – UNICEF UK
• Amanda Fernandes – ATHLETE
• Rachael Leslie – Doncaster Council
• Barbara Heude – LongITools
• Tessa Roseboom – LongITools
• Sylvain Sebert – LongITools

The forum is intended for local government health and environment policymakers, academic institutions, health professionals, patient groups, intermediaries, and citizens. It will provide the opportunity to network and engage with peers, and share knowledge and best practices.

As we conclude this series of policy forums, we look forward to your participation in this dynamic exchange of insights, where we endeavour to bridge research and policy for healthier environments.