Perspectives on environment and health research in Denmark

Henriette T. Horsdal, Marianne G. Pedersen, Jörg Schullehner, Cecilie S. Østergaard, John J. Mcgrath, Esben Agerbo, Allan Timmermann, Ane Marie Closter, Jørgen Brandt, Jesper H. Christensen, Lise M. Frohn, Camilla Geels, Matthias Ketzel, Jibran Khan, Pia V. Ørby, Yulia Olsen, Gregor Levin, Jens-Christian Svenning, Kristine Engemann, Steen GyldenkærneBirgitte Hansen, Ole Hertel, Clive E. Sabel, Christian Erikstrup, Torben Sigsgaard, Carsten B. Pedersen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Aims: We provide an overview of nationwide environmental data available for Denmark and its linkage potentials to individual-level records with the aim of promoting research on the potential impact of the local surrounding environment on human health. Background: Researchers in Denmark have unique opportunities for conducting large population-based studies treating the entire Danish population as one big, open and dynamic cohort based on nationally complete population and health registries. So far, most research in this area has utilised individual- and family-level information to study the clustering of disease in families, comorbidities, risk of, and prognosis after, disease onset, and social gradients in disease risk. Linking environmental data in time and space to individuals enables novel possibilities for studying the health effects of the social, built and physical environment. Methods: We describe the possible linkage between individuals and their local surrounding environment to establish the exposome – that is, the total environmental exposure of an individual over their life course. Conclusions: The currently available nationwide longitudinal environmental data in Denmark constitutes a valuable and globally rare asset that can help explore the impact of the exposome on human health.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)741-751
Number of pages11
JournalScandinavian Journal of Public Health
Volume52
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2024

Keywords

  • Environment
  • exposome
  • health
  • population
  • registers

Programme Area

  • Programme Area 2: Water Resources

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