The research of the Flemish Centre of expertise on Environment and Health

Introduction

Environment and Health is an important policy topic for the Flemish Government as reflected by the governmental agreement, chapter XII, Environment, section D, Environment and Health, and the Policy Document, Environment and Nature 2004-2009. It goes beyond the individual policy scopes of environment and health, what makes it a good example of integrated policy. The 2007-2011 program is on one hand a continuation of the 2001-2006 program: especially the human biomonitoring, including risk communication and the Action Plan, is given a still more central role, but the information desk, models of participation and social involvement and research about endocrine disruptors were yet present in the former program. On the other hand, new topics are the research on fine dust and nanoparticles, on social inequality versus health and environment and the inclusion of new chemicals.

Research projects of the Centre of expertise for Environment and Health

1

General coordination between promotors/partners of the consortium and with the government

coördinator Prof. W. Baeyens (VUB)

2

Human Biomonitoring

  
 

2.1

Reference values and case studies

coördinator Prof. G. Schoeters (VITO)

2.2

Risk communication and consultation, coupled to biomonitoring

coödinator Prof. I. Loots (UA) and Prof. L. Goorden (UA)

3

The Information Desk

coördinator Prof N. Van Larebeke (UGent)

4

Research projects and new developments concerning environment and health

  
 

4.1

Fine particulate air pollution

coördinator Prof. B. Nemery (KULeuven)

4.2

Endocrine Disruptors

coördinator Dr. E. Den Hond (VITO)

Luik 4.3

Social scientific research in support of environmental health surveillance and research

coödinator Prof. I. Loots (UA) en Prof. L. Goorden (UA)

Luik 4.4

Follow up study concerning the neuro-motoric development of en asthma and allergy with children.

coördinator Prof N. Van Larebeke (UGent)

Luik 4.5

Collection of data on morbidity and mortality for adult participants to previous biomonitoring campaigns

coördinator Prof N. Van Larebeke (UGent)