Effects of short term and long term exposure to ambient air pollution on the cardiovascular system are also investigated. The studies on determinants of asthma and allergy in children focus on indoor and outdoor air pollution and interactions with allergen exposure, primarily from furred animals and dust mites. A major study investigates protective factors for allergy in children brought up on farms or with an anthroposophic life style. Molecular biomarkers are used to assess interactions between environmental and hereditary factors as well as to better characterise exposure and health effects. It is anticipated that such applications will play a greater role in future studies.
Most projects have an aim to strengthen the basis for environmental health risk assessment.
Members of the group are heavily engaged both nationally and internationally in risk assessment for ambient air pollution. There is close collaboration with the Department of Environmental Health at the Stockholm County Council.