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ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE AND HEALTH

The majority of NCEPH's current work in this theme is captured in the following research areas.

Climate change and health
A range of research is conducted at local, national, regional and global scales, drawing on diverse collaborations. We conduct empirical studies of the relationships between climatic conditions and various health outcomes, including a particular interest in understanding the climatic, environmental and social-economic influences on emerging infectious diseases. Other research uses modeling to forecast future changes in health risks in response to climate change (CC), and to estimate the current and future burdens of disease attributable to CC. Research on how best to ‘adapt' to CC, particularly to lessen the risks to vulnerable communities, is becoming more important.

Environmental Influences on Immune Disorders
A number of immune disorders are becoming more common in recent times, suggesting an important role for environmental factors in their etiology. Our group uses available population-level health and environmental data as well as collecting individual data in major observational analytic epidemiological studies to examine the links between environmental factors and immune disorders. We are particularly interested in the importance of adequate sun exposure and vitamin D sufficiency to optimal health. This involves both national and international collaborations.

Air quality and health
This research is in collaboration with CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, and draws on substantial datasets provided by the state health authorities of Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales. The two primary goals are: (1) to develop a short term “health forecasting” service that will predict adverse atmospheric conditions on the same timescale as weather forecasts; and (2) to investigate empirically the detailed patterns according to which weather, air pollution, geographical location and personal characteristics interact to put individuals at acute risk.