Laboratory Sciences in Environmental Hygiene and Public Health

Human health & disease conditions are determined by the complex interplay between genetic susceptibility and environmental exposure, including life style.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) results from gene (G)―environment (E) interactions occurring over the lifetime (T) of individuals (GETomics), which can damage the lungs and/or alter their normal development/aging processes. The main environmental factors leading to COPD are tobacco smoking, inhalation toxic particles and gases from households, and outdoor air pollution; however, environmental and host factors (including abnormal lung development and accelerated lung aging) also contribute. (2024 Report. Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

We are currently engaged in the following research projects:

1. Epidemiological study of COPD using respiratory function
   • Trajectory of respiratory function (FEV1) decline
   • Trends in the cumulative incidence of airflow limitation and lung function decline by comparing two independent longitudinal retrospective Cohorts in the general population
   • Epidemiological studies in comorbidities of COPD
2. Relationship between respiratory diseases and presenteeism
3. Effects of passive smoking by Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) on health
4. Development of teaching materials and program for professionals to provide the information about Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) in short-term smoking cessation advising.