Modifying capabilities of lifestyle factors on the association between air pollution exposure and disease

Air pollution is a major global health problem that exacerbates health inequalities, associated with several diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory disease. There is evidence to suggest that these air pollution risk can be modified by an individual’s behaviour and lifestyle.

We have identified non-white participants in the UK, children and young adults are underrepresented in research. Therefore, we want to investigate how an individual’s lifestyle can modify the effect of air pollution on disease to protect underserved populations, including children.

We would like to access BiB data because the participants in the study are highly diverse and are in the relevant age group. Additionally, BiB contains genotyping data that is linked to environmental and health data. This would allow us to investigate if lifestyle characteristics can modify the effect of air pollution, even where individuals are genetically predisposed certain diseases. For example, can physical exercise help prevent air pollution related cardiovascular diseases where the individual is predisposed genetically to these diseases?

Accessing this data would allow us to test this hypothesis within the UK and help create guidance that empowers at-risk communities with the knowledge and ability to adopt protective behaviours.