Many daily activities or hobbies may impact on our health, while most of us are unaware of any precautions we should take. But good news: the solutions are easy and within reach (open the window, wear a mask during the activity…etc.). Do you want to know how to protect yourself and your beloved ones? Take this simple quiz and make sure you all stay healthy like an apple!
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EXIMIOUS Project Showcased at CYTO 2025
Unni Nygaard from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health presented new research from the EXIMIOUS project at CYTO 2025, the leading international congress for cytometry. Her poster focused on immune profiling results from whole blood samples collected from Romanian miners, analysed using CyTOF (Cytometry by Time-of-Flight). The study aims to better understand how environmental exposures impact the immune system, using high-dimensional cytometry techniques.
Unni was joined at the conference by her colleague, biostatistician Anja B. Kristoffersen, who also presented a poster on a novel cluster tree approach for CyTOF data analysis.
CYTO 2025 brings together global experts in cytometry to highlight the latest advances in cell analysis technologies and data interpretation methods. The event plays a crucial role in advancing biomedical research and understanding complex immune mechanisms.
Learn more at www.cytoconference.org.
Final European Human Exposome Newsletter published
The final issue of the EHEN newsletter is out! It features an overview of EHEN’s policy findings and an introduction to the International Human Exposome Network (IHEN), a new network that will bring the exposome community together and build on EHEN’s work in terms of tools and training opportunities.
The issue also contains all the latest developments from the EHEN projects, including recent videos and links to key publications.
Final EXIMIOUS General Assembly celebrates five and a half years of research
The EXIMIOUS consortium held its final General Assembly on 26–27 May 2025, hosted by the coordination team at KU Leuven. The hybrid meeting took place at the Faculty Club in Leuven and online, bringing together project partners, the Project Officer (PO), the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and select external stakeholders to review the project’s progress and discuss final outcomes.
The first day of the General Assembly, Monday 26 May, opened with a presentation in which the coordination team provided a high-level overview of the project, highlighting relevant progress and dissemination outcomes led by Work Package 7 (WP7).
Session 2 focused on the scientific progress within WP2 and WP3. The respective teams presented key outcomes and results, showcasing how the project advanced occupational and disease cohort studies to map complex exposure-immune response relationships. Discussions continued over a working lunch and poster session.
In the afternoon, Session 3 featured highlights from WP4, WP5 and WP6, focusing on toxicological assessments, omics data integration, and systems modelling. A collaborative poster viewing and breakout session followed, where participants engaged in group discussions on dissemination strategies, scientific publications and the of tools developed under EXIMIOUS.
On Tuesday 27 May, the General Assembly aimed at presenting the project’s broader impact.
Session 4, titled “EXIMIOUS, the larger picture”, began with a welcome by the KU Leuven coordination team. This was followed by compelling presentations:
- Pieter Bertier (Becoh) assessed occupational vs. disease cohort exposure approaches.
- Unni Cecilie Nygaard (NIPH) shared novel insights into blood cells as biomarkers in immune assessments.
- Camilla Sandal Sejbæk (RegionH) presented the innovative use of databases in exposome research through the “DocX” experience.
- Maria Cruz Jesus & David Soler (VHIR) concluded the session with a fascinating look at fungal exposures from bird nests and links to hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Following a short coffee break and poster viewing, Session 5 focused on EXIMIOUS’ basic research. Four talks highlighted key cohort studies and analytical methodologies:
- Riccardo Leinardi (UCL) discussed metal exposure in autoimmune diseases.
- Horatiu Moldovan (UMFST) & Rani Claus (KU Leuven) presented integrated occupational monitoring strategies.
- Louise Vermaele (NRCWE NFA/ KU Leuven) explored self-reported health symptoms in waste workers.
- Rafael Valente Veiga (UCAM) introduced a multi-omics integration framework for exposure-immune data.
The event concluded with an open-floor discussion, celebrating the project’s scientific outcomes and outlining pathways for future research and innovation in environmental health and immunology.
EXIMIOUS launches new Factsheets Tool to support immune-related research
EXIMIOUS has just published a new tool as part of its toolbox: the EXIMIOUS Factsheets Tool. This tool features five comprehensive factsheets that present key population groups used to investigate how occupational and environmental exposures contribute to the development of immune-mediated diseases.
Developed by EXIMIOUS researchers on behalf of the project’s 15 partner institutions, the Factsheets Tool is part of the wider EXIMIOUS toolbox. It was designed to offer a clear, accessible overview of the diverse populations studied in the project—essential for exploring links between environmental/occupational factors and immune health.
The newly published factsheets cover the following cohorts:
- DOCX factsheet
- DOCX Generation factsheet
- ENVIRONAGE factsheet
- Lifelines factsheet
- Wasteworker factsheet
These factsheets provide detailed snapshots of each population, outlining their size, relevance to immune-mediated diseases, and the types of data and biological samples collected.
While the primary audience for the EXIMIOUS FACTSHEETS is epidemiologists and clinical researchers interested in reusing the high-quality data generated by the project, the tool is also valuable beyond the scientific community. It offers educational benefits, serving as a useful teaching aid for illustrating different types of cohort studies, and supports stakeholder outreach by making complex population data understandable and transparent.
The populations featured in the tool include General population cohorts, Birth cohorts, Worker cohorts and Patient cohorts affected by immune-mediated diseases.
Each factsheet delivers concise, user-friendly information to support further research, encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration, and raise awareness about the population foundations of immune-related research.
Visit the EXIMIOUS FACTSHEETS Tool for more information.
European Human Exposome Network calls for policy action on environmental and health risks
The European Human Exposome Network (EHEN) has released a policy brief urging EU policymakers to take action to address the rising public health crisis caused by pollution, chemicals and environmental degradation.
The policy brief highlights key findings from EHEN’s extensive research, emphasising that environmental factors, from air pollution to chemical exposure, significantly contribute to the burden of non-communicable diseases. It calls for targeted interventions and transformative policies that prioritise health and sustainability, including:
- Expanding urban green spaces and designing walkable neighbourhoods to promote health and well-being.
- Stronger regulations on chemicals, particularly endocrine-disrupting compounds, to safeguard public health.
- Prioritising early-life interventions, as prenatal and childhood exposures have lasting health consequences.
- Tackling pollution in economically disadvantaged regions, where communities face higher exposure risks.
- Clarifying data consent laws to enable vital exposome research while protecting individual privacy.
Launching the policy brief, Sophie Lanone, Principal Investigator of EHEN’s Remedia project said: “The evidence is clear: environmental exposures are affecting people’s health. We must integrate scientific research with policy decisions to create healthier environments for future generations.”
EHEN researchers have developed innovative tools such as exposome maps and occupational exposure databases, which provide invaluable insights for policymakers. By leveraging these resources, European leaders can implement evidence-based solutions to reduce environmental health risks.
Read the full policy brief here.
New publication: Dynamic biodistribution of inhaled silica particles to extrapulmonary sites: Early and late translocation mechanisms with implication for particle biomonitoring
In our latest study we quantified for the first time the systemic redistribution of crystalline silica particles deposited in the lungs of mice, using an innovative approach based on ICP-MS spectroscopy. Specifically, we demonstrated that 30% of inhaled crystalline particles translocate into extrapulmonary sites including immune organs – such as the liver (13%), spleen (2%), lymph nodes (12%) – and the kidneys (1.7%). Beyond offering new insight into the mechanisms underlying the organ-specific biodistribution of inhaled silica particles, our study provided an updated perspective on the systemic toxicity of silica, which is potentially implicated in the pathogenesis of some autoimmune disorders. From an occupational viewpoint, our findings suggest that biomonitoring silicon (Si) levels in urine and blood could serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing the exposure to silica-based mineral dusts in workplace settings.
You can find the publication here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412025002247
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSOME Week 2025 Wrap-Up: Advancing Workplace Exposure Science Across Europe
The Occupational Exposome Week has concluded with resounding success, bringing together over 500 participants from across Europe and beyond to explore the latest developments in occupational exposure science. Held from 20–26 March 2025, this five-part webinar series was jointly organised by the EXIMIOUS and EPHOR projects, both funded under the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and members of the European Human Exposome Network (EHEN).
Designed as a stakeholder-focused knowledge exchange forum, the event offered a unique platform for experts, researchers, policymakers, occupational health professionals, and the general public to engage in critical discussions on measuring, analysing and acting on the occupational exposome — the total of environmental and workplace exposures experienced over a lifetime.
All session recordings are now available on YouTube:
Watch the full Occupational Exposome Week playlist
Playlist
5 Videos
The event featured five dedicated sessions, each delving into key topics and tools shaping the future of occupational exposure science. The full programme can be viewed online.
The Occupational Exposome Week served as an incentive for interdisciplinary dialogue, raising awareness and advancing tools that bridge the gap between scientific discovery and public health application. The organisers express their gratitude to all speakers, participants, and the European Commission for making this event a success.
Register for the “OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSOME WEEK” – 20-26 March 2025
Funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, EXIMIOUS and EPHOR focus on delivering a new way of assessing the human exposome, specifically the occupational exposome. Both projects are part of the European Human Exposome Network (EHEN).
The symposia are open to all audiences and will explore key topics related to occupational exposure. Each session will feature one or two presentations, followed by a dedicated Q&A session to address your questions and/or a discussion on future application.
Program OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSOME WEEK
Joint stakeholder events EXIMIOUS-EPHOR
EURO JEM
Thursday, 20 March 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
EuroJEM is a tool designed for conducting occupational exposure assessments in large populations where individual exposure data is unavailable. It includes a comprehensive set of job-exposure matrices (JEMs) that cover a wide range of occupational exposures across Europe. It is built upon harmonized, high-quality JEMs from multiple countries, and also incorporates newly developed JEMs. The result is a robust tool that addresses some of the most prevalent and significant occupational exposures in the labor market. In this webinar we will update you about the content of the EuroJEM and we explain how it can be used.
Speaker: Jenny Selander, Karolinska Institutet, “EuroJEM”
Exposure assessment from an exposome approach
Friday, 21 March 2025, 09:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Measuring at the workplace can be challenging. It is important to comply with regulatory standards as it ensures the health and safety of workers but also e.g. minimize the risk of legal consequences. In this webinar we will update you on the relevant standards when measuring at the workplace. In addition, many practical considerations are important when assessing the exposure. How to measure but also how to engage with workers? In part two of this webinar we provide you with practical tips.
European occupational exposure exploration tool
Friday, 21 March 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
This tool can be used to identify and prioritize jobs, exposures or health outcomes taking into account the size of the national or European population exposed. During this webinar we provide a demo and discuss specific applications for policy makers, OSH professionals and researchers. This tool was developed based on EuroJEM.
Speaker: Calvin Ge, TNO, “Interactive tool on exposures by occupational group”
Exposure assessment case studies
Tuesday, 25 March 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
How do you measure the exposome and how do you study the effect of multiple exposure on health outcomes? In this webinar we look at the methods and first results of a short-term study on respiratory health in a large population. Advanced and novel methods are explained, together forming an integrated approach. In addition, important considerations in this study and for future studies are discussed.
Speakers:
- Miranda Loh, IOM, “An Integrated Approach for Assessing the External Exposome”
- Vivi Schlünssen, Aarhus University, “Experiences case studies on respiratory health”
Workplace exposure and disease
Wednesday, 26 March 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
In this webinar we combine overall insights on occupational diseases with practical cases of workplace related diseases observed in the clinic. What is the impact of various exposures on certain health endpoint, bringing the data together from various epidemiological studies using more novel approaches to analyze? And how do we recognize occupational diseases and what is the impact of often chronical exposures? These questions and more will be answered in this webinar.
Insights from the final EXIMIOUS Symposium on Health Risks of Emerging Contaminants: Microplastics and Indoor Air Quality
The EXIMIOUS project hosted its seventh and final symposium titled “Emerging Contaminants: Health Risks Associated with Microplastics and Indoor Air Quality” on 31 October 2024. Conducted online, this event brought together over 50 experts and attendees from across Europe, offering key insights into the human health implications of exposure to microplastics and indoor air pollutants. The symposium, held from 15:00 to 17:00 CET, was led by EXIMIOUS Coordinator Prof. Peter Hoet from KU Leuven, Belgium, and featured presentations from three prominent researchers.
The symposium began with an introductory address from Prof. Hoet, who highlighted the importance of understanding emerging contaminants (ECs) as environmental factors influencing human health. He outlined the objectives of the symposium to examine how air quality and EC exposure impact health and to explore methods of risk assessment for these contaminants.
Insights into Microplastics and Health Impacts
The first speaker, Dr. Raymond Pieters from Utrecht University, the Netherlands, discussed the complexities of assessing the health risks posed by micro- and nanoplastics (MNP). His presentation, Human Risk Assessment of Microplastics, underscored that while primary MNPs show limited effects on the immune system, weathered MNPs with altered surface chemistry may have a heightened impact. Dr. Pieters presented data suggesting that exposure to traffic-related particulate matter (TWP) is linked to increased levels of blood leukocytes in humans, underscoring the need for further research into the biological impact of weathered plastic particles.
Air Quality and Children’s Cognitive Development
Prof. Xavier Basagaña from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) presented on Air Quality and Children’s Cognition, with a Focus on School Air Quality. His research explored how traffic-related air pollution is potentially associated with cognitive development, especially in school-aged children. Prof. Basagaña highlighted the role of indoor air quality during school and commuting hours in contributing to personal exposure, stressing that interventions to improve air quality in these settings are essential. He called for more studies examining the interplay of various indoor air parameters and their potential cognitive effects on children, along with strategies to mitigate these risks.
Health Risks from Chemicals Leaching from Plastics
Dr. Hubert Dirven from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health presented findings on the pervasive exposure to chemicals leaching from plastics in his talk, Living in the Plastic Age: Chemicals Leaching from Plastic and Possible Health Effects. He cautioned that widespread exposure to plastic-related chemicals poses potential human health hazards, particularly exposure to mixtures of chemical at low doses over time. Dr. Dirven advocated for inclusion of plastic chemical hazards in the upcoming UN Global Plastic Treaty and introduced a proposed initiative under the European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC) to further investigate these risks.
Following each presentation, the speakers engaged in a live Q&A, responding to questions from the audience. The final EXIMIOUS symposium successfully wrapped up the series, leaving participants with a clear understanding of the need for ongoing research and regulatory action on emerging contaminants affecting human health. For those who missed the live event, a recording of the symposium is available online.