This project aimed to investigate the relationship between exposure to workplace environment pollution (e.g., chemical smoke, smoking, noise, automobile exhaust) and selected chronic diseases, as well as the potential interactions between these workplace environment factors and individual genotypes and lifestyle factors (e.g., dietary habits, physical activity, sleep patterns). Another goal is to clarify the relationship between workplace environmental exposure and multiple diseases. We will focus on cardio-cerebrovascular and respiratory diseases (e.g., atrial fibrillation, heart failure, hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and their related characteristics (e.g., cardiac function, pulmonary function, etc.).
Specifically, we aimed to 1) assess the effects of various workplace environmental exposures, including chemical fumes, smoke, noise, and diesel exhaust, on i) cardiovascular outcomes; ii) neurological outcomes; iii) respiratory prognosis; iv) other health outcomes of interest to us; 2) explore potential interactions among these different workplace environmental exposures; 3) identify individuals with a genetic predisposition and the ways in which the health effects of workplace environment exposures can be modulated by individual genetic variation; 4) examine whether lifestyle factors (e.g., dietary habits, physical activity, sleep patterns) play a potential role.
The program will be divided into subprograms focused on a few selected health outcomes (e.g., atrial fibrillation, heart failure, coronary heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and is expected to last approximately 3 years. This study will contribute to a better understanding of the interaction between different modifiable workplace environment factors and genetic susceptibility, hopefully facilitating more effective prevention strategies and providing new evidence for scientific and rational workspace layout. This project may lead to more comprehensive personalized approaches to prevention and treatment, taking into account both individual-level factors and social-level factors in the workplace environment.
