Project title

HEBE - Health, comfort and energy in the built environment

Scientific Coordinator's name:

Eduardo de Oliveira Fernandes

Scientific Coordinator's e-mail:

eofernandes@inegi.up.pt

Principal R&D Unit:

Energy and Built Environment Group

Other R&D Units involved in the project:

Other R&D units involved in the project

Project keyword(s)

asthma; bladder cancer; biomarkers; exposure; indoor air; susceptible population; risk assessment; birth cohort study

Short abstract and comments

Collaborative Project: EPIUnit (ISPUP); CINTESIS (FMUP) Overal Aim: The HEBE project (2016-2019) includes two major topics: 1) clarifying the risks for developing respiratory diseases (including asthma and cancer) due to the exposure to poor indoor air quality in public buildings, particularly those frequented by susceptible population groups, such as children in primary schools; and 2) determining the influence of children exposure to disinfection by-products on the development of bladder cancer, particularly in swimming pool environments. Main Competences: •Assessment of chemical, physical and biological indoor exposure in different indoor settings (e.g. schools, residential buildings and swimming pools); • Identification of building characteristics, occupants behaviour as risk factors of allergic disorders; • Biomarkers of exposure in urine and blood samples.

Potential uses/indications

Supporting the implementation of coherent and effective health promotion and disease prevention in early stages of life in order to optimize the current and future health.