The Physical Domain of the Exposome​

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In the context of Equal-Life, the physical exposome refers to the physical context to which an individual is exposed. It includes outdoor and indoor environmental quality (e.g., air and noise pollution), the built environment (e.g., building density, mobility network structure, surrounding industries), the natural environment (e.g., green and blue spaces), and lifestyle factors (e.g. nutrition, mobility, media exposure). The impact of the physical exposome on child mental health and cognition varies depending on the child’s developmental stage due to changing activities (e.g., home exposures during pregnancy and infancy compared to playground and school exposures in childhood) and changing vulnerabilities (e.g., specific brain regions mature at different age and are more susceptible for environmental impacts during the developmental period). In addition, children’s movement patterns (e.g., biking route), leisure activities (e.g., football, gaming) and lifestyle habits (e.g., diet) expose them to different physical exposures independent from their residential location. Therefore, different domains of the physical exposome require specific measures and indicators. Early exposure can impact sensitivity to environmental factors and the child’s resilience.