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Archives of Public Health
Published in: Archives of Public Health 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research

The LifeLines Cohort Study: a resource providing new opportunities for environmental epidemiology

Authors: Wilma L. Zijlema, Nynke Smidt, Bart Klijs, David W. Morley, John Gulliver, Kees de Hoogh, Salome Scholtens, Judith G. M. Rosmalen, Ronald P. Stolk

Published in: Archives of Public Health | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Lifelines is a prospective population-based cohort study investigating the biological, behavioral and environmental determinants of healthy ageing among 167,729 participants from the North East region of the Netherlands. The collection and geocoding of (history of) home and work addresses allows linkage of individual-level health data to detailed exposure data. We describe the reasons for choosing particular assessments of environmental exposures in LifeLines and consider the implications for future investigations.

Methods

Exposure to ambient air pollution and road traffic noise was estimated using harmonized models. Data on noise annoyance, perceived exposure to electromagnetic fields, perceived living environment, and neighborhood characteristics were collected with questionnaires. A comprehensive medical assessment and questionnaires were completed in order to assess determinants of health and well-being. Blood and urine samples were collected from all participants and genome wide association data are available for a subsample of 15,638 participants.

Results

Mean age was 45 years (standard deviation (SD) 13 years), and 59 % were female. Median levels of NO2 and PM10 were 15.7 (interquartile range (IQR) 4.9) μg/m3 and 24.0 (IQR 0.6) μg/m3 respectively. Median levels of daytime road traffic noise were 54.0 (IQR 4.2) dB(A).

Conclusions

The combination of harmonized environmental exposures and extensive assessment of health outcomes in LifeLines offers great opportunities for environmental epidemiology. LifeLines aims to be a resource for the international scientific community.
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Metadata
Title
The LifeLines Cohort Study: a resource providing new opportunities for environmental epidemiology
Authors
Wilma L. Zijlema
Nynke Smidt
Bart Klijs
David W. Morley
John Gulliver
Kees de Hoogh
Salome Scholtens
Judith G. M. Rosmalen
Ronald P. Stolk
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Archives of Public Health / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 2049-3258
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-016-0144-x

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