Catalyzing real-world change through exposome research

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Neuroscience
• Social Epidemiology

Background:

• Toxicology and neurotoxicology have advanced understanding of environmental toxicants.
• Technological progress has shifted focus to high-throughput quantification, potentially overlooking broader health impacts.
• Neurotoxicology is uniquely positioned to integrate population health and social factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for integrating an exposomics framework into neurotoxicology research.
• To demonstrate how exposomics can bridge biological and social sciences for health improvements.
• To highlight the ethical imperative for scientists to connect cellular-level research with societal impact.

Main Methods:

• The commentary proposes an exposomics framework, encompassing cumulative life-course exposures (physical, chemical, biological, social).
• It defines the 'social exposome' as the influence of societal systems on biological health.
• The Milwaukee lead water pipe mitigation strategy is used as a case study.

Main Results:

• An exposomics framework offers a holistic, human-centered approach for interdisciplinary health investigations.
• This framework facilitates multi-disciplinary collaborations to contextualize neurotoxicology within societal structures.
• The Milwaukee example illustrates the potential for exposomics to drive real-world public health interventions.

Conclusions:

• Integrating exposomics into neurotoxicology research can significantly enhance population health.
• This approach bridges the gap between basic science (cells) and societal well-being.
• There is an ethical responsibility for the scientific community to translate research into tangible societal change.