Grand Jet d'Or Award on Adverse Effects of Pollution on Humans

The World Health Organization estimates that exposure to air pollution is responsible for about 7 million premature deaths worldwide each year. Pollution is a major global health issue, affecting human health by causing respiratory diseases, heart problems, and cancer due to exposure to pollutants in the air, water, and soil. Specific attention needs to be given to pollutants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental issues. Other pollutants such as heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and indoor air pollutants, present serious health risks, including neurological damage, reproductive disorders, and respiratory illnesses, highlighting the broad impact of pollution on human wellbeing. 

The Grand Jet d’Or de Genève awarded in 2024 by the Geneva Health Forum with the support of the AXA Research Fund focused on awarding research on the nexus of pollution and its health impact.

The research team from Exposure Sciences, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne received the award for their project on the emerging threat of PFAS emissions, which present significant health risks.

The Swiss-based team was recognized for their groundbreaking work on "Assessing the Emerging Risk of PFAS Exposure from Waste Management.” Their research directly addresses the challenge of developing health and medical solutions to combat the adverse effects of pollution on human health, with a special focus on protecting the general population from the emerging threat of PFAS emissions, which present significant health risks. Additionally, their study investigates the dysbiosis induced by PFAS and other chemicals in the nasal and skin microbiomes. By understanding these mechanisms, the research team aims to develop targeted interventions to mitigate the health impacts of pollution exposure and enhance public health outcomes.