QUB Public Health

A landmark study has estimated that #AirPollution is responsible for more than 130 #LungCancer cases annually in #NorthernIreland. Working with an international team of experts, our researchers linked the postcodes of more than 900 lung cancer patients and over 8,000 cancer-free controls to high-resolution historical air pollution maps.   This innovative approach allowed them to estimate long-term exposure to PM2.5 – tiny particles that penetrate deep into the lungs – and calculate the associated cancer risk.  “These findings remind us that air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it is a clear and preventable threat to public health. Every lung cancer case linked to air pollution represents suffering that could have been avoided if we act decisively to reduce exposure.” (Mrs Rawan Alhattab, lead author and PhD Student from @CPH_QUB) Learn more here: ow.ly/2Srs50X9OXy #LoveQUBResearch @MHLSQUB

“Being a parent of children with, and a carrier myself of Fragile X Syndrome, is a daily rollercoaster of emotions. Highs and lows, continuous worry, feelings of guilt and failure, mixed with overwhelming feelings of pride and love. "The unknown of every day, and what will happen in the future is the scariest thing. Most parents worry about how their children will do at school, if they will pass their driving test, and if they'll have a family of their own and settle down. "I have cried so much about thoughts of the future, and many tears have also been shed with everyday challenges and exhaustion because of their impulsive and unpredictable little personalities!  Some days I feel so weak and helpless, and I want to be scooped up by my own mum and told that everything is going to be ok. "Other days this immense feeling of strength comes, and I feel like I'm capable of doing anything to fight for everything they need to be the best little versions of themselves that they can possibly be. "Being a parent to two children with #FragileXSyndrome is like nothing I could have imagined or predicted. But my boys are both absolutely amazing, and I'll always do everything I possibly can to support, love them, and give them the very best I can give them.” Emily Kemsley is a mother of two boys with Fragile X Syndrome, Ezra aged 6 and Arlo aged 4.  It is a genetic condition which is the most commonly known cause of inherited intellectual disability, affecting around 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 6,000 females. Today, on International Fragile X Awareness Day, we are launching a new landmark partnership with @fragilexuk to support people and their families with this often-hidden condition. Find out more here: ow.ly/ilIP50X9K9Z #LoveQUB #LoveQUBResearch #FXS #FragileXAwareness #XX2025 #InternationalFragileXAwarenessDay2025 #InternationalFragileXAwarenessDay @CPH_QUB