We aim to understand how our lifestyle and environment influence not only our own health, but also the health and potential illnesses of our children and grandchildren. RHINESSA’s multi-generation data helps us identify ages of susceptibility, which may be important for ultimately improving health over several generations.
We investigate the children and parents of participants in the large international studies RHINE and ECRHS. These studies have investigated lung health, allergies and associated diseases in persons followed over several decades. In Bergen the study has data covering four generations.
In this time of COVID-19, it is particularly important to study lung health and to identify risk factors in the general population. Our studies can contribute on several fronts. Our data provides valuable information leading to better understanding of vulnerability to the coronavirus disease. It also fills knowledge gaps about the role of respiratory health and allergies, and their interactions with our immune system.
Publications
- 4. august 2023Maternal and paternal tuberculosis is associated with increased asthma and respiratory symptoms in their offspring: a study from Northern Europe
A new research study published has shed light on the potential impact of parental tuberculosis (TB) on the respiratory health of future generations.
- 19. oktober 2022Asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in association with home environment - The RHINE study
Presence of dampness and mold at home was consistently associated with offspring’s asthma and atopic dermatitis.
- 27. oktober 2021Maternal preconception occupational exposure to cleaning products and disinfectants and offspring asthma
In many countries, the prevalence of childhood asthma has increased substantially since the 1980s. The reason remains largely unknown; however, numerous mechanisms have been proposed.
News
- 2. februar 2023Cecilie Svanes appointed to Honorary doctor at Uppsala University
Cecilie Svanes appointed to Honorary doctor at Uppsala University
- 18. august 2022Professor Shyamali Dharmage named Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor
- 27. april 2022Mothers exposed to cleaning agents and disinfectants 70% more likely to have children with asthma, study claims
Children whose mothers were exposed to high levels of cleaning products and disinfectants are significantly more likely to develop asthma, a study has claimed.

Related projects
- The Life-GAP project
The "Lifespan and inter-generational respiratory effects of exposures to greenness and air pollution" (Life-GAP) project will study how air pollution affects respiratory health over time and across generations.
- Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE)
The Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE) study first began in 1990, as part of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS).
- ALEC Study
Ageing lungs in European cohorts (ALEC Study) will improve our understanding of risk factors for low lung function, respiratory disability and the development of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD).