Caroline Barakat PhD
Dr. Barakat has extensive experience in longitudinal health studies and large-scale environmental health research. Her work has made significant contributions in areas such as:
✔ Air Pollution & Long-Term Health Effects – She was involved in a 30-year longitudinal study assessing the health impacts of air pollution exposure in children, contributing to the Hamilton Children Cohort Study (n=3,202, established in 1975).
✔ Environmental Exposure & Population Health – She designed and developed a comprehensive environmental exposure database for approximately 60,000 residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), integrating data on health behaviors and health outcomes.
✔ Neurological Conditions & Risk Factors – She participated in a national Canadian project that systematically reviewed risk factors influencing the onset and progression of 14 priority neurological conditions.
✔ Active Living & Toxin Exposure Reduction – She has led several Tri-Council-funded projects on sport participation for females, active living, and strategies for reducing exposure to environmental toxins.
Current Research Projects
Dr. Barakat continues to lead and collaborate on interdisciplinary studies addressing key public health and environmental challenges, including:
✔ Parental perceptions of girls’ participation in sports
✔ Development and evaluation of a mobile app to reduce paraben exposure
✔ Women’s knowledge, perception, and behaviors related to toxin exposure from personal care and household products
✔ Assessing childhood exposure to air pollution and its long-term health implications
✔ Exploring social and physical determinants of health across the life course
With her extensive expertise in environmental epidemiology, air pollution, and health equity, Dr. Barakat’s work plays a critical role in shaping public health strategies and policies aimed at improving health outcomes across diverse populations.