The completion of the Human Genome Project triggered a whole new
field of genomic research which is likely to lead to new
opportunities for the promotion of population health. As a
result, the distinction between genetic and environmental
diseases has faded. Presently, genomics and knowledge deriving
from systems biology, epigenomics, integrative genomics or
genome-environmental interactions give a better insight on the
pathophysiology of common diseases. However, it is barely used
in the prevention and management of diseases. Together with the
boost in the amount of genetic association studies, this demands
for appropriate public health actions. The field of Public
Health Genomics analyses how genome-based knowledge and
technologies can responsibly and effectively be integrated into
health services and public policy for the benefit of population
health. Environmental exposures interact with the genome to
produce health information which may help explain inter-
individual differences in health, or disease risk