Ympäristötekijöin

Ympäristötekijöin is a Finnish term referring to environmental factors—external conditions that influence the development, health, behavior, or performance of organisms and human systems. The concept is used across disciplines such as epidemiology, psychology, ecology, education, and urban planning, reflecting how external surroundings shape outcomes.

Examples include physical factors (climate, air and water quality, housing conditions, exposure to toxins), biological factors (microbiome, pathogens), social factors (socioeconomic status, family support, education, community networks), and built environment (housing design, urban density, access to services). Environmental factors interact with genetic and individual factors; a gene–environment interaction can influence disease risk, development, or behavior.

Assessment and policy: Researchers measure environmental exposure through surveys, sensors, and geospatial data; studies adjust for confounding variables; interventions aim to modify environmental factors to improve health, learning, and productivity, such as improving air quality, housing, education, and urban design. In Finland and many other countries, environmental determinants are central to public health planning and social policy.