Environmental Medicine

Molds in the Environment

Air Pollution

Asthma Triggers

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Lead Poisoning

Radon

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Electric and Magnetic Fields

Gulf War Syndrome

Glossary

Online Resources

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), human health and human disease result from three interactive elements:

environmental factors
individual susceptibility
age

Environmental medicine is the healthcare specialty concerned with human illnesses or dysfunctions that result from environmental factors. Environmental medicine specialists participate in a wide range of activities in their quest for answers regarding how the environment affects our health. For example, among many other topics, the NIEHS is currently studying:

cancers, breast and testicular
lead poisoning
birth and developmental defects
agricultural pollution
neurologic disorders
sterility
ways to replace animals as subjects in research

Environmental medicine departments or programs are found in large medical centers throughout the United States. Some of the many services they offer include:

local, state, or national disease-prevention programs

epidemiological studies and research

distribution of standards, guidelines, and recommendations

partnering with other organizations, such as health departments and environmental agencies, to help prevent environmental disease