Abstract
BackgroundThe field of medical geology addresses the relationships between exposure to specific geological characteristics and the development of a range of health problems: for example, long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water can result in the development of skin conditions and cancers. While these relationships are well characterised for some examples, in others there is a lack of understanding of the specific geological component(s) triggering disease onset, necessitating further research. ObjectivesThis paper aims to highlight several important complexities in geological exposures and the development of related diseases that can create difficulties in the linkage of exposure and health outcome data. Several suggested approaches to deal with these complexities are also suggested. DiscussionLong-term exposure and lengthy latent periods are common characteristics of many diseases related to geological hazards. In combination with long- or short-distance migrations over an individual's life, daily or weekly movement patterns and small-scale spatial heterogeneity in geological characteristics, it becomes problematic to appropriately assign exposure measurements to individuals. The inclusion of supplementary methods, such as questionnaires, movement diaries or Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers can support medical geology studies by providing evidence for the most appropriate exposure measurement locations. ConclusionsThe complex and lengthy exposure–response pathways involved, small-distance spatial heterogeneity in environmental components and a range of other issues mean that interdisciplinary approaches to medical geology studies are necessary to provide robust evidence.
Highlights
The geological characteristics of the earth's surface can directly influence human health via the ingestion, inhalation or absorption of specific elements or compounds derived from naturally occurring materials (e.g. Davies et al, 2004; Skinner, 2007)
The degree to which we understand the relationship between exposure and health outcomes, varies significantly between different geological hazards within the environment
While the association between specific soil types and the development of podoconiosis has been established, the specific components within the soil that may trigger the onset of podoconiosis have not yet been identified (Molla et al, 2014)
Summary
The geological characteristics of the earth's surface can directly influence human health via the ingestion, inhalation or absorption of specific elements or compounds derived from naturally occurring materials (e.g. Davies et al, 2004; Skinner, 2007). Using a range of examples from medical geology, this paper aims to highlight several important complexities that need to be taken into account in research examining the relationships between geological hazards and health outcomes. The field of medical geology addresses the relationships between exposure to specific geological characteristics and the development of a range of health problems: for example, long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water can result in the development of skin conditions and cancers. While these relationships are well characterised for some examples, in others there is a lack of understanding of the specific geological component(s) triggering disease onset, necessitating further research. Conclusions: The complex and lengthy exposure–response pathways involved, small-distance spatial heterogeneity in environmental components and a range of other issues mean that interdisciplinary approaches to medical geology studies are necessary to provide robust evidence
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
