Abstract
Environmental hazards have been causing injury to humans since the beginning of time. Among these hazards are physical agents, including electricity, water (near-drowning), radiation exposure, and high altitude. Electrical trauma is a result of thermal burns as well as direct electrical forces on the tissues. Although advances have been made in the evaluation and treatment of this type of injury, prevention is the primary goal. Near-drowning is a particular problem in the pediatric population. New methods are being evaluated for early detection of rehabilitation potential. Overexposure to radiation may cause both acute and chronic pathologic changes. Recent information on effects, treatment, prevention, and ethical considerations of radiation exposure is discussed. Exposure to high altitude also has both acute and chronic effects of radiation exposure. Recent literature on the involvement of many organ systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, hematologic, endocrine, and central nervous systems is presented. Although risk from physical agents cannot be completely eliminated, a better understanding of them will provide a basis for more effective treatment and prevention of injury.
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