Many studies in people have demonstrated an association between environmental exposure and certain diseases or other health problems. Examples include radon and lung cancer; arsenic and cancer in several organs; lead and nervous system disorders; disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli O157: H7 (e.g., in contaminated meat and water) and gastrointestinal illness and death; and particulate matter and aggravation of heart and respiratory diseases.
Elucidating the linkage between environmental pollution and disease is challenging. We understand this linkage fairly well for some pollutants, such as those listed above, but poorly for others. This section describes some of the challenges to elucidating those linkages, and uses examples to highlight the role that indicators can play in strengthening our understanding of that linkage and in supporting environmental management efforts.
No comments:
Post a Comment