Letter E

Environmental medicine

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The interactions between risk factors in the environment and human health.

Environmental medicine focuses on the causes of disease in an environmental context.

The environment creates exposures to many different physical, biological and chemical agents.

Environmental exposures may be general such as to UV-irradiation from the sun or specific such as to toxic mushrooms and dioxin.

Current concerns in environmental medicine include but are by no means limited to the environmental contributions to cancer, ozone depletion and its effects on health, global warming, air pollution, airborne allergens, water pollution, contaminated sites, nuclear accidents, radon, mercury and cadmium toxicity to the kidney, and food poisoning.

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Medical disclaimer

The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice in any way.

  • It does not replace the advice of a physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
  • It does not represent a prescription of drugs, diagnostic exams or therapies.
  • In case of symptoms, doubts or concerns about your health, always consult a qualified physician.

In case of emergency call 911 (US) or 112 (EU).