Abstract

Medical geology is an emerging discipline that, broadly defined, examines the public health impacts of geologic
materials and geologic processes. Medical Geology, the study of the impacts of geologic materials and
processes on animal and human health, is a dynamic emerging discipline bringing together the geosciences,
biomedical, and public health communities to solve a wide range of environmental health problems. Among the
Medical Geology described in this review are examples of both deficiency and toxicity of trace element
exposure. Goiter is a widespread and potentially serious health problem caused by deficiency of iodine. In many
locations the deficiency is attributable to low concentrations of iodine in the bedrock. Similarly, deficiency of
selenium in the soil has been cited as the principal cause of juvenile cardiomyopathy and muscular
abnormalities. Overexposure to arsenic is one of the most widespread Medical Geology problems affecting
more than one hundred million people in Bangladesh, India, China, Europe, Africa and North and South
America. The arsenic exposure is primarily due to naturally high levels in groundwater but combustion of
mineralized coal has also caused arsenic poisoning. Dental and skeletal fluorosis also impacts the health of
millions of people around the world and, like arsenic, is due to naturally high concentrations in drinking water
and, to a lesser extent, coal combustion. Other Medical Geology issues described include geophagia, the
deliberate ingestion of soil, exposure to radon, and ingestion of high concentrations of organic compounds in
drinking water. Geosciences and biomedical/public health researchers are teaming to help mitigate these health
problems.