The role of geochemistry in environmental and epidemiological studies in developing countries

摘要

The effects of chemicals in the environment on the health of man and animals are a matter of increasing public concern. Many developing countries are particu- larly liable to trace-element toxicities and deficiencies because of local geological, climatic and socio-eco- nomic conditions, and these problems are now com- pounded by the consequences of land degradation, pol- lution, urbanisation and industrialisation resulting from rapid economic and population growth. Recent work by the British Geological Survey illus- Trates the value of geochemistry in identifying environ- Mental and health problems resulting from trace-ele- Ment imbalances or contamination and in formulating Strategies to reduce their impact.