Trace elements in the human environment: Problems and risks

Area of Science:

• Environmental geochemistry
• Public health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Early research linked environmental geochemistry to major diseases like cancer and multiple sclerosis, primarily through rural area comparisons.
• Subsequent studies highlighted the role of fluoride, selenium, molybdenum, and lead in dental health and caries etiology.
• Recent decades have seen extensive research on lead, particularly in urban environments, enhancing understanding of its distribution and health impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical progression of environmental geochemistry studies concerning human health.
• To emphasize the shift in research focus from rural to urban environments.
• To identify key elements and suggest future research directions based on past methodologies.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of geochemical and epidemiological maps.
• Investigating the distribution of elements (e.g., lead) in urban landscapes (streets, parks, homes).
• Utilizing established research methodologies as models for new investigations.

Main Results:

• Established links between specific elements (fluoride, selenium, molybdenum, lead) and health outcomes, notably dental caries.
• Gained significant insights into the distribution and human health implications of lead in urban settings.
• Demonstrated the value of detailed environmental element analysis in understanding health effects.

Conclusions:

• Environmental geochemistry plays a crucial role in human health across various conditions.
• Research on lead in urban environments offers a valuable model for studying other elements.
• Cadmium, selenium, and aluminum are identified as promising candidates for future environmental health research, requiring appropriate investigative methods.