[Health and environment. Between certainty and uncertainty, the emergence of environmental medicine]

The evaluation of environmental risks for the human health implies a complex process where a great number of parameters has to be considered. The complexity and the multiplicity of the problem brings on many uncertainties. However several leads exist to guide our reflection with more assurance. Toxicology, ecotoxicoly, occupational medicine, analyse of ecological disasters, epidemiological studies on environmental health issues are such elements the physician can refer to when confronted with a environmental health problem. In looking for solutions, it will be necessary to search and deal with other competences from social life and economics and to take technical feasibility as well as architectural reality and urban development policy into account.