Post Graduate Department Of Geology

Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University

Nagpur -440001

Presentation
On
“Role and Duties of Medical Geology”

Presented by
Prajakta Rajendra Sukhdeve
MSc pure geology (sem 1)
 Content

➢ Introduction
➢ Definition and scope of medical geology
➢ History of medical geology
➢ Modern medical Geology
➢ Role and duties of medical geology
➢ Some applications of medical geology
➢ An opportunity for the future
➢ Conclusion
➢ References
 Introduction

Medical geology is a multidisciplinary field that studies the impact of geological

processes and materials on human and animal health. Medical geologists work with
other scientists to improve public health by:

➢ Identifying geographic pattern of disease

➢ Finding sources of disease-causing agents in the environment
➢ Identifying health risks
➢ Linking geological characteristics to health problems
➢ Developing treatment
➢ Communicating between communities
➢ Using geochemical research
➢ Determining how people are exposed to these agents
➢ Predicting possible deficiency diseases
➢ Determining possible health risks from volcanic emissions
➢ Identifying harmful components in dust raised by
earthquakes

Medical geology has led to treatments for deficiencies, diseases,

skin treatments, food supplements, and beauty products.
In our changing and fast paced world, interdisciplinary
communication is the norm.
One example of this is medical geology,

A re-emerging science at the crossroads of the diverse

fields of earth science and public health. Medical geology
is the study of how geologic processes and phenomena
affect the health of living organisms, with an emphasis
placed on the wellbeing of humans. Geologic impacts on
human health may be traced back to both natural and
anthropogenic sources. People all over the world are
affected both negatively and positively by their geologic
surroundings. The study of medical geology promises to
increase the quality of life for generations to come.
 Definition and scope of medical geology

Medical geology is the study of how geological factors impact the health of humans,
animals, and plants. It's a multidisciplinary field that combines earth, health, and life
sciences. Medical geologists work with other scientists to improve public health. Medical
geologists study a wide range of geological materials and processes, including: rocks,
minerals, atmospheric dust, water, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes.

Scope : Medical geology is a field that studies how geologic materials and processes
affect human and animal health. It covers a wide range of topics as we discussed below.
Medical geology can also involve studying the use of geologic materials in medicine and
cosmetics. For example, minerals like tungsten, copper, cobalt, and iron are used in x-ray
analysis and scanning. Kaolinite, Bentonite, and Barium are used to treat gastric problems.
 History of Medical Geology

The effect of geologic surroundings on human health has long been recognized by
societies and individuals alike: Medicinal clays may have been the first patented medicine
and have been used as poison antidotes for thousands of years, as well as nutrition sources.
➢ Hippocrates (460-377 BC) described arsenic containing minerals to be "..corrosive,
burning of the skin, with severe pain.“
➢ In many ancient cultures minerals were said to have healing and preventative powers as
well as harmful properties,
➢ Aristotle (384-322 BC) connected environmental factors with disease rates in Greece.
➢ Texts over 2,000 years old describe 46 different minerals and their application to
ailments, as well as potential negative effects of minerals.

Medical geology is clearly not a new discipline, but rather a re-emerging one. As society
becomes increasingly conscious of our environment and the dynamic role that it plays in
our lives, the field of medical geology will gain notoriety and momentum.
 Role and Duties of medical geology

Medical geologists study the relationship

between the environment and human,
animal, and plant health. Their work
includes :-

➢ Identifying disease patterns Medical

geologists work to identify disease
patterns that are linked to geographic
locations.
➢ Finding sources of disease .They work to
identify the sources of disease-causing
agents in the environment.
➢ Determining exposure .They work to
determine how people are exposed to
disease-causing agents.
➢ Studying trace elements Medical geologists study
trace elements, such as iodine, fluorine, and
selenium, that occur in small amounts but have a
significant impact on the food chain.
➢ Studying geological events .They study geological
events, such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and
mining, to predict possible health risks and
deficiency diseases.
➢ Studying health benefits Medical geologists also
study the health benefits of geologic materials and
processes.
 Some applications of medical geology includes

➢ Controlling the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease

➢ Studying the antibiotic properties of clay minerals.
➢ Investigating lithium levels in drinking water.
➢ Surveilling and mitigating diseases triggered by climate change.
➢ Controlling pollution-related mortality and morbidity.
 An opportunity for the future

It is always risky to attempt to predict what the future holds. However, we are confident that the
future for medical geology looks promising. The book. Essentials of Medical Geology. has
received an overwhelmingly positive.
The book will stimulate the teaching of medical geology in colleges and universities .The
medical geology short courses will continue to attract enthusiastic medical geologists and future
students. The International Medical Geology Association should provide a stable platform for the
exchange of ideas and dissemination of information. The International Year of Planet Earth will
be of great importance not only concerning outreach but also in funding medical geology
research all over the world.
The wide range of other medical geology activities enumerated above should maintain
enthusiasm and momentum for the next few years. Medical geologists are at the forefront to
demonstrate that what we have to offer will indeed benefit society by helping to improve the
quality of life for people around the world.
 Conclusion

❖ The objectives of medical geology are to identify harmful geological agents determine the
condition of exposure that promote deteriorating health conditions and develop principles,
strategies, programs and approaches necessary to eliminate or minimize health risks.
Interaction and communication is necessary between the geosciences, biomedical, and public
health communities to protect human health from the damaging effect of physical, chemical,
and biological agents in the environment. We recommend that Medical geology be included
in higher education so that students will be aware of the connection between geology and
health and encourage to pursue a career in medical geology.
❖ The rapidly emerging scientific discipline of Medical Geology holds promise for
increasing our environmental our health knowledge and contributing to
substantial tangible improvements in the well-being of global community. An
important task is to faster acceptance of the subdiscipline medical geology. This
may facilitate support for research by raising awareness among funding agencies
and decision- makers. The general public must be educated on the value of this
field, not only for its promise of practical ,effective solutions to serious public
health problems, but because people can encourage their elected leaders to
champion this important cause.
 References
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