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Meththika Vithanage - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Medical Geology of endemic goiter in kalutara sri lanka distribution and possible causes
Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 2017Co-Authors: G. W. A. R. Fernando, Meththika Vithanage, P. L. C. L. Liyanage, Anushka Upamali RajapakshaAbstract:This study assesses the distribution of goiter in the Kalutara District, Sri Lanka in order to find causative factors for the occurrence of goiter even after the salt iodization. A questionnaire survey was conducted at the household level and at the same time iodine and selenium levels of the water sources were analyzed. Questionnaire survey results indicated the highest numbers of goiter patients in the northern part where the lowest were found in the southern sector which may be due to the presence of acid sulfate soils. Females were more susceptible and it even showed a transmittance between generations. Average iodine concentrations in subsurface water of goiter endemic regions are 28.25 ± 15.47 μg/L whereas non-goiter regions show identical values at 24.74 ± 18.29 μg/L. Surface water exhibited relatively high values at 30.87 ± 16.13 μg/L. Endemic goiter was reported in some isolated patches where iodine and selenium concentrations low, latter was <10 μg/L. The formation of acid sulfate soils in the marshy lands in Kalutara district may lead to transformation of biological available iodine oxidation into volatile iodine by humic substances, at the same time organic matter rich peaty soil may have strong held of iodine and selenium which again induced by low pH and high temperature were suggested as the instrumental factors in the endemic goiter in Kalutara district. Hence, geochemical features such as soil pH, organic matter and thick lateritic cap in the Kalutara goiter endemic area play a role in controlling the available selenium and iodine for food chain through plant uptake and in water.
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Medical Geology of endemic goiter in Kalutara, Sri Lanka; distribution and possible causes.
Environmental geochemistry and health, 2017Co-Authors: G. W. A. R. Fernando, P. L. C. L. Liyanage, Anushka Upamali Rajapaksha, Meththika VithanageAbstract:This study assesses the distribution of goiter in the Kalutara District, Sri Lanka in order to find causative factors for the occurrence of goiter even after the salt iodization. A questionnaire survey was conducted at the household level and at the same time iodine and selenium levels of the water sources were analyzed. Questionnaire survey results indicated the highest numbers of goiter patients in the northern part where the lowest were found in the southern sector which may be due to the presence of acid sulfate soils. Females were more susceptible and it even showed a transmittance between generations. Average iodine concentrations in subsurface water of goiter endemic regions are 28.25 ± 15.47 μg/L whereas non-goiter regions show identical values at 24.74 ± 18.29 μg/L. Surface water exhibited relatively high values at 30.87 ± 16.13 μg/L. Endemic goiter was reported in some isolated patches where iodine and selenium concentrations low, latter was
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Medical Geology in the framework of the sustainable development goals.
The Science of the total environment, 2017Co-Authors: Jochen Bundschuh, Jyoti Prakash Maity, Shahbaz Mushtaq, Meththika Vithanage, Saman Seneweera, Jerusa Schneider, Prosun Bhattacharya, Nasreen Islam Khan, Ihsan Hamawand, Luiz R G GuilhermeAbstract:Exposure to geogenic contaminants (GCs) such as metal(loid)s, radioactive metals and isotopes as well as transuraniums occurring naturally in geogenic sources (rocks, minerals) can negatively impact on environmental and human health. The GCs are released into the environment by natural biogeochemical processes within the near-surface environments and/or by anthropogenic activities such as mining and hydrocarbon exploitation as well as exploitation of geothermal resources. They can contaminate soil, water, air and biota and subsequently enter the food chain with often serious health impacts which are mostly underestimated and poorly recognized. Global population explosion and economic growth and the associated increase in demand for water, energy, food, and mineral resources result in accelerated release of GCs globally. The emerging science of "Medical Geology" assesses the complex relationships between geo-environmental factors and their impacts on humans and environments and is related to the majority of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations for Sustainable Development. In this paper, we identify multiple lines of evidence for the role of GCs in the incidence of diseases with as yet unknown etiology (causation). Integrated Medical Geology promises a more holistic understanding of the occurrence, mobility, bioavailability, bio-accessibility, exposure and transfer mechanisms of GCs to the food-chain and humans, and the related ecotoxicological impacts and health effects. Scientific evidence based on this approach will support adaptive solutions for prevention, preparedness and response regarding human and environmental health impacts originating from exposure to GCs.
Olle Selinus - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Applications of Geochemistry to Medical Geology
Environmental Geochemistry: Site Characterization Data Analysis and Case Histories, 2018Co-Authors: Robert B. Finkelman, William H. Orem, Geoffrey S. Plumlee, Olle SelinusAbstract:Abstract The discipline of geochemistry provides insights into how the natural environment impacts animal and human health and is the basis for the important subdiscipline of Medical geochemistry. Among the more important contributions of Medical geochemistry are the maps illustrating the distribution, on various scales, of potentially toxic trace elements. Chemical analyses of surface water and groundwater, stream sediments, and soil horizons have been published by numerous countries covering large geographic regions. Among the most comprehensive compilations is the Geochemical Atlas of Europe containing analytical data on more than 50 elements from stream water, stream sediment, and three soil horizons in 26 countries. Geochemical processes play a variety of important roles in controlling how humans are exposed to potential toxicants in a wide range of geogenic or anthropogenic materials. Once taken up by the body, geogenic materials such as dusts, soils, and water and their contained toxicants can react chemically with the body's fluids, and these chemical interactions can play key roles in toxicity. In addition to the harmful effects of some geogenic materials, certain clays have demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial properties when applied to open wounds with bacterial infections. Numerous case studies illustrate the potential human health impacts of organic compounds from geogenic sources, and especially those from fossil energy deposits. This is a challenging area of study since disease(s) resulting from exposures may be chronic rather than acute, and involve complex mixtures of substances. Medical geochemistry can play a key role in helping to protect the safety of drinking water by identifying the sources, concentrations, and forms of potentially harmful elements such as arsenic, mercury, and fluorine in natural waters. Chemical and mineralogical characterization of coals has helped to identify the sources of health problems afflicting millions of people worldwide.
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recent aspects of uranium toxicology in Medical Geology
Environmental Research, 2017Co-Authors: Geir Bjorklund, Olle Selinus, Olav Albert Christophersen, Salvatore Chirumbolo, Jan AasethAbstract:Uranium (U) is a chemo-toxic, radiotoxic and even a carcinogenic element. Due to its radioactivity, the effects of U on humans health have been extensively investigated. Prolonged U exposure may cause kidney disease and cancer. The geological distribution of U radionuclides is still a great concern for human health. Uranium in groundwater, frequently used as drinking water, and general environmental pollution with U raise concerns about the potential public health problem in several areas of Asia. The particular paleo-geological hallmark of India and other Southern Asiatic regions enhances the risk of U pollution in rural and urban communities. This paper highlights different health and environmental aspects of U as well as uptake and intake. It discusses levels of U in soil and water and the related health issues. Also described are different issues of U pollution, such as U and fertilizers, occupational exposure in miners, use and hazards of U in weapons (depleted U), U and plutonium as catalysts in the reaction between DNA and H2O2, and recycling of U from groundwater to surface soils in irrigation. For use in Medical Geology and U research, large databases and data warehouses are currently available in Europe and the United States.
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Essentials of Medical Geology - Essentials of Medical Geology
2017Co-Authors: Olle SelinusAbstract:Medical Geology: Perspectives and Prospects.- Public Health and Geological Processes: and Overview of a Fundamental Relationship.- Natural Distribution and Abundance of Elements.- Anthropogenic Sources.- Uptake of Elements from a Chemical Point of View.- Uptake of Elements from a Biological Point of View.- Biological Functions of the Elements.- Geological Impacts on Nutrition.- Biological Responses of Elements.- Volcanic Emissions and Health.- Radon in Air and Water.- Arsenic in groundwater and the environment.- Fluoride in natural waters.- Water Hardness and Health Effects.- Bioavailability of Elements in Soil.- Selenium Deficiency and Toxicity in the Environment.- Soils and Iodine Deficiency.- Geophagy and the Involuntary Ingestion of Soil.- Natural Aerosolic Mineral Dusts and Human Health.- The Ecology of Soil-Borne Human Pathogens.- Animals and Medical Geology.- The impact of micronutrient deficiencies in agricultural soils and crops on the nutritional health of humans.- Environmental Epidemiology.- Environmental Medicine.- Environmental Pathology.- Toxicology.- Speciation of Trace Elements.- GIS in Human Health Studies.- Investigating Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases with Remote Sensing and GIS.- Mineralogy of Bone.- Inorganic and Organic Geochemistry Techniques.- Histochemical and Microprobe Analysis in Medical Geology.- Chapter Modeling Groundwater Flow and Quality.- Appendix A International Reference Values.- Appendix B: Web Links.- Appendix C: Glossary.- Index.
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The emerging field of Medical Geology in brief: some examples
Environmental Earth Sciences, 2016Co-Authors: Brenda J. Buck, Olle Selinus, Sandra Carolina Londono, Brett T. Mclaurin, Rodney V. Metcalf, Hassina Mouri, Refilwe ShelembeAbstract:Emerging Medical problems present Medical practitioners with many difficult challenges. Emergent disciplines may offer the Medical community new opportunities to address a range of these diseases. One such emerging discipline is Medical Geology, a science that is dealing with the influence of natural environmental factors on the geographical distribution of health in humans and animals. It involves the study of the processes and causes of diseases and also the use research findings to present solutions to health problems.
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Medical Geology: Impacts of the Natural Environment on Public Health
Geosciences, 2016Co-Authors: Jose A. Centeno, Robert B. Finkelman, Olle SelinusAbstract:All living organisms are composed of major, minor, and trace elements, given by nature and supplied by Geology.
Robert B. Finkelman - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Guizhou Province, China: the birthplace of modern Medical Geology
Acta Geochimica, 2020Co-Authors: Robert B. Finkelman, Jose A. CentenoAbstract:Medical Geology, the emerging discipline that focuses on the health impacts of geologic materials and geologic processes, has its roots in Guizhou Province, China. In the 1980s Prof. Zheng Baoshan and his students recognized that a large number of people in Guizhou Province had clinical symptoms of arsenic poisoning, fluorine exposure, selenosis, and other diseases caused by exposure to potentially toxic trace elements or due to deficiency of essential elements. Their publications and invitations to scientists to visit the Province ultimately resulted in increased attention to the health impacts of the natural environment and the formation of scientific societies, the publication of at least a dozen books, and thousands of technical articles on what is now called Medical Geology.
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The Influence of Clays on Human Health: a Medical Geology Perspective
Clays and Clay Minerals, 2019Co-Authors: Robert B. FinkelmanAbstract:Clay is unique especially from the perspective of Medical Geology, that is, the impacts of geologic materials and geologic processes on animal and human health. Clay is the only natural material that can impact human health through all routes of exposure: ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. Moreover, these impacts can be harmful as well as beneficial. Ingestion of clay, a form of geophagy, has been practiced for millennia and is still widely practiced today. Humanoids have been ingesting clay for at least two million years to ease indigestion and counteract poisons. Some additional benefits may accrue from eating clays such as providing some nutrients but these benefits are far outweighed by the likely negative consequences such as tissue abrasion, intestinal blockage, anemia, exposure to pathogens and toxic trace elements, and potassium overdose. Inhalation of airborne minerals including clays has impacted the heath of millions. In the 1930s thousands of people living in the Dust Bowl in the U.S. southwest inhaled copious amounts of clay contributing to deadly ‘dust pneumonia.’ Using clay as a poultice to stem bleeding and cure certain skin ailments is an age-old practice that still has many adherents. A classic recent example of the antibacterial properties of clay is the use of certain clays to cure Buruli ulcer, a flesh eating disease. However, walking barefoot on clays in certain volcanic soils can result in non-filarial podoconiosis or elephantiasis. The absence of clays in soils can have serious health consequences. In South Africa, clay-poor soils yield crops lacking in essential nutrients and may be the principal cause of Msileni joint disease. Clearly, a detailed knowledge of the clays in the environment can have significant benefits to human health and wellbeing.
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Applications of Geochemistry to Medical Geology
Environmental Geochemistry: Site Characterization Data Analysis and Case Histories, 2018Co-Authors: Robert B. Finkelman, William H. Orem, Geoffrey S. Plumlee, Olle SelinusAbstract:Abstract The discipline of geochemistry provides insights into how the natural environment impacts animal and human health and is the basis for the important subdiscipline of Medical geochemistry. Among the more important contributions of Medical geochemistry are the maps illustrating the distribution, on various scales, of potentially toxic trace elements. Chemical analyses of surface water and groundwater, stream sediments, and soil horizons have been published by numerous countries covering large geographic regions. Among the most comprehensive compilations is the Geochemical Atlas of Europe containing analytical data on more than 50 elements from stream water, stream sediment, and three soil horizons in 26 countries. Geochemical processes play a variety of important roles in controlling how humans are exposed to potential toxicants in a wide range of geogenic or anthropogenic materials. Once taken up by the body, geogenic materials such as dusts, soils, and water and their contained toxicants can react chemically with the body's fluids, and these chemical interactions can play key roles in toxicity. In addition to the harmful effects of some geogenic materials, certain clays have demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial properties when applied to open wounds with bacterial infections. Numerous case studies illustrate the potential human health impacts of organic compounds from geogenic sources, and especially those from fossil energy deposits. This is a challenging area of study since disease(s) resulting from exposures may be chronic rather than acute, and involve complex mixtures of substances. Medical geochemistry can play a key role in helping to protect the safety of drinking water by identifying the sources, concentrations, and forms of potentially harmful elements such as arsenic, mercury, and fluorine in natural waters. Chemical and mineralogical characterization of coals has helped to identify the sources of health problems afflicting millions of people worldwide.
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Health Benefits of Geologic Materials and Geologic Processes
2016Co-Authors: Robert B. FinkelmanAbstract:Abstract: The reemerging field of Medical Geology is concerned with the impacts of geologic materials and geologic processes on animal and human health. Most Medical Geology research has been focused on health problems caused by excess or deficiency of trace elements, exposure to ambient dust, and on other geologically related health problems or health problems for which geoscience tools, techniques, or databases could be applied. Little, if any, attention has been focused on the beneficial health effects of rocks, minerals, and geologic processes. These beneficial effects may have been recognized as long as two million years ago and include emotional, mental, and physical health benefits. Some of the earliest known medicines were derived from rocks and minerals. For thousands of years various clays have been used as an antidote for poisons. “Terra sigillata, ” still in use today, may have been the first patented medicine. Many trace elements, rocks, and minerals are used today in a wide variety of pharmaceuticals and health care products. There is also a segment of society that believes in the curative and preventative properties of crystals (talismans and amulets). Metals and trace elements are being used in some of today’s most sophisticated Medical applications. Other recent examples of beneficial effects of geologic materials and processes include epidemiological studies in Japan that have identified a wide range of health problems (such as muscle and joint pain, hemorrhoids, burns, gout, etc.) that may be treated by one or more of nine chemically distinct types of hot springs, and a study in China indicating that residentia
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Medical Geology: Impacts of the Natural Environment on Public Health
Geosciences, 2016Co-Authors: Jose A. Centeno, Robert B. Finkelman, Olle SelinusAbstract:All living organisms are composed of major, minor, and trace elements, given by nature and supplied by Geology.
Anushka Upamali Rajapaksha - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Medical Geology of endemic goiter in Kalutara, Sri Lanka; distribution and possible causes.
Environmental geochemistry and health, 2017Co-Authors: G. W. A. R. Fernando, P. L. C. L. Liyanage, Anushka Upamali Rajapaksha, Meththika VithanageAbstract:This study assesses the distribution of goiter in the Kalutara District, Sri Lanka in order to find causative factors for the occurrence of goiter even after the salt iodization. A questionnaire survey was conducted at the household level and at the same time iodine and selenium levels of the water sources were analyzed. Questionnaire survey results indicated the highest numbers of goiter patients in the northern part where the lowest were found in the southern sector which may be due to the presence of acid sulfate soils. Females were more susceptible and it even showed a transmittance between generations. Average iodine concentrations in subsurface water of goiter endemic regions are 28.25 ± 15.47 μg/L whereas non-goiter regions show identical values at 24.74 ± 18.29 μg/L. Surface water exhibited relatively high values at 30.87 ± 16.13 μg/L. Endemic goiter was reported in some isolated patches where iodine and selenium concentrations low, latter was
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Medical Geology of endemic goiter in kalutara sri lanka distribution and possible causes
Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 2017Co-Authors: G. W. A. R. Fernando, Meththika Vithanage, P. L. C. L. Liyanage, Anushka Upamali RajapakshaAbstract:This study assesses the distribution of goiter in the Kalutara District, Sri Lanka in order to find causative factors for the occurrence of goiter even after the salt iodization. A questionnaire survey was conducted at the household level and at the same time iodine and selenium levels of the water sources were analyzed. Questionnaire survey results indicated the highest numbers of goiter patients in the northern part where the lowest were found in the southern sector which may be due to the presence of acid sulfate soils. Females were more susceptible and it even showed a transmittance between generations. Average iodine concentrations in subsurface water of goiter endemic regions are 28.25 ± 15.47 μg/L whereas non-goiter regions show identical values at 24.74 ± 18.29 μg/L. Surface water exhibited relatively high values at 30.87 ± 16.13 μg/L. Endemic goiter was reported in some isolated patches where iodine and selenium concentrations low, latter was <10 μg/L. The formation of acid sulfate soils in the marshy lands in Kalutara district may lead to transformation of biological available iodine oxidation into volatile iodine by humic substances, at the same time organic matter rich peaty soil may have strong held of iodine and selenium which again induced by low pH and high temperature were suggested as the instrumental factors in the endemic goiter in Kalutara district. Hence, geochemical features such as soil pH, organic matter and thick lateritic cap in the Kalutara goiter endemic area play a role in controlling the available selenium and iodine for food chain through plant uptake and in water.
G. W. A. R. Fernando - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Medical Geology of endemic goiter in Kalutara, Sri Lanka; distribution and possible causes.
Environmental geochemistry and health, 2017Co-Authors: G. W. A. R. Fernando, P. L. C. L. Liyanage, Anushka Upamali Rajapaksha, Meththika VithanageAbstract:This study assesses the distribution of goiter in the Kalutara District, Sri Lanka in order to find causative factors for the occurrence of goiter even after the salt iodization. A questionnaire survey was conducted at the household level and at the same time iodine and selenium levels of the water sources were analyzed. Questionnaire survey results indicated the highest numbers of goiter patients in the northern part where the lowest were found in the southern sector which may be due to the presence of acid sulfate soils. Females were more susceptible and it even showed a transmittance between generations. Average iodine concentrations in subsurface water of goiter endemic regions are 28.25 ± 15.47 μg/L whereas non-goiter regions show identical values at 24.74 ± 18.29 μg/L. Surface water exhibited relatively high values at 30.87 ± 16.13 μg/L. Endemic goiter was reported in some isolated patches where iodine and selenium concentrations low, latter was
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Medical Geology of endemic goiter in kalutara sri lanka distribution and possible causes
Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 2017Co-Authors: G. W. A. R. Fernando, Meththika Vithanage, P. L. C. L. Liyanage, Anushka Upamali RajapakshaAbstract:This study assesses the distribution of goiter in the Kalutara District, Sri Lanka in order to find causative factors for the occurrence of goiter even after the salt iodization. A questionnaire survey was conducted at the household level and at the same time iodine and selenium levels of the water sources were analyzed. Questionnaire survey results indicated the highest numbers of goiter patients in the northern part where the lowest were found in the southern sector which may be due to the presence of acid sulfate soils. Females were more susceptible and it even showed a transmittance between generations. Average iodine concentrations in subsurface water of goiter endemic regions are 28.25 ± 15.47 μg/L whereas non-goiter regions show identical values at 24.74 ± 18.29 μg/L. Surface water exhibited relatively high values at 30.87 ± 16.13 μg/L. Endemic goiter was reported in some isolated patches where iodine and selenium concentrations low, latter was <10 μg/L. The formation of acid sulfate soils in the marshy lands in Kalutara district may lead to transformation of biological available iodine oxidation into volatile iodine by humic substances, at the same time organic matter rich peaty soil may have strong held of iodine and selenium which again induced by low pH and high temperature were suggested as the instrumental factors in the endemic goiter in Kalutara district. Hence, geochemical features such as soil pH, organic matter and thick lateritic cap in the Kalutara goiter endemic area play a role in controlling the available selenium and iodine for food chain through plant uptake and in water.