Introduction to Environmental Diseases

Environmental diseases include those caused by exposure to harmful substances in the environment, in a sense that it encompasses all nutritional, infectious, chemical and physical in origin.

Environmental diseases are surprisingly common. They can originate from occupational exposures, polluted ambient air, chemicals taken to the body through the lung or GIT for several reasons, or from noxious physical agents that come in contact to the body.

International labor organization has estimated that work related injuries and illnesses kill 1.1 million people per year globally. Environmental diseases constitute an enormous burden financially and in disability and suffering. With this overview of the nature and magnitude of these diseases we will concentrate on the more important once. 

References

Bezabeh ,M. ; Tesfaye,A.; Ergicho, B.; Erke, M.; Mengistu, S. and Bedane,A.; Desta, A.(2004). General Pathology. Jimma University, Gondar University Haramaya University, Dedub University.