Changes

The intake of contaminated groundwater exposes the consumer to the risk of injecting harmful elements into the body system. Groundwater is made available to man as springs, rivers, lakes and through man-made wells.

The intake of contaminated groundwater exposes the consumer to the risk of injecting harmful elements into the body system. Groundwater is made available to man as springs, rivers, lakes and through man-made wells.

Volcanism is another geologic process that poses potential harm to human health, ejecting tons of different poisonous gases and volcanic ash. These travel kilometers round the planet to be inhaled by people at different radii from the vent thereby causing diverse toxicity problems in the victims (Skinner, 2007).

Volcanism is another geologic process that poses potential harm to human health, ejecting tons of different poisonous gases and volcanic ash. These travel kilometers round the planet to be inhaled by people at different radii from the vent thereby causing diverse toxicity problems in the victims.<ref name=Skinner>Skinner, H. C. W., 2007, The Earth,Source of Health and Hazards: An Introduction to Medical Geology. Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, 35,177–213.</ref>

In addition, dust from deserts is a source of health hazard to man. The harmattan season for example, comes with moments of increased asthma torments and various sorts of nasal difficulties such as catarrh as it has the potential to transport soil pathogens to distant regions. It has been confirmed that dust from the Sahara travels across the Mediterranean Sea to the hinterlands of Europe and to North America.<ref name=Sel2004>Selinus, O., 2004. Medical Geology: An Emerging Specialty. Terrae, 1(1), 8-15.</ref>

In addition, dust from deserts is a source of health hazard to man. The harmattan season for example, comes with moments of increased asthma torments and various sorts of nasal difficulties such as catarrh as it has the potential to transport soil pathogens to distant regions. It has been confirmed that dust from the Sahara travels across the Mediterranean Sea to the hinterlands of Europe and to North America.<ref name=Sel2004>Selinus, O., 2004. Medical Geology: An Emerging Specialty. Terrae, 1(1), 8-15.</ref>

Over the years, it has been observed that the environment man lives in affects his health. For instance, the people of Maputaland, South Africa, are plagued by nutrient-poor soil. Maize grown in this region has very low content of elements such as calcium, potassium and phosphorous.<ref>Selinus, O. and A. Frank, 2000. Medical Geology. Environmental Medicine, Joint Industrial Safety Council, 333, 164-183.</ref> This is as a result of low concentration of these elements in the rocks of that region. Countries in southern Africa also suffer from selenium deficiency in their soils. This accounts for the spread of HIV-1 virus in this zone as selenium which inhibits the replication of HIV-1 is lacking in their soil. Still in Africa, Kerala Province in Uganda is another region under the “hammer” of geology. Children in this province suffer from a ‘grave’ coronary heart condition called endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF). This epidemic is attributed to the deliberate eating of soil containing the element cerium.<ref name=Dvies>Davies, T. C., 2010. Medical Geology in Africa, ''in'' O. Selinus, R. B. Finkelman, and J. A. Centeno, eds., Medical Geology: A Regional Synthesis, 199–216.</ref>

Over the years, it has been observed that the environment man lives in affects his health. For instance, the people of Maputaland, South Africa, are plagued by nutrient-poor soil. Maize grown in this region has very low content of elements such as calcium, potassium and phosphorous.<ref>Selinus, O. and A. Frank, 2000. Medical Geology. Environmental Medicine, Joint Industrial Safety Council, 333, 164-183.</ref> This is as a result of low concentration of these elements in the rocks of that region. Countries in southern Africa also suffer from selenium deficiency in their soils. This accounts for the spread of HIV-1 virus in this zone as selenium which inhibits the replication of HIV-1 is lacking in their soil. Still in Africa, Kerala Province in Uganda is another region under the “hammer” of geology. Children in this province suffer from a ‘grave’ coronary heart condition called endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF). This epidemic is attributed to the deliberate eating of soil containing the element cerium.<ref name=Dvies>Davies, T. C., 2010. Medical Geology in Africa, ''in'' O. Selinus, R. B. Finkelman, and J. A. Centeno, eds., Medical Geology: A Regional Synthesis, 199–216.</ref>

China is not left aside in these problems. The country suffers from deficiencies and excessiveness of selenium in many parts of the country resulting in life-threatening health problems. China also suffers from the influx of arsenic into coal deposits whose domestic use has resulted to untold chronic health effects over the years (Skinner, 2007).

China is not left aside in these problems. The country suffers from deficiencies and excessiveness of selenium in many parts of the country resulting in life-threatening health problems. China also suffers from the influx of arsenic into coal deposits whose domestic use has resulted to untold chronic health effects over the years.<ref name=Skinner />

The use of water from the Colorado Springs at the Pikes Peak in the Rocky Mountain region of USA had led to dental fluorosis amongst children. This condition arose as a result of meteoric waters that flowed over faulted granitic batholiths.<ref name=Fnklman2010b /> The meteoric waters ‘picked up’ fluoride from easily dissolved minerals at the fault and incorporated it into the flow. Fluoride was also injected into the Colorado Springs by fluoride-enriched fractured and faulted Cretaceous Pierre Shale that underlies the spring ([[:File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_2.png|Figure 2]]).

The use of water from the Colorado Springs at the Pikes Peak in the Rocky Mountain region of USA had led to dental fluorosis amongst children. This condition arose as a result of meteoric waters that flowed over faulted granitic batholiths.<ref name=Fnklman2010b /> The meteoric waters ‘picked up’ fluoride from easily dissolved minerals at the fault and incorporated it into the flow. Fluoride was also injected into the Colorado Springs by fluoride-enriched fractured and faulted Cretaceous Pierre Shale that underlies the spring ([[:File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_2.png|Figure 2]]).

===Geochemobiological Pathways===

===Geochemobiological Pathways===

[[File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_4.png|thumb|400px|{{figure number|4}}The continuum of Earth materials between the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere and the pathways for uptake of particles, gases, and elements into plants, animals and humans (after Skinner, 2007).]]

[[File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_4.png|thumb|400px|{{figure number|4}}The continuum of Earth materials between the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere and the pathways for uptake of particles, gases, and elements into plants, animals and humans.<ref name=Skinner />]]

This is the rock-soil-plant-animal/human pathway, and it is of major importance in the study of medical geology. It describes the various ways through which people can come in contact with elements originally in the rocks (Skinner, 2007), ([[:File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_4.png|Figure 4]]).

This is the rock-soil-plant-animal/human pathway, and it is of major importance in the study of medical geology. It describes the various ways through which people can come in contact with elements originally in the rocks, ([[:File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_4.png|Figure 4]]).

Elements are released from rocks through weathering− the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller components.

Elements are released from rocks through weathering− the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller components.

In addition to these, there are processes that make the various elements available to plants: sorption and desorption. According to Selinus et al,<ref name=Setal2013 /> sorption is the retention of metal ions on the surfaces of soil particles through mutual attraction between oppositely charged particles. Desorption refers to the release of these metal ions for plant use as a result of alterations in pH and redox conditions. By consuming plants and animals raised on such soils, man comes in contact with the elements originally in the rocks.

In addition to these, there are processes that make the various elements available to plants: sorption and desorption. According to Selinus et al,<ref name=Setal2013 /> sorption is the retention of metal ions on the surfaces of soil particles through mutual attraction between oppositely charged particles. Desorption refers to the release of these metal ions for plant use as a result of alterations in pH and redox conditions. By consuming plants and animals raised on such soils, man comes in contact with the elements originally in the rocks.

Another pathway through which humans come in contact with the earth’s elements is by water intake whether from man-made wells, rivers, streams or lakes (Skinner, 2007). These emanate from groundwater which might have leached both toxic and non-toxic elements from rocks through which it flowed.

Another pathway through which humans come in contact with the earth’s elements is by water intake whether from man-made wells, rivers, streams or lakes.<ref name=Skinner /> These emanate from groundwater which might have leached both toxic and non-toxic elements from rocks through which it flowed.

Inhalation of volcanic gases and dust from deserts, un-tarred roads, mines and volcanic emanations form another important pathway of exposure to dangerous elements. Volcanism is the principal process that brings elements to the surface from deep within the earth. The volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo is a splendid example of the dramatic effects of geology. During just two days in June ,1991, Mount Pinatubo, Philippines ejected 10 billion metric tonnes of magma and 20 million tonnes of SO2 for over 15,000 meters high into the atmosphere; the resulting aerosols influenced global climate for three years. This single event introduced an estimated 800,000 tonnes of zinc, 600,000 tonnes of copper, 550,000 tonnes of chromium, 100,000 tonnes of lead, 1000 tonnes of cadmium, 10,000 tonnes of arsenic, 800 tonnes of mercury, and 30,000 tonnes of nickel to the surface environment (Garrett, 2000).

Inhalation of volcanic gases and dust from deserts, un-tarred roads, mines and volcanic emanations form another important pathway of exposure to dangerous elements. Volcanism is the principal process that brings elements to the surface from deep within the earth. The volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo is a splendid example of the dramatic effects of geology. During just two days in June ,1991, Mount Pinatubo, Philippines ejected 10 billion metric tonnes of magma and 20 million tonnes of SO2 for over 15,000 meters high into the atmosphere; the resulting aerosols influenced global climate for three years. This single event introduced an estimated 800,000 tonnes of zinc, 600,000 tonnes of copper, 550,000 tonnes of chromium, 100,000 tonnes of lead, 1000 tonnes of cadmium, 10,000 tonnes of arsenic, 800 tonnes of mercury, and 30,000 tonnes of nickel to the surface environment (Garrett, 2000).

===Alkaline Water===

===Alkaline Water===

<gallery mode=packed heights=300px widths=300px>

<gallery mode=packed heights=300px widths=300px>

UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_18.png|{{figure number|18}}Increase in pH due to alkaline water intake (after Tan Koon, 2013).

UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_18.png|{{figure number|18}}Increase in pH due to alkaline water intake<ref name=TK>Tan Koon, P. M., 2013, [www.alkaflask.blogspot.sg  AlkaFlask Potable Alkaline Water Maker].</ref>

UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_19.png|{{figure number|19}}Arrangement of different geologic materials in the alkaline water flask (after Tan Koon, 2013).

UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_19.png|{{figure number|19}}Arrangement of different geologic materials in the alkaline water flask.<ref name=TK>

</gallery>

</gallery>

Alkaline water, also known as ionized water, is water that has a pH level greater than eight; it is produced to improve longevity ([[:File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_18.png|Figure 18]]). It removes oxidants, detoxifies the cells, enhances blood circulation and removes pathogens.

Alkaline water, also known as ionized water, is water that has a pH level greater than eight; it is produced to improve longevity ([[:File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_18.png|Figure 18]]). It removes oxidants, detoxifies the cells, enhances blood circulation and removes pathogens.

It supplies the cells with Na, Mg, K and Ca and increases the body metabolism. According to Tan Koon (2013), it provides negative Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP), thereby slowing down the ageing process.

It supplies the cells with Na, Mg, K and Ca and increases the body metabolism. According to Tan Koon,<ref name=TK /> it provides negative Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP), thereby slowing down the ageing process.

It is made using 13 different materials such as tourmaline, zeolite, clay, calcium ion pellet, magnesium and negative potential pellet ([[:File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_19.png|Figure 19]]).

It is made using 13 different materials such as tourmaline, zeolite, clay, calcium ion pellet, magnesium and negative potential pellet ([[:File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_19.png|Figure 19]]).

Tourmaline electrolyzes the water by generating negative ions, thus reducing water cluster. Zeolite is negatively charged; it easily absorbs free radicals and viral particles. It traps nitrosamines in the digestive tract to cancel any chance of type II diabetes. Due to its negative charge, zeolite can attract toxins such as heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides. These can then pass safely out of the body without re-absorption (Tan Koon, 2013).

Tourmaline electrolyzes the water by generating negative ions, thus reducing water cluster. Zeolite is negatively charged; it easily absorbs free radicals and viral particles. It traps nitrosamines in the digestive tract to cancel any chance of type II diabetes. Due to its negative charge, zeolite can attract toxins such as heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides. These can then pass safely out of the body without re-absorption.<ref name=TK />

Clay is used in flask due to its adsorption properties. It neutralizes poisons in the digestive tract and fights viral infection and stomach flu.

Clay is used in flask due to its adsorption properties. It neutralizes poisons in the digestive tract and fights viral infection and stomach flu.

==References==

==References==

{{reflist}}

{{reflist}}

 

* Skinner, H.C.W., 2007. The Earth,Source of Health and Hazards: An Introduction to Medical Geology. Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, 35,177–213.

*  

* Wright, P.R.D., Rattray, R. and Lalor, G., 2010. A Regional Perspective of Medical Geology– Cadmium in Jamaica. In: Selinus, O., Finkelman, R.B. and Centeno, J.A., (eds) 2010. Medical Geology: A Regional Synthesis, 36–45.

* Wright, P.R.D., Rattray, R. and Lalor, G., 2010. A Regional Perspective of Medical Geology– Cadmium in Jamaica. In: Selinus, O., Finkelman, R.B. and Centeno, J.A., (eds) 2010. Medical Geology: A Regional Synthesis, 36–45.

* Wuyi, W., Linsheng, Y., Shaofan, H. and Jian’an T., 2003. Mitigation of Endemic Arsenocosis with Selenium: an Example from China. HCWSkinner ARBerger, 51–56.

* Wuyi, W., Linsheng, Y., Shaofan, H. and Jian’an T., 2003. Mitigation of Endemic Arsenocosis with Selenium: an Example from China. HCWSkinner ARBerger, 51–56.

* Zheng, B., Wang, B. and Finkelman, R.B., 2010. Medical Geology in China: Then and Now. In: Selinus, O., Finkelman, R.B. and Centeno, J.A., (eds), Medical Geology: A Regional Synthesis, 303–319.

* Zheng, B., Wang, B. and Finkelman, R.B., 2010. Medical Geology in China: Then and Now. In: Selinus, O., Finkelman, R.B. and Centeno, J.A., (eds), Medical Geology: A Regional Synthesis, 303–319.

* Zumdahl, S.S., 2009. Chemical Principles. Houghton Miffin Company, 120p.

* Zumdahl, S.S., 2009. Chemical Principles. Houghton Miffin Company, 120p.