Changes

Due to the complexity of health problems arising from the geology, medical geology uses a multidisciplinary approach in its operations: it integrates experts from geology, geography, biochemistry and medical sciences who work as a team to tackle health problems ([[:File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_1.png|Figure 1]]).

Due to the complexity of health problems arising from the geology, medical geology uses a multidisciplinary approach in its operations: it integrates experts from geology, geography, biochemistry and medical sciences who work as a team to tackle health problems ([[:File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_1.png|Figure 1]]).

Geographical approaches are employed to ascertain the total number of individuals affected by an epidemic through the use of spatial analysis. On the other hand, biochemical studies provide an insight into the processes that elements undergo in biochemical systems while the burden of studying the epidemiological and toxicological aspects of diseases lies on the shoulders of medical sciences. Through such approaches, medical doctors are able to cure such diseases.<ref name=Setal2013>Selinus, O., B. Alloway, J. A. Centeno, R. B. Finkelman, R. Fuge, U. Lindh, and P. Smedley, (eds.) 2013. Essentials of Medical Geology. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 805p.</ref>

Geographical approaches are employed to ascertain the total number of individuals affected by an epidemic through the use of spatial analysis. On the other hand, biochemical studies provide an insight into the processes that elements undergo in biochemical systems while the burden of studying the epidemiological and toxicological aspects of diseases lies on the shoulders of medical sciences. Through such approaches, medical doctors are able to cure such diseases.<ref name=Setal2013>Selinus, O., B. Alloway, J. A. Centeno, R. B. Finkelman, R. Fuge, U. Lindh, and P. Smedley, eds., 2013. Essentials of medical geology: Amsterdam, Elsevier, 805 p.</ref>

Furthermore, geology is employed as a tool in identifying the causative element(s)/mineral(s) of the epidemic. This is achieved through desk study and field work aimed at identifying the host rock or soil and to map its [[lateral]] extent. Water sources such as lakes, rivers, streams and man- made wells are not left out in such studies. Mines, quarries and ore processing sites are all brought under the surveillance of geologists. This is achieved through a comprehensive mix of three aspects of geology: geochemistry, mineralogy and hydrogeology.

Furthermore, geology is employed as a tool in identifying the causative element(s) and mineral(s) of the epidemic. This is achieved through desk study and field work aimed at identifying the host rock or soil and to map its [[lateral]] extent. Water sources such as lakes, rivers, streams and man- made wells are not left out in such studies. Mines, quarries and ore processing sites are all brought under the surveillance of geologists. This is achieved through a comprehensive mix of three aspects of geology: geochemistry, mineralogy and hydrogeology.

Geochemistry is the study of the chemical changes in the earth. More specifically, it is the study of the absolute and relative abundances of chemical elements in minerals, soils, ores, rocks, water and atmosphere of the earth and the distribution of and movement of these elements from one place to another as a result of their chemical and physical characteristics. This approach is used extensively in the search for the causative element of a particular epidemic.

Geochemistry is the study of the chemical changes in the earth. More specifically, it is the study of the absolute and relative abundances of chemical elements in minerals, soils, ores, rocks, water and atmosphere of the earth and the distribution of and movement of these elements from one place to another as a result of their chemical and physical characteristics. This approach is used extensively in the search for the causative element of a particular epidemic.

Mineralogy is a subject of geology specializing in the scientific study of the chemistry, crystal structure and optical properties of minerals.

Mineralogy is a subject of geology specializing in the scientific study of the chemistry, crystal structure and optical properties of minerals.

Simply put, hydrogeology is the aspect of geology that studies the interaction between geologic materials and groundwater; because, as ground water passes through geologic media, it takes up some of the elements either in suspension or in solution. Consumption of such contaminated water sources can be ‘grave’. Thus, hydrogeology is important in gaining useful understanding of the water quality of a region/locality.

Simply put, hydrogeology is the aspect of geology that studies the interaction between geologic materials and groundwater; because, as ground water passes through geologic media, it takes up some of the elements either in suspension or in solution. Consumption of such contaminated water sources can be ‘grave’. Thus, hydrogeology is important in gaining useful understanding of the water quality of a region or locality.

===Environment and our health===

===Environment and our health===