T109 Positive and Beneficial Aspects of Earth Sciences in Public Health

Monday, 29 October 2007
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM

HEALTH AND MINERALS

Paper number: T109-2
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 1:35 PM – 1:55 PM

Authors

Abstract

Health and the well being of human populations is a reflection of the earth environment, a fact underscored by both sides of the scientific community: medical/dental professionals who work full time with the human condition and by earth scientists who have and continue to provide the basic understandings of the physical, chemical and biological world that directly impinge on the human existence.

We are, most basically, what we breathe, drink and eat, the specifics engendered by where and when we exist and the decisions we make to assure personal comfort.

This presentation will address the distinctions between geo- and bio-minerals and through examples, some of the health issues and the limited understandings we have of beneficial effects of minerals.