Medical Geology in Russia and the NIS

Abstract

Systematic and regular epidemiological studies on endemic diseases and the natural environment in Russia and NIS are scarce and sporadic. However, there have been some studies of the links between health of the population and the geological background. Information on fluorine, iodine, arsenic, selenium, and other elements’ behavior in natural environment and their effect on human health is presented in this chapter and is the first attempt to synthesize the interdisciplinary knowledge on some geological factors which affect human health in Russia and NIS. Also anthropogenic factors are mentioned, however, of geological origin. Currently, the most important areas of the study in the field of Medical Geology in Russia – NIS are • Geological and geochemical aspects of medical geology in terms of modeling and mapping of the spreading of endemic diseases, toxic elements, such as uranium, fluoride, radon, arsenic, in subsurface, geosphere, and the atmosphere, and its effect on human health. • Urban and mining medical geology. • Crystal chemistry and crystal genesis of biogenic minerals of different origin. • The therapeutic usage of the minerals in terms of biological functions of the elements metals in medicine and industry, and economic minerals in medicine. This chapter, written by leading experts of Russia and NIS, will be of interest to a wide audience of geologists, geochemists, physicians, as well as historians.