PubMed · 443237
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J F Kurtzke. 1979. ICD 9: a regression.. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a112694
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Epidemiologists study the distribution and the determinants of disease in human populations. Geochemists may be more concerned to find diseases to fit the observed patterns of geochemistry. This paper is concerned with the application of epidemiological techniques to the interrelations between health, disease and geochemistry, with particular reference to the hazards of man-made chemicals in the environment. Descriptive studies of disease in terms of person, place and time allow for crude comparison with the results of geochemical mapping and for the development of hypotheses. Analytical studies allow for the exploration of these hypotheses but demand careful sampling techniques and vigorous quality control. The epidemiological approach should be directed towards the identification of national/regional problems and of high-risk groups, the definition of priorities and the opportunities for preventative measures. The problems and possibilities for epidemiological research are illustrated from recent and current studies.
Deficiencies or excesses in the content or availability of trace elements in rocks and soils, or in water flowing through them, is hypothesized as a possible cause of certain chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. Geographic distribution of cardiovascular diseases is often associated with geochemical differences. This trend is particularly evident in the United States and in Europe, with higher rates for cardiovascular mortalities being present in areas uunderlain by soils that are poor in most essential trace elements. Confirmation of this trend is found in connection with the degree of mineralization of local water supplies. Areas that are served by soft waters usually show higher rates of cardiovascular mortality and other forms of cardiovascular pathology, compared with the areas that are served by hard waters. Such a negative association between water hardness and cardiovascular pathology is evident in many countries, both industrialized and developing.
For more than 4 years independent practitioners in the area of Wiesloch have led an intervening prophylactic treatment. Based on the recognition of heart and circulatory diseases, the program consists of sport with medical participation, a series of lectures and a course an dietary cooking. The results of 4 years show that there is success in normalising pathological risk factors.