Environmental medicine is a new discipline of medicine that deals with understanding health problems linked to the environment and with studying the relationships between the environment and health. It aims to prevent environmental diseases and promote health through the sustainable management of land and natural resources, including the effects of human activities on the environment.
When did it begin?
It is a relatively new field, which brings together several disciplines such as medicine, biology, ecology and public health management. Experts in environmental medicine seek to understand how environmental conditions can affect human health and to develop strategies to prevent or reduce harm to health; for this reason, in terms of timing, it is closely tied to the growing awareness of the environment that has developed in recent years.
How is it developing today?
It is a multidisciplinary approach that involves several specialisations, not only medicine but also engineering, biology and chemistry. The study of health and the environment is becoming ever more important for human and environmental health, in particular with the introduction of advanced technologies such as nanotechnology. The focus on preventing environmental risks has led to the creation of tools for monitoring air, water, soil and chemical substances that can affect human health. In addition, strict regulations have been introduced to limit pollution from sources such as vehicle exhaust fumes, agricultural pesticides and industrial emissions. Innovative methods are also being developed to provide more accurate information to those working in health and the environment and to educate the public on the subject.
