Soil, geography and human disease: a critical review of the importance of medical cartography

Abstract

Abrahams, Peter, Follansbee, M.H., Hunt, A., Smith, B., (2006) 'Soil, geography and human disease: a critical review of the importance of medical cartography', Progress in Physical Geography 30(4) pp.490-512 RAE2008Soils have a profound impact on the causation and geographical distribution of human disease and well-being. However, because of the multifactorial causes of illnesses, the impact of soils on health needs to be considered in light of the environment in its fullest sense. Since the nineteenth century, medical cartography has served as an epidemiological tool for investigating the links between soils and human well-being. Using examples, particularly the problems of soil-transmitted helminth infections, and iodine and selenium deficiency diseases, this paper shows how maps have been used to identify problem areas, stimulate the development of aetiological hypotheses, help in the planning and management of public health problems, and assess the impact of any beneficial strategies.Peer reviewe

A pilot study on iodine in soils of Greater Kabul and Nangarhar provinces of Afghanistan

“…There is a need to survey water and agricultural soils in Afghanistan for total iodine content in more detail, including the bioavailable fraction and organic compounds, in order to better understand the factors that inXuence the prevalence of IDD. Since soils are implicated both directly and indirectly in the health of humans, geochemical mapping can stimulate investigations into the causation of diseases and, importantly, be instructive in the planning and management of public health responses (Abrahams 2006). Current strategies to fortify staple foods, such as salt iodisation or direct supplementation of iodine, are often patchy and costly.…”

A snapshot of environmental iodine and selenium in La Pampa and San Juan provinces of Argentina

“…Soils are influential in the nutritional status of humans and animals. Geochemical mapping can stimulate investigations into the cause of diseases and aid the planning of public health corrective responses (Abrahams, 2006). Mitigation strategies, such as the common practice of salt iodisation in Argentina or direct supplementation are often patchy (Morando et al, 2004).…”

Photosynthesis and metabolism of sugars from lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia) subjected to biofortification with iodine

“…Iodine is regarded as an essential trace element for mammals, and its deficiency is related to numerous severe disorders such as goitre, reproductive failure, mental backwardness and brain damage. Today, about 30% of the world's population suffer from iodine deficiency (White and Broadley 2005;Abrahams 2006). To mitigate such nutritional disorders, biofortification has recently been proposed for improving plant food nutritional quality.…”