Medical geology

Medical geology is an emerging interdisciplinary scientific field consisting of those aspects of geology as they affect human, animal and plant health.


 * In its broadest sense, medical geology studies exposure to or deficiency of trace elements and minerals; inhalation of ambient and anthropogenic mineral dusts and volcanic emissions; transportation, modification and concentration of organic compounds; and exposure to radionuclide's, microbes and pathogens. (Geotimes 2001)

Examples include:


 * Lead and other heavy metal exposure resulting from dust and other particulates
 * Asbestos exposure such as amphibole asbestos dusts in Libby, Montana
 * Fungal infection resulting from airborne dust, such as Valley Fever or coccidioidomycosis