This issue of Family & Community Health addresses environmental health in its broadest sense. It refers to both the natural and built environments for their impact on human health. Health problems resulting from environmental causes are on the rise for several reasons, two of which are (1) the growing populations that reside near areas vulnerable to natural disasters and (2) the polluting of soil, water, and air with chemical and other toxic substance discharges.A growing number of acute and chronic health problems result from environmental conditions. The physical body absorbs toxins through inhalation, ingestion, and skin, but mental health is also affected through such things as conditions and safety of the built environment. Environmental threats affect many health conditions ranging from tick-borne illnesses to asthma to obesity.
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