Glossary - Environmental Medicine[return to top] Air pollution - the presence of noxious substances in the air that we breathe. Allergen - the substance that triggers an allergic reaction. Allergy - an acquired, abnormal immune response to a substance that can cause a broad range of inflammatory reactions. Asthma - a chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent breathing problems usually triggered by allergens. (Infection, exercise, cold air, and other factors may also be allergic triggers.) [return to top] [return to top] Cancer - abnormal cells that divide without control, which can invade nearby tissues or spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. Carbon monoxide (CO) - a colorless, odorless gas that can be created whenever a fuel (such as wood, gasoline, coal, natural gas, or kerosene) is burning. [return to top] Dermatitis - an inflammation of the skin, characterized by redness and itching. [return to top] Electric and magnetic fields - refers to the electric and magnetic fields that surround both big power lines that distribute power and the smaller but closer electric lines in homes and appliances. Environmental medicine - the health care specialty concerned with human illnesses or dysfunctions that result from environmental factors. Epidemiology - the study of the spread, control, and prevention of disease in a population. [return to top] [return to top] Goiter - an overgrown thyroid gland. Gulf War syndrome - A widely used term referring to unexplained illnesses occurring in Gulf War veterans. [return to top] [return to top] [return to top] [return to top] [return to top] Lead poisoning - an abnormal condition often caused by breathing or swallowing substances that contain lead. [return to top] Mercury poisoning - an abnormal condition caused by breathing or swallowing a mercury substance. Mold - a microscopic fungus that grows and lives on plant or animal matter or on nonorganic objects. Most molds are made up of filaments and reproduce through the production of spores, which spread by air, water, or insects. Multiple chemical sensitivity - a diagnostic label for people who suffer multi-system illnesses as a result of contact with, or proximity to, a variety of airborne agents and other substances. [return to top] Ozone - a highly reactive form of oxygen that shields us from the sun’s ultraviolet rays but is a harmful air pollutant at ground level and partially makes up urban smog. [return to top] [return to top] Pneumoconiosis - a lung disease caused by the long-term breathing (ingestion) of dust. [return to top] [return to top] Radon - a colorless, naturally occurring inert radioactive gas formed by radioactive decay of radium atoms in soil or rocks. [return to top] [return to top] [return to top] [return to top] [return to top] Xeroderma pigmentosa - a rare inherited skin disease that makes the skin very sensitive to ultraviolet light. [return to top] [return to top] [return to top] |