UJ leading Africa with the 1st International Symposium on Medical Geology
What impact do the minerals in our soil, air and water have on humans? Will understanding our geology give more insight into alleviating health problems and preventing illnesses and hazards?
Medical Geology, an emerging multi- and cross-disciplinary, field of science dealing with the impact of the geologic materials and processes on the incidence and spatial/temporal distribution of human and animal diseases aims to answer these questions.
As an institution that strives to be a pioneer, always at the forefront of new discoveries and innovations in science, engineering and technology, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) will host the first International Symposium on Medical Geology in Africa (ISMGAf) on Wednesday, 26 March 2014.
According to Prof Hassina Mouri, a Professor in Geology at UJ, historically, the two disciplines, namely the geological sciences and the medical sciences were regarded as completely independent fields. However, recent advances in science and technology have proven that the geology of an area can have a direct impact on the regional input of elements and nanoparticles of minerals into soil, air and water.
In turn these inputs, depending on composition and concentrations, may result in beneficial or harmful health effects in humans, animals and/or plants. By understanding the geological history of our environment in general, we will contribute towards a better and deeper insight into our understanding and mitigation of a range of natural hazards that affect our society.
?Although there is a growing interest in Medical Geology in the world, it is in Africa that application of research results would be most relevant.....
