Disease : the link between geochemistry and health

Many minerals that are essential to human health in small doses can be toxic if ingested in excess. These minerals enter the human population via the plants, animals and water that make up our food supply and through the ingestion and inhalation of dusts derived from our living environment. Animals and plants depend ultimately on soil, water and rock for the provision of minerals hence the link between geochemistry and health. This link is particularly important in developing countries where people are often totally dependent on subsistence agriculture for their dietary needs. The inability of the local environment to provide the correct mineral balance can lead to serious health problems and disease.