SpringerBriefs in Medical Earth Sciences – serie

This book addresses the current challenges in controlling Kala-azar disease (Visceral leishmaniasis) in India and other VL-endemic areas, and aims to develop and apply a geo-environmental risk model based on primary and secondary data with the aid of remote sensing and GIS technologies to assess and mitigate Kala-azar transmission. Through case studies carried out in India, the book provides insight into the relationship between geo-environmental variables and encroachments of Kala-azar, and identifies potential pathways for VL introduction to develop mitigation strategies using GIS and remote sensing technologies. The book critically assesses existing VL mitigation measures that do not adequately account for geo-environmental conditions, and analyzes the environmental factors that aid Kala-azar transmission using remote sensing, spatial statistics and data mining techniques. The book will be of interest to epidemiologists, researchers and practitioners using geospatial data practices to study disease transmission and associated monitoring technologies.

This book is created for a diverse audience that includes geologists and Earth scientists studying the impacts of geological processes on human health, as well as health professionals and medical researchers interested in the environmental determinants of health. It is also a good reference for the environmental scientists and public health policymakers focused on sustainable practices and health risk mitigation. Additionally, undergraduate and postgraduate students, research scholars, and academicians in geosciences, environmental health, and related interdisciplinary fields will find this book valuable for their studies and research. Industry professionals in mining, environmental monitoring, and disaster management will benefit from the health insights provided. Furthermore, individuals working in Ayurveda and traditional medicine will discover valuable information on the therapeutic uses of geological materials.This book explores relationship between geology and human health, providing vital insights for professionals in both the geosciences and health sciences. It delves into how natural processes, materials, and anthropogenic activities influence human health, highlighting the critical role of Medical Geology in modern science and public health. Finally, as Professor Robert Finkleman narrates, “Medical Geology for Beginners provides an invaluable service to the science of medical geology and to anyone interested in this subject matter and especially to the young readers who may be inspired to pursue a career in medical geology”.