The biophysical environment and human health: Toward understanding the reciprocal effects

Abstract

This article focuses on the challenges and opportunities related to the empirical examination of the relationship between the multidimensional concepts of “biophysical environment” and “human health.” The challenge at hand is the adoption of a holistic, less fragmented approach to conceptualizing health and the environment. Inherent in such an approach is the consideration of issues along a continuum of levels of organization ranging from the cell, to the individual, to the community, to the ecosphere. Such a holistic approach represents an important opportunity for social scientists. Social scientists provide a crucial set of perspectives and a methodological tool kit that can and should be used in concert with the other closely involved sciences to enhance our understanding of the relationship between the biophysical environment and the health of human populations.

Keywords:

• community
• environment
• health
• mental health
• research methods
• social sciences
• toxic waste