Director's Perspective: Disease-First: A New Paradigm for Environmental Health Science Research
2006
Disease-First Approach in Environmental Health Research
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Samuel H. Wilson, David A. Schwartz
Primary Institution: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Hypothesis
Can integrating environmental health research with medical research improve understanding and treatment of common diseases?
Conclusion
The disease-first approach aims to reduce the burden of human disease by linking environmental exposures to health outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- Chronic diseases like asthma and diabetes are increasing and are linked to environmental factors.
- Advancements in technology can help redefine exposure-response relationships.
- Improved health status monitoring can lead to better understanding of disease causality.
Takeaway
This study suggests that focusing on diseases first can help scientists understand how our environment affects our health better.
Methodology
The approach involves tracking population health status and linking environmental exposures to disease processes.
Limitations
A comprehensive health status monitoring system does not yet exist.
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