Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Medical Geology pp 135–174Cite as

Medical Geology in the Middle East

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Part of the book series: International Year of Planet Earth ((IYPE))

Abstract

The Middle East region has reported some endemic diseases which are more prominent than in other parts of the world and in some cases have been seen only in this region. This chapter provides information and addresses various cases from all over the Middle East.

The Middle East is well known for its arid and semi-arid environment with frequent and severe dust- and sand storms. This has affected human health in the southern provinces of Iran like the southwestern Khuzestan Province and the southeastern Sistan and Baluchistan Provinces. Health effects of dust storms in Khuzestan Province include asthma in some cities, especially for people with chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. In spite of the fact that dust and sand storms endanger the lives of over 3 million of Khuzestan Province inhabitants, no detailed studies exist on the nature, type, and health effects of wind-blown dust and sand. Also, two main regions in Iraq including Baghdad and Al-Basra are stricken frequently by dust and sand storms, but little attention has been paid to study the health impact of dust and sand storms in Iraq. This section shows health impacts of dust storms in four case studies.

Numerous examples from all over the Middle East are illustrated on element toxicities such as arsenic and fluorine and deficiencies, especially iodine deficiency. This chapter emphasizes health problems resulting from arsenic toxicities in the region and shows cases of the long-existing iodine deficiency disorders in the Middle East.

Several areas from the Middle East face high natural fluoride levels in drinking water. The levels of natural fluoride in drinking water of up to 3 mg l−1 were found in the Negev Desert region in Israel. In some parts of Saudi Arabia like Hail region a strong association is seen between fluoride levels in well water used for drinking and the severity of dental fluorosis. Mecca was also reported to be an area with endemic fluorosis. There are also some cities in Iran where high levels of fluoride in drinking water account for incidence of fluorosis.

The relationship between radon exposure and health effects in the Middle East is also described. Many epidemiological studies have shown a relationship between radon exposure and lung cancer. Case–control studies have also been carried out in Ramsar in northern Iran indicating inverse relationship between residential radon exposure and lung cancer.

Geophagia associated with iron and zinc deficiency, short stature, delayed sexual maturity, hepatosplenomegaly, and delayed bone age is reported from Middle East countries. This includes Shiraz in Iran, parts of Saudi Arabia, and Arab children from Gaza Strip.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abrahams PW (2005) Geophagia and the involuntary ingestion of soil. In O Selinus, BJ Alloway , JA Centeno, RB Finkelman, R Fuge, U Lindh, P Pauline Smedley (eds) (2005) Essentials of Medical Geology. Elsevier Academic Press, 812 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Abu-Eshy SA, Abolfutouh MA, Al Naggar YM (2001) Endemic goiter in school children in high and low altitude areas of Asir Region, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Medical Journal 22(2):146–149.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Abu-Jarad F, Al-Jarallah MI (1986) Radon in Saudi houses. Radiat Protect Dosim 14:243–249.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Abumurad KM, Al-Tamimim H (2005) Natural radioactivity due to radon in Soum region, Jordan. Radiat Meas 39(1):77–80.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • ACC/SCN (Administrative Committee on Coordination/Subcommittee on Nutrition (1992) 2nd Report on the World Nutrition Situation – Volume I: Global and regional results, October 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Ali JT (2000) Study of Textural, Mineralogical Composition and Amount of Aeolian Deposits in Al Basra, Unpublished M.Sc Thesis, Al Basra University, 95 p. (in Arabic).

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Dosari AM, Wyne AH, Akpata ES, Khan NB (2004) Caries prevalence and its relation to water fluoride level for school children in Central Province of Saudi Arabia. Int Dent J 54(6):424–428 (Abstract).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Dosari AM, Akpata ES, Al-Shalan TA, Khan N (2007) Fluoride map of different cities, towns and villages in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Dent J 19 (SI) (Abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Ghorabie FHH (2004) Measurements of indoor gamma radiation dose in At-Taif city, Saudi Arabia using CaSO4:Dy (TLD-900). Radiat Protect Dosim 113(2):178–184.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Hureibi KA, Abdulmughni YA, Al-Hureibi MA (2004) The epidemiology, pathology and management of goiter in Yemen. Ann Saudi Med 24(2):119–123.

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Huwaider AJM (2001) The Effect of Industrial Pollution of the Geographic Distribution of Allergy and Asthma Diseases in Al Basra Governorate, Unpublished Ph.D Thesis, Al Basra University, 221 p. (in Arabic).

    Google Scholar 

  • Alirezazadeh N (2005) Radon concentrations in public water supplies in Tehran and evaluation of radiation dose. Iran J Radiat Res 3(2):79–83.

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Jarallah M. (2001) Radon exhalation from granites used in Saudi Arabia. J Environ Radioactiv 53:91–98 (Abstract).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Jarallah MI, Fazal-ur-Rehman (2006) Indoor radon concentration measurement in the dwellings of Al-Jauf region of Saudi Arabia. Radiat Protect Dosim 12(3):293–296 (Abstract).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Jumaily HAAH (2001) Sedimentary Geochemistry of Iodine and Its Environmental Significance in Al Mosul and Adjacent Areas – Northern Iraq, Unpublished Ph.D Thesis, Al Mosul University, 171p. (in Arabic).

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Kabi ASA (1999) The Geographical Pattern of Some Chronic Diseases (non-communicable) in Al Basra Governorate, Unpublished Ph.D Thesis, Al Basra University, 185 p. (in Arabic).

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Khateeb TL, Al-Marsafi AI, O’Mullane DM (1991) Caries prevalence and treatment amongst children in an Arabian community, Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 19(5):227–280 (Abstract).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Marsoumi AMH (2009) Dust fallout and bronchial asthma diseases in Al Basra Governorate. Al Basra J Sci 27(C)(1):96–106.

    Google Scholar 

  • Almas Kh, Shakir ZF, Afzal M (1999) Prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in Al-Qaseem province – kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Odonto- Stomatologies Tropicate 85:44–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Najem F (1975) Dust storms in Iraq, Bulletin of the College of Science, University of Baghdad, 16(2):437–451.

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Nuaim AR, Al-Mazrou Y, Kamel M, Al-Attas O, Al-Daghari N, Silimani R (1997) Iodine deficiency in Saudi Arabia. Ann Saudi Med 17(3):293–297.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Sarayrah L Izzat M, Takrouri H, Nader M, Abu-Zaid A (2005) Prevalence of iodine deficiency among goiterous school children. J Jordan Royal Med Serv 12(2):42–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Tamimi MH, Abumurad KM (2001) Radon anomalies along faults in north of Jordan. Radiat Meas 34(1):397–400 (Abstract).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aminabadi N, Taghizdeh Gangi A, Balayi E, Sadighi M (2007) Prevalence of fluorosis in 5–12 year-old children in the North-Western villages of Makoo. J Dent Res, Dent Clin, Dent Prospects, 1(1):33–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Amini M, Abbaspour KC, Berg M, Winkel L, Hug SJ, Hoehn E, Yang H, Annette Johnson C (2008a) Statistical modeling of global geogenic arsenic contamination in groundwater. Environ Sci Technol 42:3669–3375.

    Google Scholar 

  • Amini M, Muller K, Abbaspour KC, Rosenberg T, Afyuni M, Moller KC, Sarr M Annettejohnson C (2008b) Statistical modeling of global geogenic fluoride contamination in groundwaters. Environ Sci Technol 42:3662–3668.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Appleton JD (2005) Radon in air and water. In O Selinus, BJ Alloway, JA Centeno, RB Finkelman, R Fuge, Lindh, U. and Pauline SmedleyP (Eds.) (2005) Essentials of Medical Geology (812 p). Elsevier Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Asghari Moghaddam A, Fijani E (2008) Distribution of fluoride in groundwater of Maku area, northwest of Iran. J Environ Geol 56:281–287.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Azizi F (2001) IDD in the Middle East, IDD Newsletter. International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders 17(3).

    Google Scholar 

  • Azizi F, Mehran L (2004) Experiences in the prevention, control and elimination of iodine deficiency disorders: A regional perspective. East Mediterr Health J 10(6):761–770.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barzilai D, Harris P (1965) The problem of endemic goiter in Wadi Ara and the Jordan valley – Northern Israel. Israeli J Med Sci 1:62–70.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beitollahi M, Ghiassi-Nejad M, Esmaeli A, Dunker R (2007) Radiological studies in the hot spring region of Mahallat, Central Iran. Radiat Protect Dosim 123:505–508.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Benbassat C, Tsvetov G, Schindel B, Hod M, Blonder Y, Sela BA (2004) Assessment of iodine intake in the Israel coastal area. IMAJ, Israel Medical Association 6(2):75–77.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brand N, Gedalia I, Jungreis E, Levitus Z, Maayan M (1961) Endemic Goiter in northern Galilee. Israeli Medical J 20:206–214.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) (2005) What are the Effects of Dust on the Lungs?. http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/lungs_dust.html. Retrieved on 18 April, 2002

  • Caughey JE, Follis RH (1965) Endemic goiter and iodine malnutrition in Iraq. Lancet I:1032–1034.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collis EL, Greenwood M (1977) The Health of the Industrial Worker. Ayer Publishing, 450 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Combs GF (2005) Geological impacts of nutrition. In O Selinus, BJ Alloway, JA Centeno, RB Finkelman, R Fuge, U Lindh, P Pauline Smedley (eds) Essentials of Medical Geology (812 p.). Elsevier Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coreil J, Bryant CA, Henderson JN, Forthofer MS, Quinn GP (2000) Social and Behavioral Foundations of Public Health. Published by SAGE, 360 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Demarchi MB, Al-Hindawi A, Abdulnabi M, El-Din Tj H (1969) Prevalence and etiology of goiter in Iraq. Am J Clin Nutr 22:1660–1666.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dhondia J, Diermanse F (2006) Integrated Water Resources Management for the Sistan Closed Inland Delta, Iran. Annex F – FFS Manual. Delft Hydraulics. http://www.wldelft.nl/cons/area/rbm/wrp1/pdf/annex_f.pdf. Retrieved on 19 April 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dissanayake, CB (1991) The fluoride problem in the groundwater of Sri Lanka—Environmental management and health. Int J Environ Stud 38:137–156.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dobaradaran S, Mahvi AH, Dehdashti S, Vakil Abadia DR (2008) Drinking water fluoride and child dental caries in Dashteshan, Iran. Fluoride 41(3):220–226.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dobaradaran S, Mahvi AH, Dehdashti S, Dobaradaran S, Shoara R (2009) Correlation of fluoride with some inorganic constituents in groundwater of Dashtestan, Iran. Fluoride 42(1):50–53.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Edwards CH, Johnson AA, Knight EM, Oyemade UJ, Cole OJ, Westney OE, Jones S, Laryea H, Westney LS (1994) Pica in an urban environment. J Nutr 124:954S–962S (Abstract).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Eftekhari M, Mazloum Z (1999) Fluorosis prevalence study and its relation to drinking water among the 7–11 year old students in Larestan town and its suburb, Shahid Baheshti University of Medical Sciences Dental Faculty Research Magazine, 17:75–79.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fathabadi N, Ghiassi-Nejad M, Haddadi B, Moradi M (2006) Miners’ exposure to radon and its decay products in some Iranian non-uranium underground mines. Radiat Protect Dosim 118(1):111–116 (Abstract).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fawell JK, Bailey K, Chilton J, World Health Organization, Dahi E (2006) Fluoride in Drinking-Water. World Health Organization, 134 pages.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fazlollahi MR (2008) Member of Asthma and Allergic Diseases Committee of Iran, Interview with Mehr News, 10 July 2008. (In Persian).

    Google Scholar 

  • Fuge R (2005) Soils and iodine deficiency. In O Selinus, BJ Alloway, JA Centeno, RB Finkelman, R Fuge, U Lindh, P Pauline Smedley (eds) Essentials of Medical Geology (812 p.). Elsevier Academic Press

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghahreman A (2003) Flora of Iran (Vol.1–23). University of Tehran Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghaleb T (2007) Yemen: Fluoride contamination is putting bones at risk. Yemen Observer, June 05, 2007. http://www.yobserver.com/sports-health-and-ifestyle/10012356.html

  • Gharibadzeh S, Hoseini SS (2008) Arsenic exposure may be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 20:501.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghassemzadeh F, Yousefzadeh H, Arbab-Zavar MH (2008) Arsenic phytoremediation by phragmites Australis: Green technology. Int J Environ Stud 65(4):587–594.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ghiassi-Nejad M, Mortazavi SMJ, Cameron JR, Nirooman-Rad A, Karam PA (2002) Very high background radiation areas of Ramsar, Iran: Preliminary biological studies. Health Phys 82(1):87–93.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ghiassi-Nejad M, Beitollahi MM, Asefi M, Reza-Nejad F (2003) Exposure to 226Ra from consumption of vegetables in the high level natural radiation area of Ramsar-Iran. J Environ Radioact 66:215–225.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ghiassi-Nejad M, Beitollahia MM, Fallahiana N, Saghirzadehb M (2005) New findings in the very high natural radiation area of Ramsar, Iran. Int Congr Series 1276:13–16.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gilmore GK, Vasal NJ (2009) A reconnaissance study of radon concentration in Hamadan city, Iran. Geophys Res Abstr 11 (Abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Gunderson EK, Garland CF, Gorham ED (2005) Health surveillance for asthma in the US Navy: Experience of 9,185,484 person-years. Ann Epidemiol 15(4):310–315.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hadad K, Doulatdar R, Mehdizadeh S (2007) Indoor radon monitoring in Northern Iran using passive and active measurements. J Environ Radioact 95(1):39–52 (Abstract).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Halsted JA, Prasad AS (1961) Syndrome of iron deficiency anemia, hepatosplenomegasly, hypogonadism, dwarfism and geophagia. Trans Am Clin Climatol Assoc 72:130–148.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamdan MA (2003) The prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis among 12-year old school children in Jordan. Int J Pediatr Dentistry 13(2):85–92.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Haquin G, Reimer T, Shamai Y, Margaliot M, Shirav-Schwartz M, Kenett R (2006) Radon Survey of Israel, Proceedings of the Conference of Nuclear Societies in Israel, Dead Sea, February 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawass NE, Alnozha MM, Kolawole T (1987) Adult geophagia – report of three cases with review of the literature. Trop Geograph Med 39(2):191–195.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hisham H (2006) General Radon Potential Map of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Radon Investigations in the Czech Republic XI and the 8th International Workshop on the Geological Aspects of Radon Risk Mapping, Prague, Czech Republic (Abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hooper SR, Hynd GW, Mattison RE (1993) Child Psychopathology: Diagnostic Criteria and Clinical Assessment. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 504 pages.

    Google Scholar 

  • Idso SB (1976) Dust storms. Sci Am 235(4):108–11, 113–14.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Karam PA, Mortazavi SMJ, Ghiassi-Nejad M, Ikushima T, Cameron JR, Niroomand-Rad A (2002) ICRP evolutionary recommendations and the reluctance of the members of the public to carry out remedial work against radon in some high-level natural radiation areas. Int Congr Series 1236:35–37.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kelsall HL, Sim MR, Forbes AB, McKenzie DP, Glass DC, Ikin JK, Ittak P, Abramson MJ (2004) Respiratory health status of Australian veterans of the 1991 Gulf War and the effects of exposure to oil fire smoke and dust storms, Thorax 59:897–903.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Khademi H, Taleb M (2000) Dental caries and fluorosis in different levels of drinking water fluoride. J Res Med Sci (JRMS) Fall 5(3):213–215.

    Google Scholar 

  • Khalaf F, Al-Hashash M (1983) Aeolian sedimentation in the northwestern part of the Arabian Gulf. J Arid Environ 6(4):319–332.

    Google Scholar 

  • Khayrat AH, Al Jarallah MI, Fazal-ur-Rahman X, Abu-Jarad F (2003) Indoor radon survey in dwellings of some regions in Yemen. Radiat Meas 36:449–451 (Abstract).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • King MS, Miller R, Johnson J, Ninan M, Lambright E, Shorr AF, Sheller MJ (2008) Bronchiolitis in Soldiers with Inhalational Exposures in the Iraq War. Presented at the American Thoracic Society, May, 2008, Toronto, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Korman SH (1990) Pica as a presenting symptom in childhood celiac disease. Am J Clin Nutr 51:139–141.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Makofske WJ, Edelstein MR (1988) Radon and the Environment. William Andrew Inc., 465 pages.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mann J, Mahmoud W, Ernest M, Sgan-Cohen H, Shoshan N, Gedaia I (1990) Fluorosis and dental caries in 6–8 year-old children in a 5 ppm fluoride area. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 18(2):77–79 (Abstract).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Matiullah AN, Khatobeh AJAH (1997) Indoor radon levels and natural radioactivity in Jordanian soils. Radiat Protect Dosim 71:231–233 (Abstract).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meyer-Lueckel H, Paris S, Shirkhani B, Hopfenmuller W, Kielbassa AM (2006) Caries and fluorosis in 6- and 9-year-old children residing in three communities in Iran. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 34(1):63–70.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miri A, Ahmadi H, Ghanbari A, Moghaddamnia A (2007) Dust torms impact on air pollution and public health under hot and dry climate. Int J Energy Environ 2(1):101–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Monajemzadeh SM, Moghadan AZ (2008) Prevalence of goiter among children aged 11–16 years in Ahwaz, Iran. Med Princ Prac 17(4):331–333,

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mortazavi SMJ, Ghiassi-Nejadb M, Rezaieanc M (2005a) Cancer risk due to exposure to high levels of natural radon in the inhabitants of Ramsar, Iran. Int Congr Series 1276:436–437.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mortazavi SMJ, Shabestani-Monfaredb A, Ghiassi-Nejadc M, Mozdarani H (2005b) Radioadaptive responses induced in lymphocytes of the inhabitants in Ramsar, Iran. Int Congr Series 1276:201–203.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mortazavi SMJ, Ghiassi-Nejad M, Ikushima T (2002) Do the findings on the health effects of prolonged exposure to very high levels of natural radiation contradict current ultra-conservative radiation protection regulations?. Int Congr Series 1236(1):9–21.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mortezavi Z, Mohammadi M (2003) The prevalence of pica in pregnant women referring to health centers in Zahedan. Med J Reproduct Infert 4(16) (In persian).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mosaferi M, Yunesian M, Dastgiri S, Mesdaghinia A, Esmailnasab N, (2008) Prevalence of skin lesions and exposure to arsenic in drinking water in Iran. Sci Total Environ 390(1):69–76.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mowlavi AA, Binesh A (2006) Radon concentration measurement in the some water sources of Mashhad region in Iran. In S Kim, T Suk Suh (2007)World Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering 2006: “imaging the Future Medicine”.

    Google Scholar 

  • Najafi M, Khodaee GH, Bahari M, Sabahi Farsi MM. Kiani F (2008) Neonatal thyroid screening in a mild iodine deficiency endemic area in Iran. Indian J Med Sci 62(3):113–116.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Namrouqa H. (2009) No hidden agenda behind water study – researcher. The Jordan Times, 2 March 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) (2005) Iraq dust storms, AQUA, August 9, 2005. http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/lookingatearth/iraq_dust_storm.html. Retrieved on 22 September 2008.

  • National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) (2008) Dust over the Persian Gulf, http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=19813&oldid=14792. Retrieved on 22 Sep 2008

  • National Research Council (NRC) (U. S.) (2007) Earth Materials and Health: Research Priorities for Earth Science and Public Health. Published by National Academies Press, 176 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Navi M (2007) Map of arsenic distribution and mortality rates of related diseases. National geoscience database of Iran (NGDIR), geological survey of Iran, Ministry of Industries and Mines. Official Report pressed by NGDIR.

    Google Scholar 

  • Navi M (2009) The health effect of dust storms in Iran, National geoscience database of Iran (NGDIR), Geological survey of Iran, Ministry of Industries and Mines. Official Report pressed by NGDIR.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nejat F, Kazmi SS (2005) Pica in neurosurgery: Report of an infant with pica and posterior fossa dermoid tumor. J Ped Neonatal 2(3):CR60–61.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nish WA, Schwietz LA (1992) Underdiagnosis of asthma in young adults presenting for USAF basic training. Ann Allergy 69(3):239–242.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nordbeg M, Cherian MG (2005) Biological responses of elements. In O Selinus, BJ Alloway, JA Centeno, RB Finkelman, R Fuge, U Lindh, P Pauline Smedley (eds) Essentials of Medical Geology (812 p.). Elsevier Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Norman AG, Sparks DL (1992) Advances in Agronomy. Academic Press, 332 pages.

    Google Scholar 

  • Othman I, Hushari M, Raja G, Al Sawaf A (1996) Radon in Syrian houses. J Radiol Protect 16:45–50 (Abstract).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Poureslami HR, Khazaeli P, Nooric GR (2008) Fluoride in food and water consumed in Koohbanan (Kuh-e Banan) Iran 2008 International Society for Fluoride Research, Research Report, Fluoride, 41(3):216–219.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prasad AS (1989) Zinc deficiency in humans. Citation classic. Current Contents/ Clinical Medicine 17(38):14.I8 September 1989.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prasad AS (1991) A diet of zinc or clay. Citation classic. Current Contents/Life Science 34(28):11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prasad A S (1992) Deficiencies of iron and zinc. Current Contents/ Clinical Medicine 44:10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Quattromani F, Handal G, Lampe R (2008) Pediatric Imaging: Rapid-Fire Questions and Answers. Published by Thieme, 436 pages.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramezani GH, Valaei N, Eikani H (2004) Prevalence of DMFT and fluorosis in the students of Dayer City (Iran). J Indian Soc Pedo Prev Dent June (2004) 22(2):49–53.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rezavand N, Rawshani D (2006) Pica and its related iron deficiency anaemia in pregnant women in Kermanshah. Med J Behbood 10(3):226–234 (In persian).

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosenzweig KA, Abewitz I (1963) Prevalence of endemic fluorosis in Israel at medium fluoride concentration. Pblic Health Repos 78(1):77–80.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rostami A (2003) The prevalence of pica in pregnant women referring to Rasul-Akram and Akbarabadi hospitals in Tehran. Iran University of Medical Science, graduation thesis (In persian).

    Google Scholar 

  • Sack J, Feldman I, Kaiserma I (1998) Congenital hypothroidism screening in the West Bank: At test case for screening in developing regions. Hormone Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Samavat H, Seaward MRD, Aghamiri SMR, Reza-Nejad F (2006) Radionuclide concentrations in the diet of residents in a high level natural radiation area in Iran. Radiat Environ Biophys 45:301–306.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sanders JW, Putnam SD, Frankart C, Frenck RW, Monteville MR, Riddle MS, Rockabrand DM, Sharp TW, Tribble DR (2005) Impact of illness and non-combat injury during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). Am J Trop Med Hygiene 73(4):713–719.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shirav-Schwarzz M (2004) Some Remarks on High Natural Background Radiation Terrains, Geology and Public Health in Israel and Adjacent Countries, Presentation Dedicated to Dr. Uzi Vulcan (1938–1999).

    Google Scholar 

  • Sigel H (2004) Metal Ions and Their Complexes in Medication: Metal Ions and Their Complexes in Medication (Vol. 41, 519 p). Published by CRC Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singer A, Ganor E, Dultz S, Fischer W (2003) Dust deposition over the dead sea. J Arid Environ 53(1):41–59 (Abstract).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smedley P, Kinniburgh DG (2005) Arsenic in groundwater and the environment. In O Selinus, BJ Alloway, JA Centeno, RB Finkelman, R Fuge, U Lindh, P Pauline Smedley (eds) Essentials of Medical Geology (812 p.). Elsevier Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith JC, Halsted JA (1970) Clay Ingestion (Geophagia) as a source of zinc for rRats. J Nutr 100:973–980.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Steinhausler F (2003) Radiological impact on man and the environment from the oil and gas industry : Risk assessment for the critical group. In MK Zaidi, I Mustafaev(eds) Radiation Safety Problems in the Caspian Region: Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Radiation Safety Problems in the Caspian Region, Baku, Azerbaijan, 11–14 September 2003, Springer, 249 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sullivan JB, Krieger GR (2001) Clinical Environmental Health and Toxic Exposures. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 1323 pages.

    Google Scholar 

  • Szema AM, Peters MC, Weissinger KM, Gagliano CA, Chen JJ (2008a) Increased Rates of Asthma Among U.S. Military Personnel after Deployment to the Persian Gulf. Presented at the American Thoracic Society, May, 2008, Toronto, Canada.

    Google Scholar 

  • Szema AM, Peters MC, Weissinger KM, Gagliano CA, Chen JJ (2008b) Increased allergic rhinitis rates among U.S. Military Personnel after deployment to the Persian Gulf. J Allergy Clin Immunol 121(2):S230.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taghavi F, Asadi A (2008) The Persian Gulf 12th April 2007 dust storm: Observation and model analysis. EUMETSAT Meteorological Satellite Conference, Darmstadt, Germany 8–12 Sep. 2008

    Google Scholar 

  • Talaeepour M, Moattar F, Atabi F, Borhan Azad S, Talaeepour AR (2006) Investigation on radon concentration in the Tehran subway stations in regard with environmental effects. J Appl Sci 6(7):1617–1620.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • (UN) United Nations, General Assembly. United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation: Report of The Fifty-Fourth Session (29 May-2 June 2006) Published by United Nations Publications, 2006, 18 pages.

    Google Scholar 

  • UNICEF (United Nations Children Fund) (2000) UNICEF’s Position on Water Fluoridation available, http://www.nofluoride.com/Unicef_fluor.htm

  • Vincent, P. (2008) Saudi Arabia: An Environmental Overview, Routledge, 332 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weese CB, Abraham JH (2009) Potential health implications associated with particulate matter exposure in deployed settings in Southwest Asia. Inhal Toxicol 21(4):291–296.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • WHO Expert Committee (1973) Trace Elements in Human Nutrition, World Health Organization. Technical Report Series No. 532.

    Google Scholar 

  • Young SL (2008) A vile habit? In J MacClancy, J Henry, H Macbeth (eds) Consuming the Inedible: Neglected Dimensions of Food Choice. Berghahn Books, 208 pages.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zarasvandi A, Mokhtari B (2008) A Scientific Overview of the 50th Dusty Days in Khuzestan, Unpublished Data. http://www.tabnak.ir/pages/?cid=13646. Retrieved on 10 July 2008 (In Persian).

  • Zein AZ, Al-Haithamy S, Obadi Q, Noureddin S (2000) The epidemiology of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in Yemen. Public Health Nutr 3:245–252.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zohouri FV, Rugg-Gunn AJ (1999) Fluoride concentration in foods from Iran. Int J Food Sci Nutr 50(4):265–274 (Abstract).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Consultant, Baghdad, Iraq

    Humam Misconi

  2. National Geoscience Database of Iran, Geological Survey of Iran, Tehran, Iran

    Maryam Navi

Authors
  1. Humam Misconi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Maryam Navi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Humam Misconi .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Geological Survey of Sweden, Uppsala, Sweden

    Olle Selinus

  2. Dept. Geosciences, Center for Lithospheric Studies, University of Texas, Dallas, N. Floyd Road 2601, Richardson, 75083, USA

    Robert B. Finkelman

  3. Dept. Environmental & Toxicologic, Pathology, Armed Forces Inst. Pathology (AFIP), 16 St. NW., 6825, Washington, 20306, USA

    Jose A. Centeno

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Misconi, H., Navi, M. (2010). Medical Geology in the Middle East. In: Selinus, O., Finkelman, R., Centeno, J. (eds) Medical Geology. International Year of Planet Earth. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3430-4_6

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation