Book Abstract
Environmental Health in the 21st Century: From Air Pollution to Zoonotic Diseases presents an encyclopedic, yet accessible overview of contemporary environmental health issues, providing both historical context and practical insights. Structured across two volumes, this work features hundreds of expert-written entries and interviews, offering a broad yet detailed survey of the field.
The book starts with an introduction to the history and foundational concepts of environmental health, framing issues such as air and water pollution, noise/light pollution, and climate change . It then dives into specific environmental risks: industrial and chemical exposures (e.g., asbestos, arsenic), urban health concerns, and infectious disease vectors including emerging and re-emerging zoonoses like Zika .
Sections dedicated to waste management, sustainable energy, and built environment practices emphasize the multifactorial and intersectoral nature of environmental health. Insights from public policy, epidemiology, and community-level action are interwoven with scientific analysis.
Besides theoretical discussions, the book offers actionable content: strategies for individuals and communities to reduce exposure, summaries of international treaties and conventions, and interviews with thought leaders on policy and environmental interventions .
Intended for students, practitioners, and non-specialists alike, this resource equips readers with historical background, current topics, and practical recommendations. Its accessible writing, extensive entries, and expert commentary make it a valuable introduction to environmental health challenges and solutions in our time.
