A hinge of history. Health and environment

Concern with population levels, environmental quality, resource conservation, and the quality of life can be considered as facets of a single problem. This has been described as 'the hinge of history, on which man's long term future may depend'. The control of environment quality is central to the health and well-being of man. The greatest hope for health improvement lies in an understanding of how the environment contributes to disease in man, and conversely, how it can be managed to provide the greatest improvement in human health. It is imperative that we recognize how little we know and how badly we need scientific understanding of the nature and magnitude of environmental problems. Further, scientists must avoid the temptation to exaggerate the actual deterioration of the environment and refrain from making unreasonable demands for environmental controls, however well intentioned. Recognizing the need for our cooperative services, and accepting the responsibility for rational action, a multidisciplinary professional group should concentrate its efforts in research and program development, influence on legislation, environmental education, research into water and air pollution control and solid waste management and, finally, pesticide control.