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Definitions

The World Health Organization defines health as a "state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." (Source)

Broadly defined, environment includes all physical, biologic, chemical and social factors in the world surrounding an individual. In other words, environment represents everything outside the body that impacts health.

Environmental health represents "those aspects of human health, including quality of life, that are determined by physical, chemical, biological, social and psychosocial factors in the environment. It also refers to the theory and practice of assessing, correcting, controlling, and preventing those factors in the environment that can potentially affect adversely the health of present and future generations." (Source)

An exposure involves an individual coming into contact with a disease-causing substance or agent in a way that can produce disease.

A toxin is a poisonous substance that can cause disease. Such substances are often referred to as toxic.

Cancer is a group of diseases where cells grow abnormally, invade surrounding tissues, and metastasize (spread) to other sites in the body. Cancer has multiple causes, including genetic and environmental factors. At least two-thirds of all cancers are thought to have environmental causes.

A carcinogen is an agent or substance that can cause cancer. Oncology is the study and practice of medicine related to cancer.

Oncology includes the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with different types of cancer. An oncologist is a physician who diagnoses, treats, and follows patients with cancer.

Environmental oncology is the study of the environmental causes of cancer - physical, chemical, biologic and social - and the practice of preventing cancer through promoting avoidance of these agents.

For a more complete collection of terms and definitions relating to toxic substances, the environment or cancer, please refer to the following links:

• ATSDR Glossary of Terms www.atsdr.cdc.gov
• EPA Terms of the Environment www.epa.gov
• NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms www.cancer.gov