PATTERNS, PARALLELS, AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT: OBSERVATIONS ON COMMONALITIES IN RISK ASSESSMENT FROM TWO SISTER SCIENCES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATIVE INTERACTION AND PROGRESS

Epidemiology and Earth Science share universalities in practice, education and research. Recognizing patterns and parallels in their methods creates cross-disciplinary appreciation and can lead to fresh interdisciplinary approaches to scientific problems and policy issues at the interface of geology and health, especially regarding risk. Understanding their linguistics and linking vocabulary in order to understand common ideas about observed phenomena is key to reciprocity. We highlight dialectical variations for important analytical parameters as a foundation for three examples from the health sciences with earth science implications.

From local public health practice, an illustration is drawn from the 2004-2007 Olmsted County Environmental Health Needs Assessment. Biological, chemical, radiological and physical threats to safe food, water and indoor and outdoor environments were identified. Results reinforced high prioritization of water quality for planning and policy development. From public health education, a University of Minnesota program on all-hazards preparedness is noted for moving beyond assessment to risk perception, risk communication and responsive disaster management. From epidemiological research, we present a case study on personal experience (family history) and worry as motivating factors for frequent prostate cancer screening among a group of randomly selected community men (n=2447), ages 40-80. Men with history or worry were more likely to be screened (Odds ratios=1.5 and 1.9, respectively; both p <0.005). The relationship between history and increased screening, however, was reduced among men who live alone. These data point to the influence of psychosocial factors in addressing potential disaster before it strikes. These results also emphasize the value of evidence-based science to inform individuals and policy makers on risk perception and management.

The Institute of Medicine defines the mission of public health as "fulfilling society's interest in assuring conditions in which people can be healthy.” Our observations are offered to help catalyze novel ways of thinking about the interaction of people with natural systems and stimulate discussion on collaborative opportunities for the earth and health sciences in the pursuit of community resilience to risk.