Certain adverse physical factors, ionizing radiation and chemicals such as chromium, asbestos, and those in tobacco are associated with cancer and other fatal or disabling illnesses, including birth and developmental defects among the descendants of exposed persons. Controlling exposures to such factors would have a salutary effect on people's health and survival. Therefore, high priority should be given to the elimination of adverse physical factors in the home, school, workplace, and elsewhere. Microbiological and chemical agents may prominently and adversely affect the health of workers and of the general population. Micro-biological agents can cause communicable diseases, as is apparent from decades of recorded experience.
Chemicals can cause non-communicable hazards.
Persons who are involved with food production and distribution have the responsibility of minimizing consumers' exposures, not only to harmful microbiological agents, but also to agricultural chemicals used to increase crop production and to unsafe additives that may be used to preserve foods. Such substances can cause adverse pathophysiologic effects in children and adults and can damage plants and property. Water pollution also results in the reduction of recreational opportunities and of commercial fishing resources. Responsibility of Physicians Physicians have the responsibility to educate the public and to encourage the establishing and maintaining of programs of environmental protection for their communities. Recommendation Individual physicians and National Medical Associations should take appropriate action to discharge the foregoing responsibility.