Primary causes of health problems that underlie the more obvious causes. Example=social problems that result in health inequalities through complex pathways. Example=racism is a root cause because it results in income inequality, lack of power residential and occupational segregation and stress. These cause inadequate health care, working in dangerous environments, living in cramped conditions, smoking and inability to afford nutritious food. Relate to health problems like injury, infectious and chronic disease, and mental illness. Addressing root causes will not eliminate disease and death but it will reduce health disparities.