Environmental considerations for the forensic pathologist.

The total environment has frequently been appraised as something quite apart from anything of significance in human life or death. Accurate scientific observations have, within recent times, established that temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure may, indeed, exert profound affects upon man. Some climatic effects are beyond human control; other atmospheric effects are created by man himself through his efforts to become civilized. Mining, manufacturing, farming, even daily living are associated with diseases, accidents and death, either as causes or complications. The important role of the forensic pathologist in sorting out, and evaluating these factors in relation to altered morphology is emphasized.