The relationship of Kaschin-Beck and Keshan diseases with hydrogeochemistry

This article is based on the distribution of Kaschin-Beck and Keshan diseases, shows the close relationship between the diseases and hydrogeochemistry, successively demonstrates the principled opinion of the pathogeny, and finally discusses their basic control from a hydrogeological viewpoint. Regarding the hydrogeochemical features of Kaschin-Beck and Keshan Diseases, two hydrogeological types can be differentiated: (1) Related to acidic magmatic rocks; (2) Related to oil-bearing formations. The pathogenic groundwater in these areas has its own water qualities which distinguish it from normal fresh water. According to the common chemical properties of the water of the two types in disease areas and based on some foreign environmental medical reports, it is concluded that the principle pathogenic factor is the richer trace elements and low hardness (or calcium) water. Hydrogeologically, there are two ways to control Kaschin-Beck and Keshan diseases: one is to improve the water quality; the other is to change the water source.