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xxii PREFACE as cell phone towers, sewer and stormwater drainage systems, and urban transpor- tation systems. The built environment provides many conveniences we cannot live without, but it also creates pollution from factories and motor vehicles, increases greenhouse gases, and subjects residents to higher temperatures due to the heat island effect. Furthermore, it increases our risk of infectious disease because of our close proximity to other people. Recent innovations and initiatives, such as electric subways and trains, buses powered with clean fuels, low-emission automobiles, industrial pollution controls, bicycle lanes, green buildings, and more parks and trees, are helping to make the built environment healthier and more environmen- tally friendly. Nearly two years in the making, our objective was to bring together leaders in the environmental health fi eld to prepare a work of unequaled scope and content, one that will remain a valuable resource for home, offi ce, research lab, and class- room for years to come. We would be most pleased if Environmental Health in the 21st Century: From Air Pollution to Zoonotic Diseases came to be counted among your most trusted reference materials. Acknowledgments Over 80 professionals from the environmental health fi eld contributed entries and interviews to this work, giving freely of their time and expertise. Maxine Taylor of ABC-CLIO was a source of expert guidance and steadfast encouragement, without which this project would never have come to fruition. Finally, my wife, Yoko, and daughter, Hana, provided unending support and encouragement all along the way. I am indebted to you all.