Which term describes diseases that are caused directly by environmental factors?

The term that describes diseases caused directly by environmental factors is "Environmental Diseases." These diseases arise from exposure to pollutants, toxins, chemicals, and other harmful environmental agents. For example, conditions such as lead poisoning, respiratory illnesses from air pollution, and some cancers associated with exposure to carcinogenic substances all fall under this category. The defining characteristic of environmental diseases is that they are linked to external, non-genetic factors, therefore highlighting the direct impact of the environment on health.

In contrast, genetic diseases originate from abnormalities in an individual’s genetic makeup, which are not determined by external environmental factors. Inherited diseases are specifically passed down through generations and are based on genetic inheritance. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, a process that is generally unrelated to environmental exposure.