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There exists a gap in anthropological concepts and theory that can be bridged by multidisciplinary research. Anthropology, in my view, needs to move away from theories which are competitive, non-complementary, and mutually exclusive. It needs to transform and embrace other disciplines without fear of losing those elements that make it unique among the social sciences.

My research shows that using a multidisciplinary approach that is holistic and complementary could greatly contribute to better interdisciplinary theory building. Anthropology represents the best source for social theory that can be applied to this effort. The comparative tradition in anthropology lends itself to multidisciplinary thinking that is necessary for solving problems affecting human health and the environment.

The main advantages of the approach offered in my research is that it is designed not only to be holistic and complementary, but dynamic, as well. It is comprehensive enough to deal with anthropological, epidemiological, and geographical variables. It offers equal treatment of the population affected by environmental contamination and those causing or contributing to the contamination. Moreover, it places human activities, behavior and decision-making within its effective environmental context.