title: Epigenetics and the social work imperative.
abstract: Epigenesis is the biochemical process through which some genes are expressed and others remain silent, and it reinforces and explains the powerful impact that the environment has on human development. Epigenetic effects occur not only through diet, chemical exposure, and high levels of environmental stress, but also through chronic poverty and racism. Epigenesis provides a mandate for social workers to intervene at the policy level, both for today's children and for those in future generations.
authors: University of Tennessee, College of Social Work, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA. tcombs-orme@utk.edu
authors: Terri
authors: T
authors: Combs-Orme
mesh_terms: D004032:Diet; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D057890:Epigenomics; D015870:Gene Expression; D015894:Genome, Human; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000633:toxicity; D006801:Humans; D011203:Poverty; D011287:Prejudice; D012931:Social Environment; D012947:Social Work
chemical_list: D015386:Hazardous Substances