In the early 19th Century, Miasma in various disguises was considered the source of disease and “bad air” or vapors was feared as a harbinger of disease. Miasmas – smelly and contaminated air was believed to be responsible for spreading the bubonic plague, cholera and chlamydia, dismissing the idea of person to person spread.
Health reformers had no more reliable explanation, and health reform was focussed on mitigation rather than prevention until in 1856 the science of germ theory was established.
But, believe it or not, miasma theory is making an unexpected comeback, due to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,who was appointed in February as the 26th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Kennedy argues that the previously discredited miasma theory remains the foundation of all disease. The term “miasm” originates from the Greek word miasma (Gen. miasmatos), signifying “stair” or “pollution,” and also alludes to the vapors rising from a swamp.
Hippocrates employed this concept to describe the idea of water or air that is contaminated, which he believed was the cause of the spread of infectious diseases. For hundreds of years miasma was the predominant theory to explain the spread of disease. While miasma theory was partly correct in bringing attention to poor sanitation, it ultimately crumbled under the weight of microbiological discoveries that proved germs—not vapours—were the true culprits.
Kennedy’s dismissal of germ theory—the concept that tiny pathogens lead to disease—has puzzled scientists and healthcare experts. Yet, he is not alone in his belief. Ellen White referred to “miasma” concerning disease transmission, a notion that has been reproduced in various compilations over time. Here is one instance:
“God has not restrained the powers of darkness from carrying forward their deadly work of vitiating the air, one of the sources of life and nutrition, with a deadly miasma. Not only is vegetable life affected, but man suffers from pestilence. Cholera and unexplainable diseases have broken out. Diphtheria, raging to a limited extent, is gathering its harvest of precious little ones and seems to be almost uncontrollable.” —Ellen G. White, 1891.
Larkin B. Coles, the esteemed Millerite preacher, explored the dangers of miasma—arising as fog, dampness, or foul air—in his influential 1848 work Philosophy of Health. He also strongly opposed the consumption of liquors, tobacco, tea, coffee, luncheons, late-night meals, meats, and condiments. Incidentally, his writings served as a resource for White (quoted above), who integrated many of his ideas into her own writings on health reform.
Could it be that Kennedy holds to a long-forgotten truth? Is miasma more than just a relic of medieval history? Whether Kennedy’s stance is visionary or misguided, one thing is certain—it’s stirring up a storm in the world of modern science.
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