Epidemiology

Epidemiology is the study of how diseases, injuries, and health conditions occur across populations and what factors are associated with them. In toxic exposure, drug, and product cases, epidemiologic studies can help evaluate whether an exposure is associated with an increased risk. Study design, sample size, bias, confounding, dose, and statistical uncertainty matter. Population evidence may support general causation, while additional evidence is usually needed to evaluate what caused an individual person’s condition.