GC-MS is crucial in epidemiology for several reasons:
1. Detection of Environmental Contaminants: It can identify and quantify environmental pollutants, such as pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other hazardous substances that may pose health risks.
2. Biomonitoring: GC-MS is used to analyze biomarkers in biological samples (e.g., blood, urine) to assess exposure to toxic substances and understand their impact on human health.
3. Disease Outbreak Investigations: During disease outbreaks, GC-MS can help identify unknown pathogens or toxic agents in environmental and biological samples, aiding in the development of control measures.
