Background information is presented to indicate that accidents are an environmental health problem. While accidents are seldom thought to be a disease process, in many ways there are remarkable similarities--not only in terms of causal relationships, but also in preventive aspects. These parallels are described in terms of host-agent-environment relationships. The shortage of investigators in the accident research field is noted, and reasons why accidents have not become a matter of important concern to society are discussed. Such reasons relate to folklore, personal or psychological remoteness, apathy in public response, differences with cultural behavior, acceptance of violence by society, inconvenience and active cooperation, restrictions to personal freedom, threats to specific industries, time involved for change and complexity as a substitute for efficiency. [Not available in hardcopy due to marginal legibility of original document.] (BL)