WHAT IS PLANETARY HEALTH?
Human-generated chemical pollution threatens global health, ecosystem balance, and humanity’s long-term survival.
Chemically active materials are discharged into the environment in massive quantities each year, including the introduction of newly synthesized chemicals. Human exposure to chemicals increases with the growth of chemical-intensive industries, including construction, agriculture, electronics, cosmetics, mining, and textiles. We come in contact with chemicals through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Industrial chemicals have been detected in populations of all ages across the globe and in plants and animals worldwide.
The presence of hazardous chemicals and other pollutants (e.g., microplastics and pharmaceutical pollutants) impacts human health, biodiversity, and ecological integrity. Chemical pollutants have been tied to a broad range of health concerns, including cancers and respiratory illnesses; and diseases of the cardiovascular, central nervous, and renal systems. Recent studies have also focused on the impacts of exposure over time to low levels of pollutants on human reproduction, cognitive health, and food security.
“We cannot live without chemicals. Nor can we live with the consequences of their bad management.” -Joyce Msuya, Acting Executive Director, UN Environment
Chemical Pollution Built Environment and Urbanization
Habitable’s new report exposes the widespread use of harmful plastic building materials, linking them to health risks, fire toxicity, and fossil fuel dependence, while offering solutions and showcasing leaders advancing safer, healthier alternatives already available.
• Research & Reports
Life Stage and Reproductive Health Chemical Pollution
Phthalates, chemicals found in plastics, are linked to an array of problems, especially in pregnancy.
• News
Chemical Pollution Technology and Innovation
• Research & Reports
Chemical Pollution Ocean / Marine Degradation
Sunscreens protects our skin from harmful solar UV radiation, but many products contain chemicals that can be harmful to saltwater and freshwater ecosystems, while preliminary findings indicate some ingredients can have health effects.
• News
Nutritional Diseases Chemical Pollution
• Research & Reports
