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 Ocean / Marine Degradation
Japanese scientists created a strong, non-toxic plastic that dissolves in seawater within hours and leaves no microplastics behind. The material could help reduce ocean pollution but is not yet commercialized.
• News
Noncommunicable Diseases Air Pollution
The review examines how environmental factors, particularly pollutants and natural compounds, influence vascular physiology, inflammation, and the development of atherosclerosis (the build up of fats and cholesterol in artery walls) and cardiovascular disease.
• Research & Reports
Noncommunicable Diseases Chemical Pollution
The article outlines ten strategies to combat plastic pollution, emphasizing its health impacts and the need for systemic change. It advocates for policy reform, community action, and interdisciplinary research to create sustainable alternatives.
• News
Chemical Pollution Technology and Innovation
This review highlights the threat of emerging aquatic contaminants and their risks to wildlife and human health, calling for advanced, sustainable treatment technologies and catalytic innovations to protect water quality.
• Research & Reports
Nutritional Diseases Chemical Pollution
This study explores how rising global atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and surface temperatures negatively affect rice yields, nutritional quality, and human health.
• Research & Reports
