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
Noncommunicable Diseases Chemical Pollution
This report introduces a new global monitoring system to track how plastic production, pollution, and exposure affect human and environmental health. It aims to inform policies that reduce harm worldwide.
• Research & Reports
Life Stage and Reproductive Health Noncommunicable Diseases
This review shows that Hispanic women’s higher exposure to pollutants like air pollution, heavy metals, and plastics may raise the risk of serious pregnancy complications, contributing to racial disparities in maternal health.
• Research & Reports
Infectious Diseases Chemical Pollution
Plastic pollution and drug-resistant bacteria are teaming up. In this podcast, BU researcher Neila Gross explains how microplastics help superbugs thrive and what that could mean for human health and global antimicrobial resistance.
• Podcasts
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
Direct Injuries Chemical Pollution
This study examined how chemical air pollution and noise affect emergency hospital admissions in Madrid during hot and cold months. It found that both pollutants, especially noise, significantly impact vulnerable groups like children and older adults.
• Research & Reports
