Life Stage and Reproductive Health Chemical Pollution
PFAS Levels in Mothers’ Blood Associated with Children’s Brain Structure and Function
• News
WHAT IS PLANETARY HEALTH?
Chemical Pollution
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 Resources
Biodiversity Loss Chemical Pollution
Doughnut of social and planetary boundaries monitors a world out of balance. Nature.
A reimagined doughnut economics framework shows that over the past two decades, progress in meeting people’s basic needs has been slow, while environmental pressures continue to rise. The richest countries are responsible for over 40% of environmental impacts, while the poorest face more than 60% of social shortfalls, emphasizing the need for equitable economies that care for people and planet.
• Research & Reports
Noncommunicable Diseases Air Pollution
Researchers uncover overlooked factor that could lead to liver disease: ‘A growing but poorly understood threat.’ The Cool Down.
Researchers uncovered some disturbing facts about the connections between liver disease and chemical pollutants.
• Research & Reports
Chemical Pollution
Tracking Microplastics from Sea to Body. Stanford Report.
• News
Chemical Pollution Planetary Health Frameworks
Potential planetary health impacts of the airborne plastisphere. One Earth.
• Research & Reports
News Related to Chemical Pollution
Mongabay Documents Planetary Health from the Frontlines
