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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.  

Empty plastic carton sits on the sand next to a dirty ocean shore.

“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

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Microplastics hinder plant photosynthesis, study finds, threatening millions with starvation. The Guardian.
Close-up of a green leaf with intricate vein patterns, illuminated by sunlight.

Chemical Pollution Food Systems

Microplastics hinder plant photosynthesis, study finds, threatening millions with starvation. The Guardian.

This article highlights recent research revealing that microplastics are significantly reducing global food supplies by impeding plant photosynthesis. This pollution could potentially put an additional 400 million people at risk of starvation within the next two decades by affecting key crops like wheat, rice, and maize. Researchers call for urgent action to address this issue, as the environmental impact of microplastics is comparable to that of climate change in terms of annual crop losses.

• News

Carrington, D.

Estimating the environmental burden of disease resulting from exposure to chemicals in European countries – Potentials and challenges revealed in selected case studies. Environmental Research.

Life Stage and Reproductive Health Noncommunicable Diseases

Estimating the environmental burden of disease resulting from exposure to chemicals in European countries – Potentials and challenges revealed in selected case studies. Environmental Research.

• Research & Reports

Plass, D., Beloconi, A., Bessems, J., et al.

Environmental challenges in Southern Brazil: Impacts of pollution and extreme weather events on biodiversity and human health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Air Pollution Biodiversity Loss

Environmental challenges in Southern Brazil: Impacts of pollution and extreme weather events on biodiversity and human health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

• Research & Reports

Ellwanger, J.H., Ziliotto, M., Kulmann-Leal, B., et al.

Microbioma: Esencia de la vida

Life Stage and Reproductive Health Chemical Pollution

Microbioma: Esencia de la vida

• Books

Quizhpe-Peralta, A., Rodríguez, A., Guizhpe R., A., et al.

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