LONDON — Chemical pollution now poses a threat to humanity and nature on par with climate change, a new research report says, warning that public awareness and regulatory action remain inadequate.
More than 100 million new chemical substances have been created worldwide, of which between 40,000 and 350,000 are currently in commercial use, according to the report. But the public has little awareness of how negatively these substances affect the environment and human health.
Deep Science Ventures, a research organization, said many chemicals present in the water people drink, the air they breathe, the food they eat and the soap, shampoo and household goods they use have never been safety-tested or properly screened.
Research has found more than 3,600 chemicals from food packaging and processed foods in the human body, at least 80 of which are seriously harmful, the report said. PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” have been detected in nearly every person tested, and in rainwater in many areas. Once in the body, they are difficult to remove.
According to the World Health Organization, 90 percent of people worldwide breathe air that exceeds pollution limits. These chemicals are damaging human reproductive capacity, immunity, neurological function, the heart, the respiratory system, the liver and the kidneys, the research found.
Researchers said there is a clear link between pesticide use and infertility, miscarriage and pregnancy complications. Hormone-disrupting chemicals can trigger severe reactions at very low doses that conventional testing does not detect.
The study also raises alarms about plastic and chemical pollution. Deep Science Ventures said major changes in chemical safety and public health systems are needed immediately, and that the organization is working on technology-based innovations to address the crisis.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report