Geneva, Switzerland (Enmaeya News) — A growing body of scientific evidence warns that chemical pollution threatens both human well-being and the natural environment at a scale comparable to climate change — yet it receives far less public attention and government action.
A new study by Deep Science Ventures (DSV) reveals that the global industrial economy has introduced over 100 million new chemical substances not found in nature. Of these, between 40,000 and 350,000 are currently in commercial use worldwide.
Despite the widespread presence of these chemicals, the study finds limited awareness of their health and environmental impacts. Emerging research links chemical exposure to serious health problems including infertility, cancer, and damage to multiple organ systems.
Harry McPherson, DSV’s chief climate researcher, told The Guardian, “This is a major surprise to many people.”
Humans carry more than 3,600 industrial chemicals in their bodies, including 80 classified as particularly dangerous. Plastics alone contain more than 16,000 chemicals such as dyes, flame retardants, and stabilizers. The annual economic toll from just three plastic-related chemicals — polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), bisphenol A (BPA), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) — is estimated at $1.5 trillion.
Persistent “forever chemicals” (PFAs) are nearly ubiquitous in humans and the environment. Rainwater in many regions contains PFAs at levels unsafe for consumption.
More than 90% of the global population breathes air that exceeds World Health Organization pollution limits. When toxic chemicals contaminate air and human bodies, the consequences can be severe, the study warns.
The report highlights links between chemical exposure and disruptions to reproductive, immune, nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, as well as liver, kidney, and metabolic functions.
McPherson noted strong associations between pesticide exposure and reproductive problems, including miscarriages and fertility challenges.
These findings reinforce earlier research from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research showing that pollution, including microplastics, has already crossed the planet’s safe boundaries.
Ahead of upcoming talks on an international “plastic treaty” in Geneva, a separate report describes a growing plastic crisis causing health problems and deaths worldwide.
The study also criticizes current methods for assessing chemical toxicity, calling them inadequate. It highlights overlooked impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which interfere with hormones and can cause infertility and cancer. The report challenges the assumption that lower chemical doses produce fewer effects.
McPherson urged increased recognition of chemical pollution’s risks, alongside climate change efforts. “We don’t want to reduce climate funding, but this issue needs more attention,” he said.
The study’s authors warn that current policies and regulations fail to adequately protect human health and the environment from chemical hazards, urging stronger action and better scientific approaches.
