Chemical pollution is emerging as a global threat on par with climate change — yet it lags decades behind in public awareness and action, warns a new report by Deep Science Ventures (DSV).
The industrial economy has unleashed over 100 million synthetic “novel entities” into the environment, with 40,000–350,000 currently in commercial use. These chemicals are now embedded in every aspect of life — from the air we breathe and the food we eat to our homes, clothing, and personal care products. Yet, despite their ubiquity, their impacts on human and environmental health remain dangerously underestimated.
The DSV report reveals that 3,600 synthetic chemicals from food contact materials alone have been detected in human bodies — including 80 of grave concern. “Forever chemicals” like PFAS are now found in nearly all humans tested, and in some places, even rainwater contains unsafe levels. More than 90% of the global population breathes air exceeding WHO pollution guidelines.
The consequences are alarming: exposure to widely used chemicals has been linked to infertility, miscarriage, ADHD, immune dysfunction, cancer, and damage to neurological, cardiovascular, and metabolic systems. Pesticide exposure, in particular, shows strong correlations — and even causation — with reproductive health issues.
Harry Macpherson, senior climate associate at DSV, warns: “People assume there’s rigorous oversight on the chemicals in our everyday products — but that isn’t the case.”
With chemical contamination now permeating the biosphere, experts stress the urgent need for stronger regulation, safer alternatives, and global recognition of this “silent emergency” before its toll rivals that of climate change itself. Read More
News Credit: The Guardian
Picture Credit: Yola Watrucka/Alamy