8 months ago
Synthetic Chemicals in Food Chain Linked to Health and Environmental Risks
Scientists have warned that many synthetic chemicals used in our food and environment are causing serious health problems and harming the planet.
These chemicals, like phthalates, bisphenols, pesticides, and PFAS, are linked to higher rates of cancer, brain development issues, and infertility.
They also cost the global economy a lot of money, up to $2.2 trillion every year, and cause additional environmental damage costing $640 billion annually.
If we don't reduce our exposure to these chemicals, especially those that disrupt hormones, there could be many fewer babies born in the future.
The scientists say we need to take this issue as seriously as climate change because chemical production has increased a lot since the 1950s, and most of these chemicals aren't properly tested for safety before they're used.
Synthetic chemicals in the food chain are linked to rising rates of cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders, and infertility.
These chemicals cost the global economy up to $2.2 trillion annually in health burdens and $640 billion in environmental damage.
Continued exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals could lead to 200 million to 700 million fewer births between 2025 and 2100.
Chemical production has increased over 200 times since the 1950s, with over 350,000 synthetic chemicals in use globally.
Most industrial chemicals face minimal safety testing before entering the market.
- Who
- Scientists from various organizations and universities
- What
- Issued a warning about the health and environmental risks of synthetic chemicals in the food chain
- Where
- Global food system
- When
- Report released on Wednesday
- Why
- To highlight the significant health and environmental costs associated with these chemicals
Key facts
- Annual Health Cost
- $2.2 trillion
- Annual Environmental Cost
- $640 billion
- Potential Fewer Births (2025-2100)
- 200 million to 700 million
- Chemical Production Increase Since 1950s
- Over 200 times
- Total Synthetic Chemicals in Use
- Over 350,000
Quotes
Professor Philip Landrigan
Paediatrician and global public health expert at Boston College
“The findings are a 'wake-up call'.”
NDTV
