Scientists caution that chemical pollution poses a risk on par with global warming, highlighting an ecological challenge urgency | Environment

A report warns that chemical pollution poses a threat to humans and nature comparable to climate change but is far less recognized and acted upon. Among the factors contributing to this are more than 100 million chemicals, not naturally found, with between 40,000 and 350,000 in commercial use and production. These pollutants have been linked to health effects like ADHD, fertility issues, and cancers, yet their environmental and human health impacts are not well understood or appreciated. The research, funded by the Grantham Foundation, notes that synthetic chemicals from food contact materials, including “forever chemicals” found nearly universally in humans, contribute significantly to this problem. The report also addresses the inadequacies in current toxicity assessment methods and calls for greater awareness and funding to tackle this issue, suggesting that changes in consumer behavior could drive demand for safer products and address the problem.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/06/chemical-pollution-threat-comparable-climate-change-scientists-warn-novel-entities