In a new study, Harry Macpherson, a senior climate associate at Deep Science Ventures (DSV), has revealed shocking findings. Together, these examples paint a disturbing picture of the pervasive reach and acute impacts of chemical pollution. This study further illustrates the pressing need to address chemical toxicity. Macpherson contends that this is an equally serious threat to that posed by climate change. One astounding finding of the study is that the industrial economy has produced more than 100 million “novel entities.” These are chemicals that are not found in nature.
DSV followed with a detailed study, funded by the Grantham Foundation. In addition, they explored dozens of scientifically cited reports and had deep, meaningful discussions with hundreds of scientists, non-profit executives, inventors, and capitalists. What EPA determined is that there are now at least 40,000–350,000 chemicals in production and commerce. Toxicity research for these chemicals is funded a staggering 100-fold less, even though these chemicals are pervasive in our environment. Money is flooding in for climate change projects.
Over 90% of the world’s people inhale air well above World Health Organization (WHO) pollution recommendations. This disgusting number is not just an accident, it’s a threat to public health and to the environment. Macpherson emphasized that many individuals operate under the misconception that the products they encounter daily—air, water, food, personal care items, and household cleaning supplies—are thoroughly tested for chemical safety.
“Maybe people think that when you walk down the street breathing the air; you drink your water, you eat your food; you use your personal care products, your shampoo, cleaning products for your house, the furniture in your house; a lot of people assume that there’s really great knowledge and huge due diligence on the chemical safety of these things. But it really isn’t the case.” – Harry Macpherson
Despite this, the research paints a damning picture of the state of chemical safety in America. It’s all the more important, Macpherson noted, because traditional testing methods have failed to address some of the most vital effects of chemical exposure.
“The way that we’ve generally done the testing has meant that we’ve missed a lot of effects,” – Harry Macpherson
One above all reasons should make us pay close attention to chemical pollution—that is, its insidious effect on the endocrine system. Macpherson cautions that when we interfere with this system, we start to set off nonlinear reactions. This means that effects can occur at any dose that are not predictable from effects seen at higher doses.
“One of the things is that when you have a chemical which is interfering with the endocrine system, it sometimes has a nonlinear response. So you’ll see that there’ll be a response at a very low dose, which you wouldn’t be able to predict from its behaviour at a high dose,” – Harry Macpherson
The study found robust associations between pesticide exposure and reproductive problems. Macpherson announced that associations between uses of pesticide and health impacts including miscarriage and trouble conceiving were clear.
“One of the main things that came out quite strongly was links between pesticide exposure and reproductive issues,” – Harry Macpherson
As the world grapples with a “plastics crisis,” which contributes to disease and mortality from infancy to old age, Macpherson urges for increased attention to chemical pollution. James supports the urgent, essential funding for climate work, but thinks chemical toxicity should receive more priority.
“We obviously don’t want less funding going into the climate and the atmosphere,” – Harry Macpherson
“But this we think – really, proportionally – needs more attention,” – Harry Macpherson
Macpherson expressed optimism about consumer-driven change. He believes that as individuals become increasingly aware of the chemicals in their everyday products, they may demand safer alternatives.
“The good thing is that this can be potentially quite easily consumer-driven if people start to worry about things they’re personally buying,” – Harry Macpherson