By Abdullahi Lukman
Chemical pollution represents a threat to both human and environmental health on par with climate change but has received far less public attention and policy action, according to a new report by Deep Science Ventures (DSV).
The report warns that the global industrial system has produced over 100 million synthetic substances, with up to 350,000 currently in use, many of which contaminate the air, water, food, and consumer goods.
Despite growing scientific evidence linking these chemicals to conditions like cancer, infertility, ADHD, and metabolic disorders, regulation and public awareness remain significantly lacking.
Funded by the Grantham Foundation, DSV’s eight-month study involved interviews with experts and analysis of hundreds of scientific studies. Researchers identified over 3,600 synthetic substances from food packaging and preparation materials alone in human bodies, including 80 classified as highly concerning.
PFAS “forever chemicals,” for example, are found in nearly all people tested, and even rainwater in some areas exceeds safe limits.
The report highlights systemic flaws in current toxicity testing, especially concerning endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which can produce harmful effects even at low doses.
Existing assessment methods often miss these impacts due to outdated assumptions about chemical dose-response.
“There’s a widespread assumption that daily-use products undergo rigorous safety checks—but that’s often not true,” said Harry Macpherson, senior climate associate at DSV.
He emphasized the underestimated links between pesticides and reproductive issues, including miscarriages and infertility.
The DSV report echoes findings from the Potsdam Institute, which concluded that humanity has already exceeded the safe planetary threshold for chemical pollution.
A separate report also recently warned of a growing global plastic crisis impacting health across all ages.
While the report calls for increased research and regulatory attention, it also points to a potential for consumer-driven solutions.
“Demand for safer products could help address this without needing massive collective action,” Macpherson said. Personally, he now avoids heating food in plastic and uses cast-iron cookware.
Despite the scale of the issue, chemical pollution receives only a fraction of the funding allocated to climate change—something the report urges policymakers and investors to reconsider.
