New Research Finds Lead Has The Largest Health Impact Of Top 16 Chemical Pollutants
26 June 2024 - 7:20AM
Business Wire
A new study, "Structured Expert Judgement Approach of the Health
Impact of Various Chemicals and Classes of Chemicals", published in
PLOS One today evaluates the global mortality from sixteen chemical
pollutants.
The study was conducted to address the need for prioritizing
interventions for chemical pollutants, a growing global health
concern. The Structured Expert Judgement (SEJ) process highlighted
lead, asbestos, arsenic, and highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) as
the chemicals with the most significant health impacts in terms of
mortality.
Lead stands out as the largest chemical of concern by far,
with an estimated median of 1.7 million deaths annually, suggesting
an urgent need for targeted interventions.
The next largest in impact, asbestos, arsenic, and HHPs are each
responsible for between 136,000 and 274,000 deaths per year. None
of the other chemicals or classes of chemical were estimated to
cause over 100,000 deaths annually.
"The Structured Expert Judgement (SEJ) approach allows us to
synthesize expert knowledge systematically, overcoming the usual
barriers posed by incomplete data landscapes," explains Rich
Fuller, Pure Earth President and paper co-author.
This research utilized the SEJ process to estimate the global
health impacts - both premature death and disability (DALY) of 16
critical pollutants or pollutant classes: asbestos, arsenic,
benzene, chromium, cadmium, dioxins, fluoride, highly hazardous
pesticides (HHPs), lead, mercury, polycyclic-aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Per- and Polyfluorinated
Substances (PFAs), phthalates, endocrine disrupting chemicals
(EDCs), and brominated flame retardants (BFRs).
The research indicated a disparity in the geographical impact of
these chemicals, with a more significant burden observed in low-
and middle-income countries. The authors recommend that the SEJ
process be periodically repeated to incorporate new data and
evolving scientific understanding.
About Pure Earth
Established in 1999, Pure Earth is a pioneer in developing
evidence-based solutions to mercury and lead poisoning and
pollution. Guided by our commitment to transparency, collaboration,
impact measurement and technical excellence, Pure Earth works with
partners around the world to sustainably address the root causes of
lead pollution and mercury pollution. We work with governments,
communities and industry to identify and implement solutions that
stop toxic exposures, protect health, and restore environments.
Learn more at www.pureearth.org.
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Media Contact Sarah Berg – sarahb@pureearth.org