The food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink are contaminated.
Environmental contamination significantly contributes to non-infectious diseases like cancer and respiratory illnesses, causing approximately nine million deaths annually. Air pollution alone is responsible for nearly seven million deaths.
Pollution, through air, freshwater and ocean contamination, accumulates toxic chemicals in the food chain, harming humans and animals. Biological and chemical pollutants also increase antimicrobial resistance.
To address these issues, a stronger link between science and policy, international collaboration and robust legislation is crucial. The health sector, through the One Health approach, plays a vital role in reducing pollution.
UNEP collaborates with the entire UN system to transition to a pollution-free planet, raising awareness of pollution's impacts and solutions and highlighting the significant role each part of society can play to beat pollution.
The work of UNEP on pollution and health is led by the Chemicals and Health Branch.
