Since 1950, there has been a 50-fold increase in the production of chemicals – a figure expected to triple by 2050.
We come into contact with chemicals every day. However, if improperly managed, they can pose serious risks to public health, as well as ecosystems.
Ahead of World Health Day, we sat down with Ines Benabdallah from the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Chemicals and Waste Unit to discuss how health features in UNEP’s work.
What chemicals does the UNEP Chemicals and Waste Unit work on?
We primarily focus on two hazardous chemical issues: mercury and persistent organic pollutants (POPs); but we also support the Secretariat of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), which broadens our work to include emerging issues such as pharmaceuticals, highly hazardous pesticides, lead in paint, electronic waste, chemicals in textiles and more.
How do these chemicals feature in our daily lives?
They’re everywhere – in our clothes and electronics, our cosmetics and cleaning products, and in the medicine, food and water we consume.
Of course, not all products contain hazardous chemicals, but they may come into contact with toxic substances during the manufacturing process. Contamination can even occur in stores, if certain products coated with chemicals are in contact with others.
It’s important to consider that both mercury and POPs travel far from their point of release, bioaccumulate in the environment and don’t break down naturally. So, we come into contact with them more often than we think, we just don’t realize they are around us.
What effect do they have on our health?
The consequences of exposure are severe, particularly if over a prolonged period of time. Take POPs, for example, otherwise known as “forever chemicals”. These are man-made substances that are widely used in consumer products, from cookware to fire retardants in furniture. High concentrations of POPs in humans have been tied to increased kidney disease and certain types of cancer.
Can you describe the Unit’s work to safeguard health?
Our projects aim to protect people and the planet through reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and waste.
For example, in Nigeria our work on e-waste – an emerging and increasingly significant issue – aims to strengthen the Extended Producer Responsibility system, obligating producers to manage their waste and thereby protect people and the environment.
On cosmetics, we recently launched a project on eliminating mercury from skin lightening products, which are known to cause a host of skin conditions as well as anxiety and depression. These products don’t just pose a risk to the user – children can be exposed through breastmilk, and food chains can become contaminated when cosmetics are washed off into wastewater.
What have we learned from UNEP’s work in this area?
We are learning that planetary crises are more interconnected than ever, and the solutions we provide must be as interlinked and systemic. This is why our work brings together stakeholders from various sectors and communities and our role as the UN remains that of a convener and integrator.
This is especially important when we consider how chemicals travel in the environment and affect human health, and how they interact with each other within ecosystems. Many of the effects of the chemicals we work on are well understood, but many still require further study.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About the Global Environment Facility
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a multilateral fund dedicated to confronting biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, and strains on land and ocean health. Its grants, blended financing, and policy support helps developing countries address their biggest environmental priorities and adhere to international environmental conventions. Over the past three decades, the GEF has provided more than $22 billion in financing and mobilized another $120 billion for more than 5,000 national and regional projects.
About UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
For more information, please contact:
Ines Benabdallah, Task Manager, Chemicals and Waste Portfolio, UNEP
