Not Just Air, Chemical Pollution is Also Poisoning Our Bodies
Air pollution is not the only concern—chemical pollution is rising rapidly worldwide, contaminating water and soil as well. In rural areas, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has been particularly harmful, making it essential to take immediate regulatory measures to curb their impact. Failure to do so could lead to a future where a significant portion of the population suffers from chronic diseases caused by chemical exposure.
Growing Chemical Contamination: A Silent Crisis
Harmful chemicals are found in food, drinking water, soil, and even the air we breathe. Exposure to these chemicals is linked to weakened immunity, respiratory diseases, allergies, and organ damage. No place is completely safe anymore, as toxic pollutants have made their way into crops, rivers, groundwater, and even the human food chain.
Rising Death Toll Due to Chemical Pollution
At the Center for Science and Environment (CSE) annual environmental conference, experts discussed the alarming rise in chemical pollutants in the environment. A report revealed that in 2019 alone, 2 million deaths worldwide were linked to exposure to toxic chemicals in the environment.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 16 million different chemicals are currently circulating globally, but only 7,000 have been adequately studied for their effects on human health. Many hazardous industrial and agricultural chemicals are widely used in markets without proper regulation or awareness about their long-term risks.
Rapid Industrial Growth Worsening the Crisis
• Global chemical production is skyrocketing, with over 22,000 million tons of chemicals produced annually.
• Every second, 65 kg of cancer-causing chemicals are released into the air.
• Once absorbed, synthetic chemicals primarily affect the lungs, skin, and intestines but can also damage other organs over time.
Urgent Need for Regulation
Experts from Delhi’s Institute of Environmental and Plastic Research emphasized the dangers of unregulated pesticide and fertilizer usage in rural areas.
• In India alone, 255,000 tons of chemical fertilizers are used annually.
• Shockingly, just one gram of some chemical pesticides can be lethal.
What Needs to Be Done?
Given the increasing chemical pollution, environmentalists stress the need for stricter regulations, increased public awareness, and safer alternatives to minimize exposure and prevent long-term health risks. The time to act is now, as uncontrolled chemical pollution is silently endangering human lives and the planet.
