Use and release of chemicals are beyond the planetary boundaries

Peter Fantke, a researcher within the Mistra SafeChem programme, has together with several European researchers published a scientific article arguing that humans are now producing and releasing chemicals at a pace that outstrips the global capacity for assessment and monitoring.

This conclusion was reached by combining knowledge from various sources such as the rate of chemical production and data on the release of chemicals to the environment. This article highlights the importance of sustainability by design, life cycle perspective and proactivity in chemical development – exactly the field where Mistra SafeChem strives to contribute.

The article, which is not a formally deliverable in Mistra SafeChem, has the title Outside the Safe Operating Space of the Planetary Boundary for Novel Entities and was published in Environmental Science and Technology. It was also featured in The Guardian and other media, highlighting the question to a broader audience.

Read the article here. External link, opens in new window.

Read related article in The Guardian: Chemical pollution has passed safe limit for humanity, say scientists External link, opens in new window.