NEW YORK--(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.
