A recent meta-analysis of numerous peer-reviewed studies and interviews with experts has revealed a serious threat that researchers argue is comparable to climate change, yet it remains largely unnoticed. This concern, highlighted by a report from Deep Science Ventures (DSV), focuses on a form of chemical pollution referred to as “novel entities.”
What’s happening?
When you hear “novel entities,” it might sound like a new startup or something eerie, but it’s actually more disconcerting than that.
The Guardian pointed out that this subtle type of chemical pollution poses a danger similar to that of climate change, based on findings from DSV, a company dedicated to exploration and research.
DSV started with this compelling question: “What if one of the biggest threats to our health and planet is invisible, yet found in our air, food, and water?”
Enter these novel entities—chemicals that don’t naturally occur, with estimates suggesting that around 100 million have been released into our environment by industrial processes. DSV’s report reveals these substances have the potential for significant negative impacts on our planet and our health.
Harry Macpherson, a senior climate associate at DSV, remarked that the extent of this unmonitored issue often surprises people, even giving a relatable example.
“People assume that the air they breathe, the water they drink, and the products they use are thoroughly vetted for chemical safety, but that’s really not the case,” he shared.
Why is DSV’s report so concerning?
Macpherson’s concerns seem justified. Even those who are cautious about what they buy often find it hard to trust manufacturers’ disclosures regarding the safety of everything around them.
DSV’s analysis highlights that novel entities often go undetected, pointing out significant flaws in the current methods used to assess toxicity and research these chemicals—resulting in overlooked harmful effects, especially regarding reproductive health.
“Our testing methods have missed a lot of issues,” Macpherson noted, emphasizing that the report, “Novel Entities: A Ticking Time Bomb,” supports this observation.
In 2019, exposure to selected chemicals led to the loss of two million lives and approximately 53 million years of healthy life, with leads and occupational hazards being notable contributors to mortality.
What’s being done about it?
Given the urgency of the findings, the response, or lack thereof, seems quite concerning. Macpherson called for increased research and funding, alongside a surprisingly straightforward partial solution.
He argued that while funding for climate research is crucial, there’s a pressing need for more focus on this issue. He expressed a somewhat hopeful perspective on how consumer demand can drive change.
“It doesn’t have to be grand collective action; it can simply be a push for safer products, as people genuinely want safer options,” Macpherson concluded.
