NEW YORK, June 25, 2024–( BUSINESS WIRE )–A new study published today in PLOS One, “A Structured Expert Judgment Approach to the Health Effects of Different Chemicals and Chemical Classes,” evaluates global mortality from 16 chemical contaminants.
The study was conducted to address the need to prioritize interventions on chemical contaminants that are of increasing health concern globally. The Structured Expert Judgement (SEJ) process highlighted lead, asbestos, arsenic and high hazard pesticides (HHPs) as the chemicals with the most significant health impacts in terms of mortality.
Lead stands out as the chemical of greatest concern by far, causing an estimated average of 1.7 million deaths per year, suggesting that targeted interventions are urgently needed.
The next greatest impacts are asbestos, arsenic, and high hydroxypropane, each causing between 136,000 and 274,000 deaths per year. No other chemical or class of chemicals is estimated to cause more than 100,000 deaths per year.
“The Structured Expert Judgment (SEJ) approach allows us to systematically integrate expert knowledge and overcome the usual barriers created by incomplete data environments,” explains Rich Fuller, president of Pure Earth and co-author of the paper.
This study utilized the SEJ process to estimate the global health impacts (both premature deaths and disability (DALYs)) of 16 key pollutants or pollutant classes: asbestos, arsenic, benzene, chromium, cadmium, dioxin, 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 study showed disparities in the geographic impact of these chemicals, with a greater burden in low- and middle-income countries. The authors recommend that the SEJ process be repeated periodically to incorporate new data and evolving scientific understanding.
About Pure Earth
Founded in 1999, Pure Earth is a pioneer in developing evidence-based solutions to mercury and lead poisoning and contamination. Guided by a 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 and mercury contamination. We work with governments, communities and industry to identify and implement solutions that stop toxic exposures, protect health and restore the environment. For more information, visit www.pureearth.org.
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