The Lookout
Volume 7 Issue 1 | 2019
The New Pollution: A Scientific Review of the Effects of Anthropogenic Chemical Contaminants on Several Avian Physiological and Molecular Systems Across Species Rachel Goodman Introduction
procedures within the last ten years, and are
Although not considered a looming epidem-
only required in certain high-income countries;
ic by the average person, various sources of
otherwise, most synthetic compounds are
pollution—and the human mortality associated
produced and sold without any safety or
with them—are increasing. According to the
toxicity testing (Landrigan et al., 2018).
most recent Lancet commission on pollution
Less than half of the 5,000 chemicals in the
and health, pollution is the leading cause
environment have undergone any toxicity
internationally of disease and premature death
evaluation or harm prevention testing
in humans, and—in the most severely affected
whatsoever (Landrigan et al., 2018).
countries—pollution-related diseases account
The effects of pollution on human societies
for more than one in four human deaths daily
are known. In 2012, 7 million people
(Landrigan et al., 2018). Although household
worldwide died from outdoor and indoor
air pollution is decreasing, ambient air pollu-
air pollution-related illnesses (Jasarevic,
tion is on the rise; major sources of ambient air
Thomas, & Osseiran, 2014). Of the outdoor
pollution can be found in every country, and
air pollution-related deaths, 40% died from
include fuel-powered vehicles, the generation
ischemic heart disease; 40% died from stroke;
of electricity, and mechanized agricultural
11% died from chronic obstructive pulmonary
industries (Landrigan et al., 2018).
disease (COPD); 6% died from lung cancer;
Chemical pollution is also a growing
and 3% died from acute pediatric respiratory
concern. Since 1950, more than 140,000
infections (Jasarevicet al., 2014). In 2015, 16%
new chemicals and pesticides have been
of all deaths worldwide were due to diseases
synthesized, 5,000 of which are present at
caused by pollution (Landrigan et al., 2018).
pathological concentrations within human
The sources of the pollution are also known.
environments (Landrigan et al., 2018).
According to the United Nation’s World Water
Synthetic chemical testing and pre-market
Assessment Programme of 2003, 2 million
evaluation have only become mandatory
tons of sewage and agricultural and industrial
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