Trend New forms of pollution adding to a persistent health and equity threat

Summary

The report defines pollution as contaminants that harm the health of people, animals, plants and the environment, ranging from physical forms such as light, heat and noise to biological and chemical pollution and emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, nanomaterials and PFAS. Industry, urban growth and agricultural development have damaged the environment through wave after wave of pollutants. Population growth, higher incomes and changing consumption have raised demand for resources, energy and transport, generating nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Concern has recently grown over pollution from heat, light, noise and pharmaceuticals. The report holds that pollution widens social inequality and remains a continuing threat to the health of people and the planet. Even at low doses, long-term exposure can lead to bioaccumulation and is a major risk factor for many diseases.