Few places on Earth are free from harmful chemicals. Recently, researchers found toxic levels of heavy metals in low-level clouds over the Eastern Himalayas. This area was once pollution-free.
Toxic chemical pollution is a global reality. There are invisible threats in the air with every breath people take. Air pollution can harm people, even where pollutants aren’t made.
As the 10th anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement approaches on December 12, 2025, it’s important to remember the 195 countries that came together in 2015 to fight climate change.
Unfortunately, the United States has withdrawn from the Paris Climate Agreement. Still, air pollution remains a major global health threat.
On a positive note, the U.S. Clean Air Act of 1967 has significantly lowered outdoor pollutant levels. Over 600 local governments in the U.S. have also created climate action plans.
While outdoor air quality has improved in the U.S., indoor air pollution is a significant problem. Pollution inside buildings can be ten times worse than outdoors. Unfortunately, research also shows that Americans spend 90% of their time indoors.
Indoor air pollution from chemicals is a growing concern. Products in homes and offices containing chemicals can pollute indoor air. Breathing in or absorbing these chemicals can harm health. Many people use chemical-laden products without knowing the risks. Everyday household items, such as paints from walls and furniture, and cleaning chemicals, can contain heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury, which can cause cancer.
Dr. Lucy Shapiro and Dr. Harley McAdams studied how the human body works. They found that life operates like a network of circuits, with master switches and feedback loops. Dr. Bruce Lanphear has further studied how toxic chemicals affect human health. He explains that some chemicals interfere with master switches. These switches are crucial for regulating biological functions. When these chemicals interfere, their harmful effects spread throughout the body. This chemical disruption leads to chronic diseases.
Chemicals infiltrate every aspect of daily life. Globally, 95% of manufactured goods contain them. Manufacturers have registered over 350,000 chemicals worldwide. This figure includes 50,000 biological chemicals for pesticides and medicines. The remaining 300,000 are industrial chemicals found in household products. However, manufacturers test only a small fraction of these industrial chemicals for safety.
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulates industrial chemicals in the U.S. It has an inventory of over 86,000 chemicals. The TSCA adds approximately 700 new chemicals every year. However, the TSCA does not cover pesticides, foods, food additives, drugs, cosmetics, tobacco products, nuclear materials, or munitions. Other agencies manage those areas.
Yet, indoor air pollution is not regulated. Manufacturers can release industrial chemicals without safety testing. These actions put the public at risk from chemical pollution in homes and workplaces. Legislators must create policies to protect people from chemical pollutants. New policies should include: 1) banning chemicals until manufacturers prove they are non-toxic, 2) managing the safety of existing chemicals, and 3) accelerating the testing process so it doesn’t take years.
A preventive approach can help reduce indoor pollution from toxic chemicals. Reducing chemical exposure indoors by choosing natural alternatives will improve air quality and health.
Many people don’t realize that everyday products contain industrial chemicals. Doctors often suggest lifestyle changes to prevent chronic diseases. However, diet and exercise can’t fix the problem of chemical pollution. As Dr. Lanhear points out, the real solution is to stop using harmful chemicals. Researchers must identify safer options that prioritize public health. Then, consumers can make healthier choices for their homes and workplaces.
Manufacturers face many challenges in finding alternative solutions. For instance, wood, commonly used in home products, decays over time. To prevent this decay, manufacturers add toxic chemical preservatives to wood furniture, floors, wall panels, and décor. Unfortunately, these preservatives can harm human health. Researchers are exploring natural alternatives, like essential oils, plant extracts, and bio-based coatings. These alternatives provide a healthier way to preserve wood.
A recent study found that rice husks can replace wood. Manufacturers can turn husks into healthier wood boards without the need for preservatives. Composite rice husk boards naturally resist water, rot, and insects, leading to cleaner indoor air.
Awareness of sustainable choices is growing. Individual actions matter, but the U.S. needs systemic change through policy reform. Legislators can create new rules and laws to improve indoor air quality. These changes will help keep manufacturers and the public informed. Consequently, harmful chemicals will no longer endanger people.
Natural alternatives can improve health and ensure a sustainable future. The Environmental Working Group provides guides for safer product choices, including cleaning products, food, and personal care products.
Immediate policy reforms are essential to safeguard public health. Together, people, manufacturers, and policymakers can drive positive change for everyone.