New Study Reveals Amplified Risks of Climate Change and Chemical Pollution on Ecosystems and Human Health

New Study Reveals Amplified Risks of Climate Change and Chemical Pollution on Ecosystems and Human Health

(IN BRIEF) A University of Helsinki study led by Sabrina Roth reveals that the combination of climate change and chemical pollution creates a far greater threat to ecosystems and human health than previously understood. Roth’s research shows that extreme weather events like heatwaves can amplify the toxicity of everyday chemicals, such as antibiotics and pesticides, leading to ecosystem disruptions and increased human exposure through food, water, and air. The findings emphasize the need for updated safety regulations that account for these combined effects and highlight the influence of dietary choices on chemical exposure.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 7-Nov-2024— /EuropaWire/ — A recent study conducted at the University of Helsinki has revealed that the combined impact of climate change and chemical pollution presents a much more severe threat to ecosystems and human health than previously acknowledged. Traditionally, research has examined climate change and chemical pollution independently, neglecting how their interaction can amplify negative effects.

Doctoral researcher Sabrina Roth from the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences led this investigation, demonstrating how simultaneous stressors, such as heatwaves and chemical pollutants, can harm species, disrupt ecosystems, alter food chains, and increase human exposure to harmful chemicals through contaminated resources. Roth’s research started with studies on how a common antibiotic affects a single species of phytoplankton under heatwave conditions, then expanded to examine mixed-species communities exposed to a pesticide. Using computer models, she also projected the human health impacts, focusing on how climate change might intensify exposure to environmental chemicals through food, water, and air.

Roth’s findings underscore the need for updated industry practices and policies. Current safety tests for chemicals often ignore the influence of climate change, meaning chemicals considered safe in standard conditions could pose greater risks when extreme weather events occur. Additionally, Roth highlights that public awareness and changes in chemical use are essential, as seemingly low-risk chemicals like the antibiotic ciprofloxacin can become highly harmful in extreme heat.

The study also found that dietary choices impact exposure to environmental chemicals, with vegetarians potentially consuming more pesticide residues in crops, while omnivores may have higher exposure to pollutants like PCBs found in animal products. These insights indicate that individual food choices, combined with climate changes, can affect chemical exposure in surprising ways.

Sabrina Roth will present her doctoral dissertation, “Multiple Stressor Effects of Environmental Chemicals in a Changing Climate,” on November 15, 2024, at the University of Helsinki.

Media Contact:

Tel: +358 (0) 2941 911

SOURCE: University of Helsinki