Clear Summaries of Scientific Reports on
Chemical substances
Substances we take in through food and water or through the air we breathe may influence our health. While some substances are known to be harmful, e.g dioxins and PCBs, others can be beneficial under certain circumstances,e.g. fluoride preventing caries, water disinfectants killing germs. For yet others, further research is needed before definite conclusions can be drawn e.g. endocrine disruptors.
See also Phthalates and Air Pollution
Arsenic is a poisonous substance, which is released both from certain human activities and naturally from the earth's crust. Humans may be exposed to arsenic mainly through food and water. To what extent can arsenic exposure affect human health or the environment? More...
Summary available in [en] [es] [fr]
Boron is a naturally occurring element used in products such as fibreglass, detergents, agricultural fertilizers and herbicides. Could it affect my health? Under what conditions could it be beneficial or harmful to the environment? More...
Summary available in [en] [es] [fr]
Dioxins are mainly released by human activities such as incineration and fuel
combustion. Some dioxins and some "dioxin-like" PCBs are known to be harmful. In 2008, the facts summarised by GreenFacts are still considered a valid reference. More...
Summary available in [en] [es] [fr]
Some chemicals, both natural and man-made, can interfere with the hormonal system.
Have endocrine disruptors affected wild life and our hormonal system? How much is known so far? More...
Summary available in [de] [en] [es] [fr]
Food and drinking water typically contain at least small amounts of fluorides. Fluorides are commonly added to dental products – and sometimes to tap water – to prevent cavities. Under what conditions can fluoride exposure be beneficial or detrimental to human health? More...
Summary available in [en] [es] [fr]
Mercury is a heavy metal which is known to be highly toxic. Though mercury occurs naturally in the environment it is now mainly released by human activities. Are humans and the environment at risk? More...
Summary available in [en] [es] [fr]
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were widely used in the past, mainly in electrical equipment. Because these compounds are generally very stable, they remain present in the environment today. What are the health risks associated with PCBs? More...
Summary available in [en] [es] [fr]
To protect drinking water against germs and fight disease transmitted through water, disinfectants such as chlorine, chloramines, ozone and chlorine dioxide are used.
Unwanted by-products can be formed, which raise health concerns. More...
Summary available in [en] [es] [fr] | 
