Arsenic (IPCS)

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...

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Boron (IPCS)

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...

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Dioxins (IPCS)

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...

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Effects of Biocides on antibiotic resistance (SCENIHR)

There is concern that this widespread use of biocides, such as disinfectants, preservatives and antiseptics, may lead to the emergence or proliferation of harmful bacteria that are resistant to both biocides and antibiotics.

In the light of current scientific evidence, can biocides lead to antibiotic resistant bacteria? More...

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Endocrine Disruptors (IPCS)

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...

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Fluoride (IPCS)

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...

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Mercury (UNEP)

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...

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PCBs Polychlorinated biphenyls (IPCS)

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...

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Phthalate Di-butyl phthalate (ECB)

DBP is mainly used in PVC and other plastics. Other applications besides inks, paints and adhesives, include nail polish, perfumes, sealants, and lubricants.
Main conclusions: At some industrial sites, exposure of workers and emissions to air should be reduced More...

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Phthalate Di-isodecyl & Di-isononyl phthalates (ECB)

DIDP and DINP are two very similar phthalates. They are mainly used in PVC and other plastics, but also in some inks, paints and adhesives.
Main conclusions: DIDP in toys may pose a risk; more research may be needed on the environmental effects of DIDP and DINP. More...

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Phthalates in school supplies (SCHER)

Some school supplies, such as erasers, contain phthalates – substances that are added to plastics to make them soft.

Can regularly chewing on such articles cause harmful health effects? More...

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Products that resemble foods and appeal to children Potential risks of accidental ingestion (SCCS)

Some consumer products are packaged to imitate food or appeal to children. This is for instance the case of certain shower gels, liquid soaps and dish-washing liquids. It is likely that these could be swallowed if confused with food.

Who runs the greatest risk and what increases the likelihood of serious poisoning? More...

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Triclosan and Antibiotics resistance (SCCS)

Triclosan is added to many consumer goods such as cosmetics and detergents to kill microorganisms or inhibit their growth. It is a widely used disinfectant, and there is concern that this widespread use may lead to the emergence of bacteria that are resistant to both biocides and antibiotics.

Can triclosan lead to antibiotic resistant bacteria? More...

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Water Disinfectants & disinfectant by-products (IPCS)

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...

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• Themes
• Air Pollution
• Biodiversity
• Chemicals
• Climate change
• Consumer safety
• Disease prevention
• Energy
• Environment
• Food & Lifestyle
• Phthalates
• Radiation & EMF
• Risks of new technologies
• Sustainable development
• Publications A-Z
• AIDS
• Accidental poisoning
• Agriculture
• Alcohol
• Arctic Climate Change
• Arsenic
• Aspartame
• Biocides
• Biodiversity
• Biofuels
• Boron
• CO₂ Capture & Storage
• Chernobyl
• Climate Change
• DBP
• DINP-DIDP
• Dental Amalgams
• Desertification
• Diet & Nutrition
• Dioxins
• Ecosystem Change
• Electromagnetic Fields
• Endocrine Disruptors
• Energy Saving Lamps
• Energy Technologies
• Fisheries
• Fluoride
• Forests
• Forests & Energy
• Genetically Modified Crops
• Global Public Health Threats
• Indoor Air Quality
• Malaria
• Mercury
• Mercury in CFL
• Nanotechnologies
• Nitrogen Dioxide
• Non-human primates
• Ozone
• PCBs
• Particulate Matter
• Personal Music Players & Hearing
• Phthalates in school supplies
• Power lines
• Psychoactive Drugs
• Respiratory Diseases
• Static Fields
• Sunbeds & UV radiation
• Tobacco
• Tooth Whiteners
• Triclosan
• Tuberculosis
• Water Disinfectants
• Water Resources