title: Sustainability, synthetic chemicals, and human exposure.
abstract: Public concerns regarding exposures to synthetic chemicals are increasing. Globally, there are increasing concentrations of many synthetic chemicals within the environment. The ubiquitous extent of some chemicals makes human exposure unavoidable. Biomonitoring has emerged as the optimal method for assessing exposures. The extent of human exposure and contamination occurs throughout the life cycle and is widespread. Although there is limited information on health risks for the majority of chemicals within our environment, and those identified with biomonitoring, many are known or suspected to cause human harm. Continued global and national unsustainable development regarding synthetic chemicals will increase the extent of environmental and human contamination unless precautionary action is implemented. Precautionary legislation may protect ecological and public health until societal sustainability is achieved.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
authors.forename: Rian J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Podein
authors.forename: Michael T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Hernke
authors.forename: Luke W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Fortney
authors.forename: David P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Rakel
mesh_terms: D001822:Body Burden; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005062:European Union; D006801:Humans; D007287:Inorganic Chemicals / Q000009:adverse effects; D011634:Public Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D007287:Inorganic Chemicals