Hazardous Chemicals: Agents of Risk and Change, 1800-2000

Toxic, manufactured pollutants have become a diverse and widespread danger due to the development and large-scale production of new chemical substances over the last two centuries. This collection investigates the emergence of specific toxic, pathogenic, carcinogenic, and ecologically harmful chemicals and the scientific, cultural, and legislative responses they have prompted, situating chemical hazards in a long-term and transnational framework.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 422 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2022
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Although poisonous substances have posed a threat to humanity throughout history, it was only in the past two centuries that the emergence and widespread production of new chemical substances have resulted in the pervasive and diverse danger of toxic, man-made pollutants. This collection of chapters explores the emergence of various toxic, pathogenic, carcinogenic, and ecologically harmful chemicals, as well as the scientific, cultural, and legislative responses they have triggered. By examining these substances within a long-term and transnational context, each study emphasizes the significance of considering both the natural and social environments in which their histories have unfolded.

The history of toxic substances dates back to ancient times, with evidence of their use in warfare, medicine, and religious rituals. However, it was not until the Industrial Revolution that the scale and intensity of chemical production began to increase dramatically. This period saw the introduction of new chemicals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, which were used in a wide range of industries, including mining, manufacturing, and agriculture.

As the use of these chemicals expanded, so did the awareness of their potential harm to human health and the environment. In the early 20th century, scientists began to study the effects of these substances on living organisms, and they discovered that they could cause a range of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and neurological disorders.

In response to these concerns, governments and industries began to take steps to regulate the use of toxic substances. In the United States, for example, the Clean Air Act of 1970 was passed to regulate air pollution, and the Clean Water Act of 1972 was passed to regulate water pollution. These laws set standards for the permissible levels of toxic substances in the environment and required industries to implement measures to reduce their emissions.

Despite these regulations, toxic substances continue to be a significant threat to human health and the environment. Many of these chemicals are persistent in the environment, meaning that they can accumulate in the food chain and be consumed by humans and other animals. Additionally, the production and disposal of toxic substances can have negative impacts on the environment, such as soil and water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the most significant challenges facing the regulation of toxic substances is the globalization of trade. As the world becomes more interconnected, it becomes easier for industries to move production to countries with laxer environmental regulations. This can result in the export of toxic substances to countries where they may be used in ways that pose a risk to human health and the environment.

To address this challenge, governments and international organizations have developed a range of policies and regulations to promote the safe and sustainable use of toxic substances. These include the Basel Convention, which regulates the export and import of hazardous chemicals, and the Rotterdam Convention, which regulates the export and import of hazardous wastes.

In addition to these policies and regulations, there are a number of other strategies that can be used to reduce the risk of toxic substances. These include the development and use of safer alternatives to toxic substances, such as biodegradable and non-toxic chemicals, and the promotion of sustainable agriculture and manufacturing practices.

In conclusion, the history of toxic substances has been a long and complex one, with the emergence and widespread production of new chemical substances over the past two centuries leading to the pervasive and diverse danger of toxic, man-made pollutants. While governments and industries have taken steps
steps to regulate the use of these substances, toxic substances continue to be a significant threat to human health and the environment. To address this challenge, it is important to continue to promote the safe and sustainable use of toxic substances, to develop and use safer alternatives to toxic substances, and to promote sustainable agriculture and manufacturing practices. By doing so, we can help to ensure that future generations.

ISBN-13: 9781800734340