Coal dust – which may be a component of urban dust – is of concern to many communities, particularly those near coal mines, railroads and ports. To reduce dust concentrations, we need to first understand where the particulates originate from by characterising the particles that comprise the dust.

Environmental mercury that is absorbed in the diet can have serious effects on human health, including neurological and reproductive effects. The Pearl River Delta in south China has transformed from an agricultural centre to a manufacturing centre during the past few decades.

Uncontrolled population growth, rapid urbanisation, the rise in community living standards and poor planning have accelerated the rate of generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Sri Lanka. Waste is ending up in open dump sites and, subsequently, water sources.

Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) has been sweeping parts of Sri Lanka in recent years, mainly affecting farmers in the North Central Province, but also in the Northern Province, the Eastern Province, the North Western Province, the Uva Province and the Central Province.

In this article, we look at the sources and pathways of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) entering our bodies, the bioaccessibility–bioavailability–bioactivity continuum of EDCs, and how they may be associated with human allergies.

The bioavailability and toxicity of contaminants such as heavy metal(loid)s is underpinned by their bioaccessibility. Some heavy metal(loid)s are ingested accidentally, such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb).

Our exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a major health concern due to their widespread occurrence and adverse health effects. Mounting evidence indicates that PFAS pollution, even at low levels, affects human development and reproductive functioning.

The global population is 7.2 billion and growing. Around the world, nearly 250 babies are born every minute. This equates to 131.4 million births per year. Despite this global ‘baby boom’, the total fertility rate (TFR) – the number of babies born per woman – has declined by about half over the past 5 decades.

Elevated nitrate concentration is a multifaceted problem. In surface water and groundwater, it can cause eutrophication. When present in drinking water, nitrate can threaten human health – for example, it can cause methemoglobinemia in infants. Thus, finding a way to remove nitrates from water is important for human and environmental health.