Global chemical intensification

THE use of chemicals around the world is worsening. Artificial substances that are in the nature of chemicals improve products used by consumers but all too often, people and the environment are exposed to risk.

That chemicals are omnipresent in our lives is evidenced by chemical-laden cosmetics to clothing to computers and smartphones. A smartphone, as an example, counts with different raw materials from plastics to chemicals that ensure preferred color, resistance to sunlight or low flammability. Different materials, including rare earths, glass, ceramic and others complete the contents of a smartphone. One can imagine the consequence of the amount of waste produced by electric devices and electronic goods as well as the risky exposure of informal sector workers engaged in recycling those products.