Spotlight on chemicals in everyday living
Over the last 50 years, global chemical production has increased many times over. Today, the world has around 145 000 registered chemicals. Current research now increasingly suggests that chemicals previously considered risk-free and that have been in free circulation are capable of affecting development in the womb and can give rise to long-term effects on health.
Children most at risk
Children most at risk
Chemicals are capable of affecting development in the womb and can give rise to long-term effects on health. And it is children who are most at risk.
Cocktail effect makes chemicals more toxic
Cocktail effect makes chemicals more toxic
Mixing different chemicals might alter their effect. This is commonly known as the cocktail effect and is the subject of increasing discussion among researchers.
Researchers recommend organic agriculture for human health
Researchers recommend organic agriculture for human health
In a review of existing research, commissioned by a committee of the European Parliament, a group of European researchers has identified benefits of organic food production for human health.
Innovation gives a toxin-free work environment
Innovation gives a toxin-free work environment
Several hundred million containers are transported across the world's oceans every year. But opening the load can be dangerous – every eighth container that arrives in Sweden has levels of chemical substances in the air that exceed the limit for the work environment, according to research from Karolinska Institutet.
Cadmium in food linked to breast cancer
Cadmium in food linked to breast cancer
Research suggests that there is a link between dietary cadmium and breast cancer. The results are based on data from over 55,000 women.
KI awarded EU support for major chemical risk project
KI awarded EU support for major chemical risk project
The EU has granted Karolinska Institutet support for several new projects under the Horizon Europe programme, the Union's most important funding programme for research and innovation. The largest of them is PARC, which will contribute to the safer management of chemicals and improve the dialogue between researchers and authorities.
Human gene identified for tolerance to arsenic
Human gene identified for tolerance to arsenic
There are some groups of people in northern Argentina that have increased resistance to arsenic. Karin Broberg have identified the protecting gene.
Less allergies with nickel-free coins
Less allergies with nickel-free coins
The Swedish central bank is introducing nickel-free coins and thus improving the health of many people with allergies. This is something for which Carola Lidén is chiefly responsible.
Nano-sensor detects pesticides on fruit
Nano-sensor detects pesticides on fruit
KI researchers have developed a tiny sensor for detecting pesticides on fruit in just a few minutes. The technique, described as a proof-of-concept in a paper in the journal Advanced Science, uses flame-sprayed nanoparticles made from silver to increase the signal of chemicals.
Some of our researchers in this area
Focused on health risk assessment of chemicals
Focused on health risk assessment of chemicals
Helen Håkanssons research is used to support national and international health risk assessment in the areas of persistent organic pollutants and other health hazardous chemicals. The studies aim among other things to establish safe exposure levels for humans.
Identifying mechanisms of prenatal damage
Identifying mechanisms of prenatal damage
Sandra Ceccatelli's research aims at identifying mechanisms of prenatal damage in the nervous system that trigger behavioral impairment later in life.
Toxic metals in water and food a major public health problem
Toxic metals in water and food a major public health problem
Exposure to toxic metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead, in drinking water and food constitute serious public health problems world-wide. Marie Vahter's research focuses on effects of early-life exposure to toxic metals, both concurrent effects and effects later in life.