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.
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.
Mattias Öberg: "The new toxicology shows the way"
Mattias Öberg: "The new toxicology shows the way"
"Imagine you want to build a house. Wouldn't it make more sense to think through the robustness of the design before starting construction than after your family's moved in?"
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.
Solvents and smoking linked to risk of MS
Solvents and smoking linked to risk of MS
People who carry genes that make them more susceptible to developing MS are at much greater risk of developing the disease if they have been exposed to paint, varnish and other solvents, research shows.
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.
Human gene identified for tolerance to arsenic
Human gene identified for tolerance to arsenic
There are some groups of peolpe in northern Argentina that have increased resistance to arsenic. Karin Broberg have identified the protecting gene.
Some of our leading 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
Alterations in the intrauterine programming during critical periods of nervous system development can have adverse consequences that increase the risk of pathological conditions in adults. Sandra Ceccatelli's research aims at identifying mechanisms of prenatal damage 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, effects on kidney, bone and immune function, as well as cancer development.
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.