Final answer:
We are concerned about the high use of industrial chemicals due to their potential health and ecological risks, as many of approximately 100,000 chemicals have not been sufficiently tested for safety. Persistent organic pollutants, among others, are of particular concern because of their toxicity and durability in the environment. Chemical pollution from pharmaceutical waste further contributes to environmental health hazards.
Step-by-step explanation:
We are concerned about the high use of chemicals in industry due to their potential impacts on human health and ecological systems. These concerns are heightened by the presence of toxic chemicals, such as persistent organic pollutants, which have been found in various ecosystems and living organisms, including people and wildlife, across the globe. They are of particular concern because of their high levels of toxicity and persistence in the environment.
It is estimated that about 100,000 chemicals are currently in commercial use, and it is believed that a significant portion of these chemicals has not been adequately evaluated for their basic environmental and human health effects. Persistent organic pollutants are especially worrisome as they do not degrade easily and can accumulate in living organisms, causing long-term damage to both wildlife and human populations. Furthermore, only a fraction of high-production volume chemicals have been thoroughly tested for safety, raising concerns about potential long-term exposure risks.
The manufacturing of pharmaceuticals also contributes to chemical pollution. A high number of compounds are produced, and the cost and efficiency of drug production are constant concerns for the industry. The unregulated disposal of pharmaceuticals has led to chemical pollution from waste, contaminating waterways and affecting environmental and human health. In the United States alone, it's reported that millions of pounds of pharmaceuticals and related compounds, especially the industrial chemicals phenol and hydrogen peroxide, have been released into the environment.