The Green Iraq Observatory issued a warning Thursday about the pervasive presence of over 20 highly dangerous chemicals in everyday Iraqi life. These chemicals, found in products ranging from pesticides and plastics to food additives and processed oils, pose significant health risks.
The Observatory highlighted the dangers of specific chemicals, including pesticides, persistent organic pollutants, plastic components, fire retardants, cadmium, various dyes and colorants, preservatives, fertilizer residue, and certain processed oils. Some of these oils, the statement cautioned, contain compounds that can cause cancer, disrupt endocrine systems, or poison vital organs like the heart, brain, and blood. Mutagenic compounds, which can damage germ cells, are also among the identified hazards.
While acknowledging humanity’s long history of exploring and utilizing chemical substances—citing the Babylonian chemist Taptu as an early example—the Observatory emphasized the scale of the current problem. They noted the World Health Organization’s list of concerning chemicals, which includes hazardous pesticides, mercury, air pollution, asbestos, arsenic, benzene, cadmium, dioxins, fluoride (both excessive and insufficient), and lead.
The Observatory pointed out that the sheer number of chemicals in use today is staggering. From the metals and alloys of ancient civilizations to the two million identified chemical substances worldwide (200,000 of which are actively used in industry), chemicals are now ubiquitous. Our clothes, furniture, food, textiles, electronics, building materials, cleaning products, cosmetics, medicines—virtually all aspects of modern life rely on chemical compounds. This widespread and daily exposure, the Observatory stressed, creates serious health risks for people of all ages.
Finally, the Observatory mentioned the United Nations Environment Program’s efforts, in partnership with other UN bodies and various nations, to implement the Global Chemicals Framework. This initiative aims to create a world free from the harmful effects of chemicals and waste, promoting the safe and sustainable use of these substances while mitigating their negative impacts.
