Schriever et al. (2025) argue that environmental risk assessment of pesticides in the European Union is sufficiently protective and that regulatory thresholds are rarely exceeded. Here, we re-examine these claims based on new and previous evidence from monitoring, systematic reviews, and different types of field studies. The clear outcome is that measured pesticide concentrations frequently exceed predicted concentrations and regulatory thresholds and that they relate to adverse impacts on ecological communities. The mechanisms driving this result include the joint action of pesticides applied in temporal and spatial proximity, varied environmental conditions, interactive effects of pesticides with additional stressors, and indirect ecological effects propagating within biological communities. These neglected intricacies explain why current single-substance prospective assessments tend to underpredict real pesticide exposure and impacts in field settings. The corollary is that the current regulatory framework in Europe proves insufficient to protect biodiversity and ecosystems. Necessary improvements embedded in a policy reform include strengthening post-registration monitoring, refining predictive exposure models, and explicitly considering landscape contexts, indirect and mixture effects, and interactions with non-chemical stressors.

Fluoropolymers are widely used across sectors, but their production is associated with emissions of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which are mobile, persistent, and toxic. In this work, we compiled a global inventory of fluoropolymer production plants (FPPs) and assembled PFAS concentration measurements for various media in their vicinity. We identified 52 currently operating FPPs across 11 countries and 41 cities. For 12 FPPs, in 12 different cities, there are peer-reviewed site-specific PFAS measurements specifically attributed to the FPP. At these 12 sites, at least 236 individual PFASs have been detected across multiple environmental media, including surface water, groundwater, air, dust, soils, sediments, plants, animals, and humans, with reported detections at distances of up to approximately 150 km from FPPs. Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids (PFECAs) were most frequently measured, often at concentrations two to three orders of magnitude higher than those measured in regions without nearby FPPs. Using high-resolution population data, we estimate that approximately 14 ± 2 million people (uncertainty reflecting ± 10 km uncertainty in facility locations) live within 10 km of an FPP. These people are potentially affected by FPP-associated contamination, with the largest population shares in China (≈52%), Japan (≈24%), Europe (≈13%), and the United States (≈9%). These regional proportions largely mirror differences in population density and the number of identified production facilities. This inventory reveals the large and complex global scale of PFAS contamination from fluoropolymer production, underscoring the need for expanded systematic monitoring and risk management efforts, including regulation.

Understanding where and why PFAS are used in batteries is essential for evaluating their substitution potential, yet detailed information on functions across battery technologies is scarce. We analyzed the more than 5 600 submissions to the Annex XV public consultation on the proposed universal PFAS restriction by the European Union and extracted information describing PFAS uses, associated substances, and stated functions in batteries. A total of 341 records were compiled into a database using our structured Battery Use & Function Framework with support of the Functional Substitution Framework. Among these records, 78 contained sufficient information for qualifying as a potential PFAS use and when accounting for overlaps, these were organized into 36 potential PFAS uses. Each potential PFAS use was then evaluated using supporting evidence from previous use‑mapping studies, interviews with battery stakeholders, teardown-analysis studies, and other targeted academic literature. Across all lines of evidence, two PFAS uses were contradicted, indicating already large-scale availability of PFAS-free alternatives. 16 PFAS uses were confirmed, primarily in cathode components across several battery technologies and chemistries, for which PFAS-free alternatives for all applications were identified in 10 PFAS uses and an additional 5 PFAS uses for some applications within use. Commercially available PFAS‑free alternatives were identified for Li-ion (lithium-ion), Na-ion (sodium‑ion) and lithium metal batteries. The findings indicate that few technical barriers remain for substituting PFASs in most battery components. This mapping provides a detailed foundation for future alternatives assessments, supports essential‑use evaluations, and highlights substitution opportunities and challenges relevant to monitoring and recycling. TOC Reports on PFAS uses in batteries were collected and weighed against supporting evidence. Feasible alternatives were assessed using market deployment as a proxy for technical viability, illustrating a newly developed cross‑sector assessment framework.

Pesticides are widely used in European agriculture, requiring robust prospective risk assessment of their environmental exposure and effects on non-target species to safeguard biodiversity. We conducted a high-level evaluation to test whether: 1) measured environmental exposure concentrations remain below those established by risk assessment and 2) these concentrations prevent population- or community-level effects in non-target organisms. We systematically analysed meta-analyses, quantitative reviews and syntheses that compared predicted and measured concentrations or assessed the effects of pesticides on non-target organisms. For exposure, studies show that in both aquatic and soil ecosystems the predicted concentrations of exposure models or regulatory thresholds are frequently exceeded. For effects, the data demonstrate frequent occurrence of negative, i.e. detrimental effects on non-target organisms. Impacts on aquatic species appear more pronounced than on terrestrial communities. Overall, the evidence from synthetic scientific studies suggests that current environmental risk assessment in the European Union recurrently underestimates both environmental exposure to pesticides and their ecological effects.

The planetary-scale risks posed by "chemicals of global concern" have deep historical roots that predate the literature on the Planetary Boundaries concept. Two largely separate scientific and regulatory tracks emerged from mid-20th-century research: an atmospheric track (exemplified by chlorofluorocarbons and stratospheric ozone depletion) and an aquatic-terrestrial/ecotoxicological track (exemplified by DDT, PCBs and other bioaccumulative organohalogens). Both tracks produced early warnings, scientific consensus, and eventual multilateral environmental agreements (the Montreal Protocol and Stockholm Convention). In this Perspective, we synthesize the historical evidence, link it to the planetary-boundaries and limits-to-growth narratives, highlight why chemical regulation repeatedly failed to prevent widespread contamination, and propose a set of pragmatic policy instruments, including targeted premarket controls such as the application of the Safe and Sustainable by Design framework, class-based phase-outs to speed up the removal of hazardous substances from the market, and global burden sharing to better manage planetary-scale chemical problems.

Knowledge on chemicals, waste, and pollution is shaped by geographical, financial, and disciplinary biases, which can cause blind spots for key emerging issues, including those relevant to low income countries and vulnerable communities. Scientists, practitioners, affected communities, and policy makers working in the areas of the newly established Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution (ISP-CWP) have interest in identifying issues of potential and emerging relevance that currently escape their attention. Horizon scanning offers a critical tool to identify such issues. Here, we provide guidance on aligning horizon scanning approaches with differing objectives, audiences, and thematic scopes. We structure this guidance around three core dimensions: the topics addressed ("what"), the actors involved ("who"), and the methods applied ("how"). Drawing on existing horizon scanning efforts and foresight practices, we outline inclusive and transparent approaches suitable for prospective assessments across diverse contexts. Emphasis is placed on correcting epistemic asymmetries, integrating local and indigenous knowledge, and ensuring legitimacy for global governance processes. Strategically designed horizon scanning can support anticipatory policy, promote equity, and help steer collective action toward a livable planet for all.

This article presents a comparative analysis of environmental standards employed in the licensing of human medicinal products (HMPs), veterinary medicinal products (VMPs), and plant protection products (PPPs) across the European Union (EU) and United States of America (USA). Despite structural and functional similarities, these chemicals are regulated separately, resulting in divergent environmental (risk) assessment (E(R)A) procedures. Using a qualitative case study approach, this research examines domestic licensing procedures across four thematic areas: institutional context, E(R)A requirements, post-authorisation obligations, and the treatment of legacy and generic products. We frame our analysis through the lens of three policy design concepts — integration, participation, and stringency — revealing that PPPs are subject to the most stringent environmental standards, followed by VMPs, and HMPs subject to the least. EU regulations are generally more stringent than those in the USA, particularly regarding E(R)A data requirements, substitution obligations, and the practical weight of the E(R)A in influencing licensing decision making. Our study identifies regulatory gaps, especially in the treatment of legacy products, co-formulants and categorical exclusions. We thus propose five policy recommendations to enhance the stringency of environmental standards in the licensing of these products: legislative enshrinement of E(R)A data requirements for pharmaceuticals; reduction of E(R)A categorical exclusion eligibility; extension of substitution obligation to pharmaceuticals; periodic licence renewals for medicinal products involving re-evaluation of E(R)A data; and E(R)As covering complete product formulations, not only active substances. This research contributes a novel cross sectoral and cross-jurisdictional perspective on synthetic chemicals regulation and environmental governance.

The environmental health challenges of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are well-documented in developed countries, where serious efforts are underway to implement stricter regulations to lower PFAS emissions. However, in developing countries where PFASs have been detected at levels similar to those in developed countries, there is a lack of comparable research or efforts on addressing PFAS pollution. These gaps also apply to many other industrial chemicals and are underpinned by imbalances in chemical regulation between developed and developing countries. These imbalances are likely to create multifaceted global challenges, including the illegal use and trade of PFASs and their products, the relocation of PFAS-based industries, and the global recirculation of PFAS pollution. These challenges can exacerbate pressure on developing countries already grappling with other critical environmental issues. In this Perspective, we explore these challenges arising from global disparities in the regulation of PFASs and other chemicals, along with their repercussions. We propose solutions to bridge the regulatory gaps, including broad, worldwide PFAS bans and regulations, increased funding for PFAS monitoring and emissions reduction, and joint initiatives with developed countries. These efforts would ensure that PFAS management extends beyond the developed world to countries with high economic aspirations and limited resources to address chemical pollution.

A substantial body of evidence exists demonstrating that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) poses a risk to human health. Data from epidemiological studies of those exposed occupationally or environmentally demonstrate adverse health risks, and these health effects are concordant with data from toxicological studies. Systematic reviews, conducted by agencies, organizations, and independent scientists that synthesize and integrate these data streams, have concluded that a range of health risks arise from PFAS exposure, including different types of cancer, especially kidney and testicular cancer, metabolic alterations such as increased liver enzymes and increased cholesterol, immune dysfunction such as reduced vaccination efficiency, reproductive and developmental outcomes such as low birth weight and reduced duration of breast feeding, and forms of endocrine disruption. Despite this, myths and misinformation surrounding these health risks slow efforts to protect public health from the hazards of PFAS exposure. This work addresses the most predominant of these myths and counters them with accumulated evidence from epidemiological and toxicological studies, demonstrating that exposure to PFASs poses a risk to human health.

Antioxidants (AOs) are increasingly detected in the environment, in aquatic organisms, and in human biosamples. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive hazard assessment of more than 500 natural and synthetic AOs by exploring their recalcitrance toward mineralization (not readily biodegradable, NRB), persistence (P), bioaccumulation (B), toxicity (T), mobility (M), and formation of toxic transformation products (TPs). Literature experimental data complemented with in silico predictions revealed that 60% of the AOs classify as NRB and T, out of which 31.6% classify as P and T. Of highest concern according to EU regulations are PBT or PMT compounds, with 4.8% and 2.1% of the AOs studied, respectively, falling into these categories. All AOs classified as PBT or PMT are of synthetic origin and, by majority, primary AOs, i.e., phenolic or amine compounds. Further, most predicted toxic TPs stem from phenolic and amine structures. Natural or nature-identical primary AOs or secondary AOs, e.g., ester or organic sulfur compounds, are less often classified as hazardous. Only 19 AOs were identified as not fulfilling any of the hazard criteria, highlighting the need for more experimental data on AO hazards for regulatory purposes, as well as for further research on safe AO alternatives.

Soil contamination represents a major environmental concern for maintaining soil health. Among various contaminants, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are particularly problematic due to their persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and toxicity. Anthropogenic activities significantly contribute to soil contamination with various chemicals. This study provides an overview of activities contributing to the contamination of soil by hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). EU-wide databases were used to map spatial patterns, co-occurrence of multiple pollution-causing activities at a high resolution of 1 km(2), and potential cocontaminated areas. There are approximately 385 locations where sources of PCBs, HCHs, and PFASs co-occur within 1 km(2), with 10% of these locations identified as potentially cocontaminated with more than one pollutant. The identified activities can serve as a starting point for EU Member States that are still in the process of creating, or planning to create, an inventory of historical and current pollution-related activities associated with soil contamination. Furthermore, the results serve as proof of concept to demonstrate the spatial co-occurrence of pollution-causing activities posing risks of cocontamination. The evidence provided by these data sets supports soil monitoring, targeted decision making, and environmental management practices.

Access to information about chemicals in products and articles is critical for supporting enforcement of chemical regulations, assessing risks from chemicals, allowing informed consumer choices, and enabling product circularity. In this work, we identified and evaluated available databases (DBs) on chemicals in products and articles from the literature using a defined protocol and from European national market surveillance authorities, nongovernmental agencies, and industrial sector groups using questionnaires. This is the first comprehensive review of DBs that provide information about chemicals in products and articles. A majority of these DBs are heterogeneous in terms of scope, ontologies, and data structures. Among the 57 identified DBs, 49 identified specific substances and only 30 reported their concentration in their products. In addition, 35 DBs included hazard information and 27 DBs provided safety information about products or chemicals. The analysis highlights the lack of comprehensive or accessible data on chemicals in products and articles for most categories of products/articles and jurisdictions. The limitations of existing DBs were attributed to scattered regulatory information requirements, a lack of data for unregulated substances, the complexity of supply chain communication, and confidentiality issues. In response to these challenges, we identified opportunities for improving existing information transfer structures and exploring alternative data sources to promote product and article safety and circularity.