Chemicals of Concern: The Inevitability of Exposure and Counter-Actions

Chemicals of Concern: The Inevitability of Exposure and Counter-Actions
Miriam L. Diamond, PhD
Professor, Department of Earth Sciences
University of Toronto

Friday, March 14, 2025
12 P.M. - 1 P.M.
Hybrid: BSPH, W5030 & Via Zoom
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Abstract

Populations are inevitably and inequitably exposed to chemicals of concern, which is one cause of associated population-wide adverse health effects. The inevitability of exposure comes from basic thermodynamic theory coupled with high chemical production volumes, “chemical intensification”, and human activities. Evidence of this inevitability is strongest for high production volume chemicals used in myriad applications. The rate at which new chemicals are introduced to markets outstrips the capacity for assessment conducted under chemical management programs to confidently determine which chemicals are of concern, let alone develop risk management measures. Given these trends and the need to act with precaution based on costs of inaction, solutions range from chemicals management according to hazard and not risk, the need to reduce “chemically intense” lifestyles and move to “sufficiency” amongst those of high income (demand-side management), and putting a cap on production for supply-side management. 

Short Biography

Miriam L. Diamond is a professor at the University of Toronto. For over 30 years, her research has advanced knowledge of chemical emissions, their transport processes, and resultant human and ecological exposure. Her current efforts are focussing on chemicals management. Diamond’s science and policy research has been published in over 250 peer-reviewed articles and chapters, in addition to receiving media attention. 

Prof. Diamond is the Vice-Chair of the International Panel on Chemical Pollution, the chemicals and waste expert of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel of the Global Environment Facility, and an “Environment Commissioner” of the Earth Commission under the Global commons Alliance. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, recently stepped down as an Associate Editor of the journal Environmental Science and Technology, and was the co-chair of the Canadian Chemical Management Plan Science Committee from 2017 to 2021.