Work

Toxic Futures: Rethinking Emerging POPs in the Age of Exposure

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Emerging Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) pose a multifaceted and evolving challenge to environmental and public health worldwide. Unlike legacy POPs, these new contaminants exhibit chemical diversity, pseudo-persistence, complex exposure pathways, and subtle toxicological effects that complicate detection, risk assessment, and regulation. This perspective article highlights critical gaps in environmental epidemiology, emphasizing inadequate biomonitoring, delayed health outcomes, and disparities in exposure affecting vulnerable populations globally. It advocates for harnessing digital chemistry innovations—including AI-driven predictive modeling, high-throughput screening, and real-time sensor technologies—to improve monitoring and risk evaluation. Additionally, it calls for integrated interdisciplinary collaboration and the adoption of precautionary regulatory frameworks to incentivize green chemistry and sustainable alternatives. Centering equity and environmental justice in research and policy is essential to mitigate disproportionate burdens on marginalized communities. This article presents a roadmap for advancing scientific understanding and fostering effective, just, and proactive responses to emerging POPs. source and fate of persistant organic pollutants

Source: Aerosol and Air Quality Research

DOI: 10.1007/s44408-026-00152-z

Authors: Anup Basnet Chetry, Keisuke Ohto

Institutions: Mid-West University, Saga University

Language: English

Topic: Toxic Organic Pollutants Impact

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,090