Chapter 19 - Emerging contaminants: Approaches for policy and regulatory responses in low-income countries

Abstract

Research conducted on emerging contaminants (ECs) has shown their impact on the environment and linked them to increasing incidences of disease and infertility in the human population. However, there are yet to be studies consolidating and quantifying how these contaminants may affect the achievement of sustainable development goals in low-income regions. In this chapter, we provide an analysis of the potential impact of these contaminants on economic growth and launch a call-to-action for policy-makers in low-income countries (LICs) to urgently address the issue. Through a review of literature, we present a case for the importance of regulation of emerging contaminants by examining their impact on the sub-Saharan African population through the lens of the region’s health burden. We also recommend four approaches to addressing ECs to protect population health and improve policy responses to similar problems in LICs. These include (1) adoption of the precautionary principle, (2) funding and capacity building for research themes that boost development in LICs, (3) strengthening the research–policy interface, and (4) improving scientists’ approach to framing.