Research within Pollutants and society
Research recognises chemical safety as a complex systemic issue spanning technology, economics, governance, and everyday life.
Key research questions concern how economic and technological linkages within industrial networks affect the use, substitutability and persistence of chemicals, and how industrial material flows contribute to environmental pollution.
Researchers are investigating how these pollutants affect human health and ecosystems, particularly in relation to long-lived and widely circulating materials.
An important area is the development of tools and methods that enable safe and sustainable material circulation within a circular economy. This includes analytical methods for detecting hazardous substances, strategies for removing or replacing them, and decision support for industry and authorities.
Within the profile, researchers also examine how societal drivers, market incentives, and regulations can support a transition towards reduced use and production of harmful chemicals. This includes identifying barriers and opportunities for cross-sector governance and investigating how chemical safety can be ensured in complex consumer products, such as textiles and plastics.