Cadmium is a naturally occurring heavy metal that has become a global concern due to its widespread industrial use and persistence in the environment. Found in batteries, pigments, plastics, and as a byproduct of mining and smelting, cadmium can contaminate air, soil, and water. Human exposure primarily occurs through food, tobacco smoke, and occupational settings,…

Emissions from industrial processes, transportation, energy production, and agriculture are among the most significant contributors to environmental and health risks globally. Airborne pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, greenhouse gases, and volatile organic compounds contribute to respiratory disease, cardiovascular illness, climate change, and ecosystem degradation. Managing emissions requires balancing economic development with…

Workplace products — from cleaning agents and solvents to industrial chemicals and nanomaterials — are essential to modern economies but can pose significant risks to worker health and safety. Risks include acute exposures causing burns or poisoning, as well as chronic risks such as cancer, respiratory disease, or reproductive effects. Beyond health, unsafe workplace products…

The transport of dangerous goods — including chemicals, fuels, explosives, and radioactive materials — is essential to modern economies but carries inherent risks. Accidents involving spills, leaks, fires, or explosions can have devastating consequences for human health, the environment, and infrastructure, while also triggering public concern and media scrutiny. The challenge lies in balancing economic…

Plant protection is essential for safeguarding global food security, biodiversity, and economic stability. Crops face threats from pests, diseases, weeds, and invasive species, all of which can reduce yields, disrupt supply chains, and increase reliance on pesticides. Climate change compounds these risks by shifting pest ranges and intensifying outbreaks, while global trade accelerates the spread…

Food safety is a critical determinant of public health and economic stability. Contaminated food can lead to outbreaks of illness, chronic health effects, and loss of consumer confidence, while also disrupting trade and damaging the reputations of producers and regulators. Risks arise from microbial pathogens, chemical contaminants, allergens, and physical hazards, often exacerbated by complex…

Safe drinking water is a fundamental public health necessity. Contamination incidents — whether microbial, chemical, or physical — can rapidly undermine community trust and cause acute or long-term health harms. Challenges range from aging infrastructure and source water contamination to emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, PFAS, and microplastics. Climate change further stresses water systems by…

Contamination of water sources — whether from industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, mining, or natural events — poses significant risks to human health, ecosystems, and economic activity. Pollutants such as heavy metals, pathogens, nitrates, pesticides, and emerging contaminants like PFAS can persist in water systems, creating both acute and chronic health threats. Incidents of contamination often…

Elevating devices — including elevators, escalators, and lifts — are integral to modern urban infrastructure, providing mobility, accessibility, and safety in buildings and public spaces. Yet failures in design, installation, or maintenance can result in accidents with serious consequences, ranging from injuries to fatalities. Public confidence in these systems depends on effective regulation, oversight, and…

Nuclear energy is one of the most powerful and controversial sources of electricity in the modern world. It offers a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, supporting climate change mitigation, but also raises enduring concerns about reactor safety, radioactive waste, proliferation risks, and public trust. High-profile accidents, such as Chernobyl and Fukushima, have shaped global perceptions,…