To address growing concern about harmful chemicals in Poland and to raise awareness about the impacts of chemicals on health in Poland, HEAL in November 2024 has started publishing materials and articles on the matter and engage the Polish health sector.
On World Cancer Day, representatives from the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) Poland attended the meeting of the Parliamentary Group “Rodzice dla Klimatu” (Parents for Climate). Experts from non-governmental organisations, the scientific community, and the healthcare sector discussed the impact of pollution on cancer and prevention. Olga Wdowiczak, environmental health policy specialist at HEAL, presented findings on how exposure to hazardous chemicals increases the cancer risk, particularly for children.
In Poland, over 208,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 20% of these cases are related to environmental pollution, including from chemicals such as PFAS, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and pesticides. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their physiology and habits, which increases their exposure to harmful substances in the air, water, soil, and everyday items.
The negative impact of harmful chemicals can already occur in utero, as these substances can cross the placental barrier. In infancy, there is a risk of exposure through breast milk, as harmful chemicals can transfer from the mother’s body. Studies suggest a possible link between exposure to PFAS and pesticides and the development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and Wilms tumour—a type of malignant kidney cancer in children.
In the general population, PFAS is linked to kidney, testicular, and prostate cancers. Pesticides may contribute to the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and cancers of the prostate, kidney, and lungs. There is also evidence of the impact of endocrine-disrupting substances on breast, thyroid, prostate, and testicular cancers.
However, hazardous chemicals are not the only factors influencing the rise in cancer rates. During the parliamentary meeting experts also discussed the impact of air pollution on cancer development. Dr. Krzysztof Skotak, from the Polish Institute of Environmental Protection – National Research Institute, highlighted that air pollution is among the primary environmental factors contributing to lung cancer in Poland.
The participants unanimously emphasised the need to reduce exposure to carcinogens through stronger legislation and environmental policies. They called for cross-sectoral action and cooperation to implement EU regulations, aligning with the objectives of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.
Elżbieta Lemańska-Błażowska, representing the ‘Parents for Climate’ group, stressed that climate and health policies must go hand in hand. During the meeting, the Polish Ministry of Climate and Environment pledged to collaborate with NGOs to achieve these goals. A comprehensive, cross-sectoral approach is essential to protecting public health and future generations. The participants also urge the Ministry of Health to take an active role in this vital area.
For more information access the presentation of Dr. Olga Wdowiczak (in Polish): Harmful Chemicals: Impact on Human Health with a Special Focus on Children
Related Posts
