The Fate of Environmentally Relevant Chemical Compounds

Abstract

Over the last few generations, our quality of life has improved with the development of specialized chemical compounds that have led to new products and new sources of pollution. Time is of the essence as we consider the prevalence of these compounds in the natural environment well past their intended lifetimes. The scientific community has gained insights into the reactivity and persistence of organic pollutants, insights that ought to allow society to make better decisions regarding the use and disposal of chemical substances in the future. History illustrates many examples of how using poorly understood substances can result in unintended consequences, reinforcing the need for the Precautionary Principle for decision-making under uncertainty. A case study examining drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale of the eastern United States exemplifies how a new use of multiple chemicals may have such consequences, a situation calling for application of the Precautionary Principle.