Professor Ăke Bergman, Stockholm University and Örebro University, Sweden

Moderator: Kārlis Valters, Riga Technical University, Latvia

Man-made chemicals are those that are not found in nature, but either refined from, e.g., oil or coal or synthesized in a laboratory. These chemicals are useful, but some of them may possess certain risks for wildlife and human health. What is “the anthropocene blender of chemicals”? What is “the cocktail effect?” How many man-made chemicals are being used in different useful products? What are persistent organic pollutants and why are they harmful to wildlife and humans? How the holy cows affect the health of vultures in India? Why are there decreasing sperm counts observed in men over time? How are humans exposed to man-made chemicals? What has been and what is being done by scientists and regulators? How can people minimize the exposure? Why is it important to clean dust at your homes, especially, if you have small children?