"Current calculations woefully underestimate how much pollution costs countries, say researchers".

"The cost of harmful chemical and heavy metal exposures around the world likely tops 10 percent of the global GDP, according to a new study.

The study, published today in the journal Environmental Health, finds that current calculations of harmful exposures underestimate the total costs to society by leaving out certain health impacts and only focusing on a fraction of the total contaminants people are exposed to.

"Our findings suggest that a revised paradigm is required for evaluating and prioritizing the environmental contribution to human illness and the associated costs," the authors wrote. "

Brian Bienkowski reports for Environmental Health News December 5, 2017. [2]