Industry, the environment and health
We work at the intersection of industry, the environment and health, with a particular focus on chemicals in industrial contexts. Our research contributes to assessments and solutions that safeguard environmental and health considerations within current and future regulations.
Why is this important?
Pollution is one of the major environmental challenges of our time—on par with climate change and the loss of nature.
It is estimated that more than 350,000 chemicals are in trade today, with approximately 100,000 actively in use in the European Union (EU) market.
Chemical substances and particles affect the environment, health, and society through complex interactions between emissions, dispersion, and exposure. Relying solely on registered substances does not give a complete picture of chemicals that may end up as environmental contaminants. Other sources of contaminants include reaction products, transformation products, and leakages—for example, from articles manufactured outside the EU that may contain unregulated chemicals.
Our methods and approaches:
NIVA uses advanced laboratories to support all aspects of chemicals and pollution in industrial contexts. Our work includes:
- Guiding industry on regulations and requirements for environmental monitoring and management
- Supporting the development of new, more environmentally friendly product formulations
- Supporting permit applications for waste discharge
- Designing treatment solutions for industrial process waters
- Monitoring industrial discharges
Our expertise
NIVA leads and participates in large national environmental monitoring programs and has extensive expertise in:
- Environmental contaminants, including PFAS: These persistent pollutants are hazardous to health, accumulate in the body, and take a very long time to break down in nature. They are found in cosmetics, food packaging, textile impregnation, firefighting foam, and pesticides, and can be transported far by air and sea—even reaching the Arctic.
- Microplastic research: With around 50 scientists working on plastic pollution, NIVA operates a state-of-the-art microplastics laboratory where we develop and validate analytical methods, conduct monitoring programs, and participate in international research projects.
- Urban environments: We provide knowledge for the sustainable management of drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and urban water bodies, including:
- Urban hydrology and hydraulics
- Transport and effects of pollutants, from source to recipient
- Monitoring using sensor technology
- Water and sewage treatment with technical and nature-based solutions
- Map-based presentations
- Diffusion models
- Restoration of water bodies
Why NIVA works in this area
NIVA’s Contaminants and Environmental Technology Section contributes research, analyses, and assessments that support public authorities, industry, and society in their efforts to understand, prevent, and manage pollution. Our work ranges from understanding problems and monitoring to evaluating measures and solutions.
The knowledge we generate is used in regulation, planning, risk assessment, and the development of solutions, helping to ensure a zero-pollution future and safer use of chemicals.