Nahrim: green chemistry the way forward 

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- Green chemistry ideas and innovation can be achieved with effort from various people, especially the younger generation, said National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM) director-general, Datuk Md Nasir Md Noh.

Speaking at the 7th International Conference for Young Chemists (ICYC) 2019 today, he said green chemistry “can reduce the causes of environmental damage and promote sustainable development. It plays an important role in improving lives.”

The conference which ends Aug 16 is being organised by Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) School of Chemical Sciences in partnership with NAHRIM and American Chemical Society (ACS) Malaysia Chapter. 

Some 146 academicians, researchers and students from 14 countries like Kazakhstan, South Korea, Japan, the US and Thailand are attending the event.

Md Nasir said chemical waste seeping into the environment is becoming more difficult to tackle and that emerging contaminants known as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are under scrutiny for the harm they could cause.

He said there are over 1,000 chemicals that are reportedly harmful, with many found in consumer products.

"The chemicals are able to mimic the body's natural hormones and disrupt the endocrine system,” he said.

He said that before any legislation can be put in place to impel companies to comply with EDC usage and disposal methods, policymakers must be equipped with hard data on emerging contaminants. 

-- BERNAMA