The Invisible Chemistry of Latin America

Introduction: An Awakening to Invisible Threats

Beneath the vibrant surface of Latin America's bustling cities and rich ecosystems, an invisible chemical landscape is shaping human health and environmental stability. From the makeup on a teenager's face in Lima to the water flowing through agricultural regions, a complex interplay of toxic substances presents both a challenge and a calling for scientists across the region. The field of environmental toxicology and chemistry has emerged as a critical discipline, combining chemistry, biology, and environmental science to understand how chemical contaminants affect our world and our bodies.

In recent years, Latin America has witnessed an explosion of scientific research aimed at identifying and addressing these invisible threats. Between 2011 and 2017, the number of published studies in environmental toxicology and chemistry grew by an impressive 64%, driven primarily by Brazilian scientific production (52% of the total), followed by Mexico (18%) and Argentina (11%)³ . This surge in research comes at a critical time as the region grapples with the environmental consequences of rapid industrialization, agricultural expansion, and the influx of unregulated commercial products.

A Region at a Chemical Crossroads: Pollution Sources and Impacts

Latin America faces a unique convergence of environmental challenges. The region's history of resource extraction, combined with rapid urbanization and industrial growth, has created a perfect storm of chemical threats. Since 1930, the population has quadrupled, generating extensive urbanization that has brought abrupt increases in vehicles and overall air pollution⁶ . Extensive petrochemical industries in countries like Venezuela and Mexico have contributed to serious environmental problems⁶ .

The issue is further complicated by what experts call the "informal economy," where small-scale industries and unregulated markets operate without proper environmental safeguards. Nowhere is this more evident than in the thriving trade of cosmetics and personal care products. Across Latin America's cities, a lucrative informal trade in these products has flourished, with many items containing toxic chemicals and heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, and lead^{1 4} .

Spotlight on Safety: A Makeup Exposé in Lima

To understand how environmental toxicologists work, we can examine a compelling case study from Peru. In 2023, Peruvian chemist Evelyn Santos conducted a pioneering investigation into lipsticks sold in Lima's informal markets as part of her thesis at the National University of San Marcos^{1 4} .

Santos collected 30 lipstick samples from the bustling galleries around Lima's historic center El Cercado, where hundreds of people flock daily to buy cosmetics wholesale and retail, largely ignored by municipal inspectors¹ . These products lacked labels, brands, or health certificates identifying their source, typical of the informal market where the choice between quality and price is stark.

"Do you want quality or price? If you want quality, go buy from Aruma [the largest makeup chain in Peru] or from a catalog and it will cost you an arm and a leg" - Informal market vendor in Lima¹

Informal markets offer cosmetics at lower prices but without safety guarantees.

Santos emphasized the particular danger of heavy metals: "These metals tend to accumulate in the body and we don't know what damage this may cause in the future"¹ . This accumulation effect, known as bioaccumulation, means that even small, regular exposures can build up to toxic levels in body tissues over time.

The Scientist's Toolkit: Key Research Methods

Environmental toxicologists employ an array of sophisticated tools to detect and quantify chemical contaminants in the environment. These methodologies form the backbone of our understanding of pollution and its impacts.

Toward a Safer Future: Regulation, Education and Hope

Addressing the complex toxicological challenges in Latin America requires a multi-faceted approach that combines scientific research, regulatory action, and public education. Experts point to the precautionary principle as a guiding framework—when an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause-and-effect relationships are not fully established scientifically¹ .

The need for action is urgent. As Francisco Bautista argues, "If we applied the precautionary principle, many cosmetic products, lipsticks and eyeshadows would be withdrawn from the market"¹ . He goes further to suggest that "the use of these products by minors should be strictly prohibited"¹ .

As Latin American nations continue to develop their scientific capacity and regulatory frameworks, environmental toxicology and chemistry will remain vital disciplines for protecting both human health and the region's extraordinary biodiversity. The work of scientists like Evelyn Santos in Peru and Francisco Bautista in Mexico provides both a warning and a way forward—revealing the hidden chemical dangers in everyday products while pointing toward a safer, more sustainable future.

For consumers, experts offer simple guidance: be curious about what's in the products you use daily. As Luisa Torres Sánchez urges, "I believe that as consumers we have the right to demand to know what we're putting into our products. Yes, I'll buy your cream, but tell me what's in it"¹ . This awareness, combined with ongoing scientific research and thoughtful regulation, offers the best hope for managing the invisible chemistry that surrounds us all.