Image by Bachkova Natalia on Shutterstock

Every day, whether we are living in or walking through cities and towns, we are all susceptible to various chemicals and pollutants. However, for the animals that inhabit our urban environments, like birds, the situation is dire. Research conducted by scientists at the Macquarie University School of Sciences Department found that sparrows are becoming frail, anxious, and are experiencing aging as a result of urban pollution, which is exposing these birds to lead contamination.

Razor’s Edge Reporter Thomas Koutis speaks to one of the researchers behind this research, Professor Simon Griffith who is a Professor of Avian Behavioural Ecology at Macquarie University.

Hosted on air on September 4, 2025, on Razor’s Edge by Annamarie Reyes