The study was implemented by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
- It was conducted to monitor the status of 30 POPs listed under the Stockholm Convention as of 2021
Key Findings:
- There is decline in use of 12 POPs due to the regulatory actions taken globally since 2004.
- Use of DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane), a synthetic insecticide has decreased in human milk samples by over 70% since 2004.
- Replacement POPs due to their similar properties (e.g., per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were detected at high levels.
About POPs
- POPs are chemical substances (carbon based) that persist in the environment. They are pesticides, industrial chemicals, or unwanted by-products of industrial processes.
- They resist photolytic, biological and chemical degradation. E.g. Dieldrin, Endrin, Heptachlor, etc.
- Key physical and chemical properties-
- Often halogenated and characterised by low water solubility
- Highly lipid soluble (this facilitates bio-accumulation in living organisms)
- Semi-Volatile in nature (enabling them to move long distances in the atmosphere before deposition occurs)
- Impacts of POPs: POPs are linked to cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, and increased risk of asthma and thyroid disease due to their endocrine disrupting properties.
About Stockholm Convention
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