Persistent organic pollutant

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a class of chemicals that persist in the environment, are capable of long-range transport, bioaccumulate in human and animal tissue, and have significant impacts on human health and the environment. They include such substances as dioxin, PCBs, DDT, brominated flame-retardants or tributyltin (TBT). POPs released to the environment can travel through air and water to regions far distant from their original source.

Related Topics:
Chemical - Persist - The environment - Bioaccumulate - Tissue - Human health - Dioxin - PCBs - DDT - Brominated flame-retardant - TBT

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The general trend of POPs is the following:

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• Synthesis/development.
• Increased use over large areas in Europe and North America.
• Concerns over their persistence, bioaccumulation and bioconcentration.
• Restricted use.
• Reduced emissions, as well as bans and controls.
 
Persistent organic pollutant: See also ►