POPs are persistent organic pollutants which are toxic chemical substances. They are harmful to our health, wildlife and environment as a whole. POPs are result of human activity. It last a very long time and are considered as contaminants and may cause diseases and other medical conditions once it gets into a persons’ body.

POPs are durable. It would take them decades before it fully disintegrates or disappears. It can resist degradation caused by the environment.

They can get into the body by way of  its accumulation in the fatty tissues. They are toxic and affect the liver and the nervous system. At times, it can cause birth defects and cancer.

They migrate long distances. They can be carried by the wind and migratory animals. Its presence can be found in places where it has never been used. The warm weather causes it to evaporate then are carried by the wind or air then once it cools down, it falls into other land and bodies of water. Pesticides are examples of POPs.

In 2001, there was a call for action to lessen and ultimately eliminate the use of POPs. This issue was taken as part of the Stockholm Convention.

Tags: cancirnogen, chemicals, fertilizers, pollutant, POPs

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