What Are Persistent Organic Pollutants
Another substance probably found in your environment are Persistent Organic Pollutants (or POPs). These pollutants are a group of chemicals toxic to humans and wildlife. Because of their ability to persist in the environment for relatively long periods of time, POPs are more widespread than other toxins.
Examples of POPs include:
- DDT (a pesticide),
- PCB (an industrial chemical),
- PFASs [pronounced P-Fhas-es] (found in stain and water repellents), and
- Dioxins (found in industrial chemicals).
You’ll learn more about these chemicals later in the course. The Stockholm Convention, an international environmental treaty signed in 2001, focused on 21 POPs of immediate concern, 12 of which were targeted for immediate control and reduction.