The Challenges of a POPs-free Future

Ministers and officials from 150 governments are meeting to advance global efforts to rid the world of some of the most hazardous chemicals ever produced. It is the first time in the history of the treaty that new chemicals have been under consideration for listing.

Donald Cooper, executive secretary, Stockholm Convention, delivered his opening address. May 4, 2009. (Photo courtesy Earth Negotiations Bulletin)

The nine new chemicals proposed for listing under the treaty are: Alpha hexachlorocyclohexane; Beta hexachlorocyclohexane; Hexabromodiphenyl ether and heptabromodiphenyl ether; Tetrabromodiphenyl ether and pentabromodiphenyl ether; Chlordecone; Hexabromobiphenyl; Lindane; Pentachlorobenzene; Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride.

Until now, the POPs Convention, has targeted only the so-called "dirty dozen" - 12 hazardous pesticides and industrial chemicals that are linked with human health impacts ranging from damage to the nervous and immune systems, cancer and reproductive disorders and the disruption of infant and child development.

"The risks posed by such chemicals are profound and these toxic substances leave chemical footprints around the globe. Farmers, pregnant women, young people, the unborn and certain remote communities such as those in the Arctic are particularly vulnerable," said Achim Steiner, chief executive of the UN Environment Programme, UNEP.

While the POPs risk level varies, all of these chemicals share four properties: they are highly toxic; they are stable and persistent, often lasting for decades before degrading into less dangerous forms; they evaporate and travel long distances through air and water; and they accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and wildlife.

Alireza Moaiyeri of Iran serves as President of the convention. (Photo courtesy ENB)

A key issue for delegates at the conference is an evaluation of whether countries that use DDT to combat mosquitoes carrying the deadly malaria parasite need to continue doing so.

Delegates will consider the endorsement of a business plan to promote effective alternatives to DDT. While the Convention targets DDT for elimination, it recognizes that some countries must still use this pesticide to protect their citizens' health.

The meeting will focus, too, on expanding support to developing countries to clean up POPs worldwide and safer alternatives for human health and the environment.

There are four separate challenges that delegates will consider:

• moving away from the production and use of POPs towards safer alternatives and to reach the goal of eliminating the release of unintentionally produced POPs.
• identifying new POPs that put human health and environment at risk.
• ensuring that technical and financial resources are made available for all countries to meet their obligations under the Convention.
• continuing to ensure the Convention meets its goal of protecting human health and the environment from POPs.

"This week in Geneva, governments can make an important contribution to the poverty-related UN Millennium Development Goals as well as catalyzing a transition to a healthier, more sustainable Green Economy," Steiner said. "I would urge them to take that opportunity and begin lifting another health threat from literally millions of peoples' lives."

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants identified an initial 12 chemicals or chemical groups for priority action.

The POPs Convention's initial dozen chemicals, the “Dirty Dozen” are:

Chlordane is produced in the U.S. for export. (Photo courtesy Purdue U. Extension)

• Aldrin: Pesticide widely used on corn and cotton until 1970. EPA allowed its use for termites until manufacturer cancelled registration in 1987. Closely related to dieldrin.


• Chlordane: Pesticide on agricultural crops, lawns, and gardens and a fumigant for termite control. All uses were banned in the United States in 1988 but still produced for export.


• DDT: Pesticide still used for malaria control in the tropics. Banned for all but emergency uses in the United States in 1972.


• Dieldrin: Pesticide widely used on corn and cotton until 1970. EPA allowed its use for termites until manufacturer cancelled registration in 1987. A breakdown product of aldrin.


• Endrin: Used as a pesticide to control insects, rodents, and birds. Not produced or sold for general use in the United States since 1986.


• Heptachlor: Insecticide in household and agricultural uses until 1988. Also a component and a breakdown product of chlordane.


• Hexachlorobenzene: Pesticide and fungicide used on seeds, also an industrial byproduct. Not widely used in the United States since 1965.


• Mirex: Insecticide and flame retardant not used or manufactured in the United States since 1978.


• Toxaphene: Insecticide used primarily on cotton. Most uses in the U.S. were banned in 1982, and all uses in 1990.


• PCBs: Polychlorinated biphenyls, widely used in electrical equipment and other uses. Manufacture of PCBs banned in the United States in 1977.


• Polychlorinated Dioxins and Polychlorinated Furans: Two notorious classes of “unintentional” pollutants, byproducts of incineration and industrial processes. Regulated in the United States under air, water, food quality, occupational safety, waste, and other statutes.

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