A Global study on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

A recent study conducted by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), monitored the status of 30 Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) listed under the Stockholm Convention.

Key findings:

• A global decline in the levels of the 12 POPs, known as the Dirty Dozen, which were initially listed in the 2004 Stockholm Convention.
• Notably, there has been a decrease in DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) levels found in human milk since 2004.
• However, emerging POPs such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are presenting new challenges due to their persistence and prevalent use in various industrial products.
• Despite the general decline, POPs like PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and dieldrin continue to be found at elevated levels in the air, even in regions far from industrial activities.