The Dangers of Persistent Organic Pollutants

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are Chemicals that were originally developed as pesticides for the agricultural and industrial sectors. Some of these pesticides have been around since the beginning of the 20th century, and they were initially very successful in protecting crops against pests. Chemicals included under the banner of Persistent Organic Pollutants include; DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane), PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), HCH (hexachlorocychlohexane), Chordane and Toxaphene amongst others. The danger of these chemicals is that they are absorbed into the bodies of humans, animals and birds, and stored in the fat. Once absorbed, these chemicals can cause extensive damage, which can result in long-term side effects.