Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Persistent Organic Pollutants, or POPs, are toxic chemical substances that remain in the environment for long periods because they resist natural degradation. They can travel long distances through air and water, accumulate in soil, sediments and living organisms, and become increasingly concentrated through food chains. Exposure to certain POPs has been associated with adverse effects on human health and ecosystems, including reproductive, developmental, immune and neurological impacts. International controls are primarily established through the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, which requires participating countries to eliminate, restrict or reduce releases of listed substances. Some PFAS, including PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS, are regulated as POPs under the Convention.