RMIEPAThe Republic of the Marshall Islands
Environmental Protection Authority
PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS (POPs)

POPs are chemical substances that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate through food web, and pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment. These substances consist of pesticides, industrial chemicals, as well as unintentional byproducts of combustion. The twelve chemicals are designated as POPs; aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, mirex, toxaphene, HCB, PCBs, dioxins and furans. POPs are hazardous to humans due to their three characteristics. Also known as ‘dirty dozens’, they are;
  1. Persistent in the environment and fatty tissues of living organisms
  2. Able to travel long distances on air and water
  3. Likely to bioaccumulatein food chain

Improper storage and disposal of above chemicals cause leakage, spill and evaporation, resulting in human exposure. These chemicals are assumed to cause cancers, respiratory problems, immune system defects, birth defects, leaning disorders, as well as skin disorders. The Stockholm Convention was adopted in Sweden in 2001 for protection human health and the environment from POPs worldwide. Among the ratifying countries, the Republic of the Marshall Islands has also acceded the treaty as of 2003.