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Elimination and Reduction of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

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Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are chemicals, mostly used as pesticides or industrial chemicals, that are produced and released into the environment by human activity. POPs are characterized by their long-lifetime in the environment (persistence), their potential for long-range transport and their capacity to build up to dangerous levels in predatory species. This makes that POPs are widely found in all regions of the world in both the environment and humans.

POPs can cause adverse reproductive, developmental, immunological, hormonal and carcinogenic effects in both humans and wildlife. To protect human health and the environment from POPs, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants focuses on the elimination and reduction of POPs releases. With the support of the Global Environment Facility, UNDP assists countries in building the capacity to manage POPs and to meet obligations under the Stockholm Convention. More...

What's New

May 2007: UNDP Publication - Managing Chemicals for Sustainable Development - Sound Management of Persistent Organic Pollutants, Ozone Depleting Substances & Other Chemicals.

This publication is the first in a new series that highlights UNDP's role as a facilitator of sound management of chemicals for sustainable development. This issue focuses on the work UNDP, with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is undertaking in concert with partner countries to meet the aims of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and highlights our ongoing commitment to reducing and eliminating releases of POPs.

Download here the publication in English, French or Spanish

 

 

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Managing Chemicals for Sustainable Development

Women and girls are disproportionately affected by indoor air pollution, water and food pollution and the negative effects of household chemicals, as they tend to assume the bulk of household and food preparation responsibilities. Occupational factors, such as the gender division of labor, further expose women to certain chemicals used in e.g. agriculture, the solvents industry and health care. Biases in educational systems may result in the fact that women are less well-equipped to understand, cope with, and anticipate the implications of chemicals exposure and environmental degradation.

Sound Management of Chemicals can improve women’s working and living conditions, increase their knowledge on the handling and health implications of chemicals and help protect them and their families. Proper integration of gender considerations in SMC initiatives can increase women’s participation in decision-making processes that relate to chemical safety and its management.


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