Elimination and Reduction of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
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.JPG) 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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