Various kinds of POPs and their effects

In addition to their persistence, POPs are lipophilic ("fat-loving"), which makes them accumulate in substances like, e.g., adipose tissue, breast milk, or humus.

As a consequence, their concentration tends to increase up the food chain (biomagnification). Finally, due to their persistency most POPs are ubiquitous: they have been detected in polar bears and fish from the deep sea alike. Some POPs have been, or are still commercially produced. Others are undesired by-products of industry, transport or domestic needs. POPs have one or more of the following biologically harmful effects (depending on substance, target and exposition):

disruption of the endocrine system (with impairment of reproductive, immune or nervous system)
induction of cancer
acute damage to skin, nervous system and organs (at high doses)

Section Methods informs you about which pollutants MONARPOP is concerned with.

Further information:

"Ridding the world of POPs - A guide to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants"

EEA report on Chemicals in the European Environment (pdf, 1356 kB)

FAQ about toxicological profiles, risk levels and related information (ATSDR)

EPA Persistent Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT) chemical program

Greenpeace: Toxic chemicals campaign

WWF: Detox campaign