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Persistent organic pollutants

Similar term(s): POPs.

Definition:

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemical substances that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate through the food web, and pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment. This group of priority pollutants consists of pesticides (such as DDT), industrial chemicals (such as polychlorinated biphenyls, PCBs) and unintentional by-products of industrial processes (such as dioxins and furans).

Persistent Organic Pollutants are transported across international boundaries far from their sources, even to regions where they have never been used or produced.

Source: European Commission Environment DG POPs 

Related words:

Dioxin(s) - Organic - PCBs

To read about this term in context:

GreenFacts Summary on Dioxins:

Translation(s):

Español: Contaminantes orgánicos persistentes

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