Criteria for persistence and long-range transport of chemicals in the environment

The UNEP ist currently considering a number of fairly persistent organic pollutants (the so-called POPs, mainly known from field observations to undergo long-range transport and bioaccumulation) for phase-out or restriction through international regulations because of adverse effects in environment and health (potential carcinogens or endocrine disruptors). The following compounds considered for regulation so far: aldrin, chlordane, chlorodecone, DDT, dieldrin, dioxins, furans, endrin, heptachlor, hexabromobiphenyl, hexachlorobenzene, HCHs, mirex, PAHs, PCBs and toxaphene.