Persistent organic pollutants are organic compounds that are resistant to environmental degradation, and can cause detrimental effects to biodiversity and human health. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are a persistent organic pollutant (POP). In 2001, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants was signed and came into effect in May 2004. The international environmental treaty aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of POPs. As of June 2018, there are 182 parties to the Convention.
Polychlorinated biphenyls have been used in many different products, including electrical equipment, surface coatings, inks, adhesives, flame-retardants, and paints. PCBs can be released into the environment when waste that contains PCBs is stored in landfills or incinerated.
In the environment, PCBs can attach to sediments where they can remain buried before being released into water and air. Air-borne PCBs can reach the ground with atmospheric water or simply through gravity. PCBs can build up in the fatty tissues of animals living in water or land, biomagnifying to the top of the food network. Humans can also accumulate PCBs from the food that they eat.
Polychlorinated biphenyls have been used in many different products, including electrical equipment, surface coatings, inks, adhesives, flame-retardants, and paints. PCBs can be released into the environment when waste that contains PCBs is stored in landfills or incinerated.
In the environment, PCBs can attach to sediments where they can remain buried before being released into water and air. Air-borne PCBs can reach the ground with atmospheric water or simply through gravity. PCBs can build up in the fatty tissues of animals living in water or land, biomagnifying to the top of the food network. Humans can also accumulate PCBs from the food that they eat.
