Widely distributed in the environment, magnified in living organisms up the food chain, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are toxic to humans and wildlife.

Humans are exposed to POPs mainly through the food we eat, the air we breathe, in the outdoors, indoors and at the workplace.

Scientific evidence shows that long‐term exposure, even to low levels of POPs, can lead to increased cancer risk and reproductive disorders.

UNEP supports parties in the implementation of their obligations under the Stockholm Conventions to protect the world from POPs.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) highlights
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The work of UNEP on POPs is led by the Science and Knowledge Unit of the Chemicals and Health Branch.