Vox POPs - News from the Pacific POPs Release Reduction Project Issue 1

Abstract

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are toxic chemicals that can travel long distances through air and water, and accumulate in the fatty tissues of humans and other animals. Large quantities of POPs are generated through the burning of rubbish and other materials each year. POPs do not degrade quickly over time, and as a consequence – potentially expose people to serious health issues including cancer, birth defects and immune system impairments. The Pacific POPs Release Reduction Project, funded through the Global Environment Facility – Pacific Alliance for Sustainability (GEF-PAS), aims to reduce POPs in the Pacific region through the improved management of solid and hazardous waste.