by Robyn Shepheard
Johnson State College
Spraying Pesticides in Arkansas (USDA nd)
| Thesis: Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are carbon-based toxic chemicals that persist in the environment and the food chain for long periods of time because they are highly resistant to biodegradation. These chemicals are mainly the products or by-products of chemical manufacturing (such as pesticides) and industrial processes (EPA 2002). POPs are highly toxic to both wildlife and humans, even in small concentrations -- and they are literally everywhere in the environment. They are in the soil, water, air, wildlife, the food we eat, and our bodies (EPA 2002). Although some of the most toxic POPs have already been banned in the U.S. and other countries, production of other harmful POPs continues. We must reach a global agreement to stop the production and use of harmful persistent organic pollutants. |
Last updated May 10, 2004