Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) - August 2005IntroductionThe Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is a global treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from organic chemicals which are so stable that they remain in the environment for many years. These chemicals become widely distributed geographically and are also prone to accumulate in living organisms. Ratified in 2003, the Convention identified 12 POPs* and requires signatory governments to take specific measures to control their manufacture, use, release and disposal. It also established a mechanism for identifying new potential POPs, scientifically evaluating them and deciding what measures are needed to protect human health and the environment. The Convention requires the use of Best Available Techniques and Best Environment Practice (BAT/BEP) in order to minimise the emissions of unintentional POPs. The challengesThe Stockholm Convention on POPs is a key treaty with far-reaching implications, which are being discussed in a number of international fora. The challenge for the whole chemical industry is to ensure that a science-based approach is the basis for the nomination of chemicals that may in future be considered as candidates for classification as POPs. The present situation Euro Chlor is closely monitoring developments with regards to possible widening of the Convention as some chlorinated chemicals could be implicated (eg hexachlorobutadiene, short chain chlorinated paraffins and polychlorinated naphalenes). Euro Chlor has also contributed to the debate with the EU Commission on establishing concentration limits for POPs in waste by the end of 2005. The solutionsUnder the umbrella of the World Chlorine Council, Euro Chlor has contributed to the development of guidelines for the environmentally sound management of persistent organic pollutant wastes. Likewise, the chemical industry has assisted in developing BAT and BEP Guidelines and the Basel POPs Waste Guidelines. The application of these techniques and practices by numerous countries has been successful in dramatically reducing releases of unintentional POPs and in safely managing POPs wastes. These guidelines should also help resolve unjustified accusations that have been levelled during the past ten years or so against the chlorine and PVC industries regarding release of the unintentional by-products dioxins and furans. Euro Chlor positionEuro Chlor continues to track the implementation of the Stockholm Convention on POPs and is committed, along with the whole chemical industry, to its effective and rapid implementation. The global chlor-alkali industry will continue to contribute to the implementation of the Convention by providing expertise, raising awareness and conducting stewardship seminars in developing countries where there is a significant chlorine or PVC industry. BAT/BEP guidelines should be adopted and used by individual countries to further their implementation of the Convention. However, countries should recognise that they are for guidance only and are not obligatory since local conditions, resources and economics should be taken into account when any decisions are made.
Useful information:ICCA (International Council of Chemical Associations) position statements on POPs |