Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are extremely toxic and long-lasting chemical substances. Most POPs are chloro-organic compounds. The chemistry of chlorine produces over 11,000 chloro-organic compounds, most of which are harmful to humans, animals and the environment in general.

However, the full definition of a POP is rather more complex than the acronym suggests. In addition to being persistent (meaning that it does not decompose quickly), organic (with a molecular structure based on carbon) and pollutant (i.e. highly toxic), POPs have another two properties. They are soluble in fats and, therefore, accumulate in live tissues; they can also travel great distances. These five properties together make it a risk.

Links:

Dioxins, furans and PCBs

PFOA and PFOS

BFR (Brominated flame retardants)