Because POPs are migrants without passports, global agreements and global measures are essential. There is a genuine lack of knowledge about POPs sources and releases in many developing countries. However, existing data from wildlife in Africa and other regions show concentrations of POPs equal to or higher than those in temperate or cold regions. There are also occupational health problems related to the use of POPs in developing countries. Thus, POPs problems also occur in the countries or regions where they are used.
Border controls are sometimes ineffective, which can lead to illegal trade in banned POPs.
The infrastructure for chemical management and enforcement is often weak and compliance with regulations limited. Pesticide POPs often become a cheap and quick alternative for subsistence farmers with low levels of education and no modern equipment. Indeed, many POPs pesticides are easy to use. They are not acutely toxic and thus do not appear overtly hazardous. They do not require special knowledge or equipment.