Many of these chemicals are already tightly regulated or banned from commerce in many countries. Sustainability of the marine environment has become a prime environmental issue in which PTBs may play a key role. Industry currently contributes to the further identification and risk evaluation of persistent, toxic and bioaccumulative substances within the framework of various international conventions on the protection of the seas. Of the 12 priority substances identified as POPs by UNEP, none are Solvay products. Each of these 210 substances is unique both in terms of the number and position of the chlorine atoms in its molecules, and in terms of its toxicity.
Dioxins are persistent, toxic and bioaccumulative substances.
Its contribution is being reduced as national authorities in Europe increasingly demand the use of improved technologies which can reduce emissions by as many as two orders of magnitude. Combustion processes such as cable smoldering and 'traditional' hospital waste incineration. Domestic heating appliances, especially those fired by coal or wood. Processes related to the metal sector. Emissions from traffic.