But some government and chemical industry officials argue that these chemicals can simply be reduced or managed. They are dead wrong. The only responsible course is to eliminate their production, use, and release as quickly as possible, while recognizing and addressing the special circumstances of developing countries in need of assistance and those that still rely on DDT for malaria control. POPs are highly toxic, having the potential to injure wildlife and human health at very low concentrations. Exposure to POPs is associated with problems such as cancer, reproductive abnormalities, and neurological disorders in whales, seals, eagles, polar bears, and many other species including humans.
POPs accumulate in body fat and are passed from mother to fetus in the womb.
WWF has joined forces with other NGOs concerned about toxic contamination to push for action on POPs. IPEN is a global network of public interest non-governmental organizations united in support of a common POPs Elimination Platform. The mission of IPEN, achieved through its participating organizations, is to work for the global elimination of persistent organic pollutants, on an expedited yet socially equitable basis.