It has not been easy to draw up an initial list of POPs for inclusion in a protocol, because so many interests are at stake. Moreover, while POPs may be harmful to human beings, some are useful for agriculture and even for human health. Short-chain chlorinated paraffins, lindane and pentachlorophenol will require further examination before a decision can be taken about their possible inclusion.
POP stands for P ersistent O rganic P ollutant.
POPs break down very slowly. As a result they are easily taken in by plants, fish and other animals but are difficult to eliminate. As POPs are semi-volatile, they can move long distances in the atmosphere before deposition. They also 'bioaccumulate', which means that their concentrations increase in fatty tissues. They gradually build up in the food chain.