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What are POPs?
Persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals.
Define bioaccumulation.
The build-up of a substance in an organism.
Define biomagnification.
The increase in concentration of a substance as it moves up the food chain.
What does 'persistent' mean in the context of POPs?
POPs don't break down easily in the environment.
What does 'toxic' mean in the context of POPs?
POPs are harmful to living organisms.
What are legacy sources of POPs?
POPs still present in the environment from past use.
What is the Stockholm Convention?
A global treaty to reduce and eliminate POPs.
Define Annex A of the Stockholm Convention.
Lists POPs banned for production and use.
Define Annex B of the Stockholm Convention.
Lists POPs restricted for production and use.
Define Annex C of the Stockholm Convention.
Lists chemicals under review for future inclusion in the Stockholm Convention.
How do POPs move through the food chain?
POPs are ingested by organisms, bioaccumulate within them, and then biomagnify as predators consume prey, increasing concentration at each level.
What are the steps of POP deposition?
Emission into the air/water, long-range transport, settling in soil and water, accumulation in sediments.
What is the significance of long-range transport for POPs?
POPs can travel far from their source via air and water, impacting distant ecosystems.
Why are POPs fat-soluble?
They accumulate in fatty tissues of organisms, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification.
What is the main goal of the Stockholm Convention?
To protect human health and the environment from POPs by eliminating or restricting their production and use.
Why are POPs a concern for human health?
They can cause cancer, neurological issues, developmental problems, and disrupt endocrine systems.
What makes DDT a harmful POP?
It causes eggshell thinning in birds, leading to population declines.
What makes PCBs a harmful POP?
Industrial chemicals linked to cancer and developmental issues.
What makes Dioxins a harmful POP?
Toxic byproducts of industrial processes.
Explain the impact of POPs on endocrine systems.
POPs disrupt endocrine systems, leading to hormonal imbalances.
Why are POPs considered 'forever chemicals'?
They persist in the environment for a very long time without breaking down easily.
How do POPs affect wildlife?
POPs can cause reproductive problems, developmental issues, and increased susceptibility to diseases in wildlife.