A Critical Review of the Transport and Health Effects of Persistent Organic Pollutants

Abstract

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic chemicals which affect the health of human beings and the environment adversely. These pollutants could be transported by wind and water. They could affect people and animals in other countries far from where they were generated initially. POPs persist in the environment for a long time before they are degraded. They bioaccumulate in organisms through the food chain. These chemicals include the organochlorine pesticides and other halogenated organic compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins.The aim of this review is to examine the transport of these pollutants from their point of application and look into their effects on human health. Recent studies reported the gradual introduction of these banned chemicals under different trade names into the environment. Therefore, this review will re-enlighten the public on the dangers in the transportation as well as the harmful effects of these pollutants as they also biomagnify in human. Proper measures on the handling, usage and regulation of these contaminants especially the synthentic organochlorine pesticides should be rekindled worldwide.