The Effects of Organic Pollutants
Persistent organic pollutants are toxic chemicals, such as DDT and dioxins, that tend to linger in the environment and get transported to areas far from their places of origin. These sorts of organic pollutants get into the environment from industrial waste and from human sewage, as well as other sources such as farming activity. As industrial production took off in the post World War II period, organic pollutants got into the environment in greater measure as the use of synthetic chemicals rose. For instance, DDT was a popular pesticide until people became aware of the negative aspects of exposure to this persistent organic pollutant. Worldwide, there is growing awareness about the need to maintain a greater control on these organic pollutants, which have harmful effects and can be difficult to get rid of.
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Effects on Water Bodies
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When organic pollutants, such as mercury, get into water bodies, they pollute the water and lead to contaminated fish and health problems for organisms that eat the fish. Some of the organic pollutants could be eliminated by the action of microorganisms in the water. However, the more persistent organic pollutants tend to linger in the water and lead to pollution. The pollutants impact the organisms in the water system by cutting down on their oxygen supply. The United States and Canada entered into a Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement in 1972 to clean the polluted Great Lakes.
Impact on Living Creatures
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These organic pollutants could have a negative impact on humans and other living creatures. Scientists have linked these organic pollutants to birth defects in animals and birds that have been exposed to organic pollutants. These discoveries also served as a warning about the potential for these pollutants to impact humans. On investigation, scientists have also linked persistent organic pollutants to negative health effects in human beings. For instance, they have found a connection between exposure to organic pollutants and development of reproductive health issues in humans.
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Exposure to Organic Pollutants
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People who eat foods contaminated with organic pollutants get exposed to them. When people eat fish from contaminated waters, for instance, they get exposure to these chemicals. Another source of exposure is from drinking water that is contaminated with organic pollutants. As well, those who come into direct contact with the chemicals could be exposed to their effects. Children could also be exposed through breast feeding, if the mother has had exposure to these organic pollutants.
International Control
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The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, which was adopted in 2001, aims to prevent the exposure of living creatures to the harmful effects of organic pollutants. The Convention maintains a list of the most harmful organic pollutants, such as aldrin and endrin, and expects countries worldwide to control exposure to these pollutants. The Convention continues to add to the list as the need arises.
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References
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