Persistent organic pollutants: impact on child health

Overview

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) include pesticides and industrial chemicals that were manufactured in great quantities during the 20th century. Their use resulted in beneficial outcomes such as increased crop yields and killing of unwanted pests.

Many POPs were considered to be wonder chemicals until scientific information began to emerge about devastating effects in wildlife resulting from contamination of the environment. In humans, mass poisonings resulting from unintentional contamination of food with certain POPs illustrated the devastating health effects of high levels of exposure.

Scientific experiments in laboratory animals have revealed the effects of lower levels of POPs on numerous organ systems. Accumulating scientific information in humans has led to concerns about the effects of chronic low-level POPs exposure in humans. There is particular concern that fetuses, infants and children may be at especially high risk. Humans at these early life stages generally have increased exposures compared to exposures of adults.

There is rapid growth and differentiation of organ systems during these early periods, resulting in heightened vulnerability to harm. Effects on health are often subtle. Effects of these chemical exposures during “critical windows of vulnerability” of children’s development may not manifest until later in their lives. POPs are dispersed globally and exposure is ubiquitous. Therefore, worldwide efforts have been undertaken by UNEP, governments, WHO and other stakeholders in order to eliminate and reduce the production, use and emission of these chemicals through the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Because other chemicals with characteristics similar to POPs remain in worldwide use today, these efforts to reduce exposure must be ongoing.

Healthcare providers who care for men and women of childbearing age, pregnant women and children may not be fully aware of POPs and their potential impacts on children’s health and development. This booklet offers evidence-based information about POPs and their health effects.