Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is the general name now given to chemical substances that persist for long periods of time in the environment, can accumulate and pass from one species to the next through the food chain, and pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment. Because they can be transported by wind and water, most POPs generated in one area can and do affect people and wildlife far from where they are used and released. Chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as lindane (insectide) and DDT (pesticide), are some of the most common POPs.
Adverse health effects in humans (reproductive, developmental, behavioral, neurologic, endocrine, and immunologic) have been linked to POPs. People are mainly exposed to POPs through contaminated foods. Less common exposure routes include drinking contaminated water.
