Persistent Organic Pollutants and Their Effects

These flashcards focus on key concepts related to persistent organic pollutants, their effects on human health and the environment, and relevant chemicals.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Organic chemicals that persist in the environment for long periods and are highly toxic to organisms.

Bioaccumulation

The accumulation of substances, such as pesticides, or other chemicals in an organism.

Biomagnification

The increased concentration of toxic substances within each successive link in the food chain.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

A group of manmade organic chemicals consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine atoms used in electrical equipment.

Dioxins

A group of chemically-related compounds that are persistent environmental pollutants formed during combustion processes.

Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs)

Chemicals used to slow down combustion in materials such as plastics and textiles.

Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS)

A large group of manmade chemicals that includes PFOA and PFOS, known for their water and grease-resistant properties.

Environmental Persistence

The duration that a chemical remains in the environment without breakdown.

Toxicity Equivalence Factor (TEF)

A measure that expresses the toxicity of dioxins and related compounds compared to the most toxic dioxin.

Stockholm Convention

An international treaty to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants.