CLU-IN.ORG | Contaminant Focus: PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS (POPS), Health Effects of POPs

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

(Remediation Only)

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Arsenic
Chromium VI
Dense Nonaqueous Phase Liquids (DNAPLs)
1,4-Dioxane
Mercury
MTBE
Perchlorate
POPs
PCBs
TCE

Other Contaminants

For more information on Persistant Organic Polluntants, please contact:

Ellen Rubin
Technology Assessment Branch
(703) 603-0141
rubin.ellen@epa.gov

Health Effects of POPs

Serious human health problems are associated with POPs, including cancer, neurological damage, birth defects, sterility, and immune system suppression. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified certain POPs as probable human carcinogens, including aldrin, dieldrin, chlordane, DDT, heptachlor, HCB, toxaphene, and PCBs. Laboratory studies have shown that low doses of POPs can adversely affect organ systems. Chronic exposure to low doses of certain POPs may affect the immune and reproductive systems. Exposure to high levels of certain POPs can cause serious health effects or death. In addition, studies have linked POP exposure to diseases and abnormalities in a number of wildlife species, including numerous species of fish, birds, and mammals.

Toxicological profiles of POPs can be obtained from Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).