Global Map of Selected POPs-contaminated Sites

See the map with background information and references on Research Gate

This map highlights areas contaminated by persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from industrial pollution, pesticide production, incineration and landfills, and other toxic operations. POPs-contaminated sites are increasingly important as locations that remain major sources of pollution. The map reveals just a few of thousands of contaminated areas globally. 

The Stockholm Convention

The Stockholmer Übereinkommen aims to eliminate major POPs and calls on countries to identify and safely clean up POPs-contaminated sites. IPEN’s science advisor served as a key author of and IPEN experts and members contributed to the Convention’s guidance document that provides guidance to countries for best-practices in identifying and remediating these polluted sites.

It is important to identify contaminated sites to assess exposure risks and contribute to global inventories. Going forward, we can avoid creating more toxic sites with safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals and improved non-combustion disposal options that do not rely on incineration and other technologies that are known to produce and release POPs and other toxic chemicals.