Persistent organic pollutants encompass a wide class of compounds which are resistant to degradation and bioaccumulate up the food chain. Some of these compounds are pesticides now been banned in much of the world; others are industrial compounds whose production is banned but use continues, or unwanted contaminants of industrial and combustion processes. The levels of these compounds are decreasing in much of the Western world; however, there is no decline in the Arctic, and there are suggestions of increases in less developed countries. The major route of human exposure to these chemicals is via the food chain, with higher concentrations being present in the fatty tissues of animals from higher trophic levels. Because of the long half-lives of these compounds, extremely low levels of daily exposure can build up to measurable body burdens over time. Several poisoning incidents have demonstrated clear evidence of adverse health effects. The key issue is whether health effects are occurring in the general population. Recent studies have examined background populations, focusing on health outcomes in children. Effects seen include cognitive impairments, low birth weight, immune system alterations, hormonal changes, and problems with dentition. These effects in the children are associated with the body burdens in the mothers, which are transferred to the offspring both in utero and via lactation. In addition, several studies have demonstrated an association in adults between current body burdens with diabetes and endometriosis.(This abstract does not reflect EPA policy.)
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I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.