Ratification of seven chemicals under Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) 

Ratification of seven chemicals under Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) 

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Pollution

In news

• The Union Cabinet has approved the ratification of seven chemicals listed under Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

Key takeaways

• These are: (1) Chlordecone; (2) Hexabromobiphenyl; (3) Hexabromodiphenyl ether and Heptabromodiphenylether; (4) Tetrabromodiphenyl ether and Pentabromodiphenyl ether, (5) Pentachlorobenzene; (6) Hexabromocyclododecane; (7) Hexachlorobutadiene.
• The ratification process would enable India to access Global Environment Facility (GEF) financial resources in updating the National Implementation Plan (NIP).

Important value additions

Stockholm Convention

• It is a global treaty to protect human health and environment from POPs. 
• POPs are chemical substances that persist in the environment, bio-accumulate in living organisms and have the property of long-range environmental transport.
• Exposure to POPs can lead to cancer, damage to nervous systems, diseases of immune system, reproductive disorders etc.
• India had ratified the Stockholm Convention in 2006. 
• The Ministry of Environment had notified the ‘Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules in 2018 under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Examples of persistent organic pollutants include: (1) Aldrin; (2) Chlordane; (3) DDT; (4) Dieldrin; (5) Endrin; (6) Heptachlor; (7) Hexachlorobenzene; (8) Mirex