Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is an international treaty that aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of chemicals that remain in the environment for a long time, build up in living things and are toxic. It was adopted in Stockholm, Sweden, and entered into force a few years later. The first list of chemicals, often called the dirty dozen, included pesticides such as DDT, aldrin and dieldrin, industrial chemicals such as PCBs, and by-products such as dioxins and furans. Further substances have been added since. Some uses were allowed to continue, notably DDT for controlling malaria, until alternatives could be found. Most countries are parties to the convention.

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