In order to better protect human health and the environment from damage caused by long-term and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), a new EU-Regulation was adopted on December 29, 2022, which came into force on June 10, 2023. It introduces limit values for some persistent organic chemicals (POPs) for the first time and tightens them for certain pollutants.
Characteristics of persistent organic pollutants – POPs
Persistent and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) can be produced synthetically or through various combustion processes. POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) are organic compounds and are long-lived. As they accumulate in the food chain, they have toxic effects on humans and animals.
Occurrence of persistent organic pollutants
Today, POPs are detectable even in the most remote places, such as Antarctica, as they have the potential to spread easily over large areas. Today, persistent organic pollutants are generally no longer used in the manufacture of products. However, they can still be detected in certain types of waste. These include, in particular, older electronic devices, furniture, plastic products or waterproof textiles.
In addition, certain plant protection products such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and industrial chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCT) for this purpose. They can also arise as undesirable by-products of production and combustion processes, such as dioxins and furans.
Particular harmfulness of waste containing POPs
Due to the dangers of waste containing POPs, strict regulations apply to protect health and the environment. All waste containing these substances must be disposed of in an environmentally sound manner. In this way, harmful emissions caused by these substances can be minimized or completely eliminated. When disposing of waste containing POPs above certain concentration limits, the POP content must be destroyed or irreversibly transformed.
Possible health and environmental damage from POPs
Persistent organic substances can have a significant impact on human health. As they are easily absorbed through food and the environment, they can damage organs and circulatory systems. They can lead to diseases of the human immune, endocrine and cardiovascular systems. In addition, the respiratory and reproductive systems are at risk.
EU-Regulation on POP chemicals from June 10, 2023
A new EU-Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council on persistent organic pollutants will come into force on June 10, 2023. The updated version is intended to provide much greater protection for the environment and health from the effects of harmful substances. To achieve this goal, limit values will be set for some hazardous substances for the first time. The new EU-Regulation also tightens previously applicable limit values for some pollutants.
New limit values for persistent organic pollutants
The EU-Regulation, which will apply from June 10, 2023, sets limit values for certain persistent organic substances for the first time:
- Perfluorooctanoic acid
- Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid
- Dicofol and pentachlorophenol (e.g. found in fire extinguishing sludge or treated wood)
In addition, limit values for some substances in flame retardants have been tightened:
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers
- Hexabromocyclododecane
Objectives of the updated EU-Regulation
The introduction of the new limit values is intended to limit the entry of these chemicals into the cycle. At the same time, these regulations are intended to better achieve various EU objectives from action plans for the circular economy, for combating environmental pollution and for greater sustainability.
International agreements on dealing with POPs
As hazardous persistent organic pollutants (POPs) spread widely, they are restricted through international cooperation and agreements in order to reduce and eliminate them. The basis for EU regulations on dealing with POPs includes the Stockholm Convention adopted in 2001 and the 1983 POP Protocol (Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution), which prohibit or restrict the production, use, import and export as well as products containing these substances. The aim is to prevent POPs from being released into the environment. If no use is permitted for persistent organic substances, special regulations for their disposal come into force.
Sources:
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www.aerzteblatt.de/nachrichten/139911/EU-Regeln-zum-Verbot-schaedlicher-Chemikalien-treten-in-Kraft
www.baua.de/DE/Themen/Anwendungssichere-Chemikalien-und-Produkte/Chemikalienrecht/POP/POP.html
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www.unece.org/convention-and-its-achievements