Another nine chemicals could be added to the United Nations Environment Program’s (UNEP) "Dirty Dozen," according to a press statement. In addition to its list of 12 banned hazardous chemicals, include nine pesticides: aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, mirex, and toxaphene. UNEP sponsors the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), a treaty banning hazardous chemicals.
UNEP said most of the nine of chemicals were being used in consumer products, such as flame retardants in textiles and carpets, photo imaging, fire-fighting foam, and medical equipment. "Five other substances have already been short-listed, and the POPs Review Committee has gathered in Geneva to assess four more for possible elimination," it said.
UNEP executive director Achim Steiner said that while chemicals have contributed to people's well-being in medicine, food stuffs, and agriculture and industrial processes, they also posed "real risks to humans and the wider environment. Eliminating, restricting, and accelerating a switch to better alternatives must be our goal," he added.
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