Protocol
on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
The 1998 Aarhus Protocol on Persistent
Organic Pollutants (POPs)
| The Executive Body adopted the
Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants on
24 June 1998 in Aarhus (Denmark). It focuses
on a list of 16 substances that have been singled
out according to agreed risk criteria.
The substances comprise eleven pesticides, two
industrial chemicals and three by-products/contaminants.
The ultimate objective is to eliminate any discharges,
emissions and losses of POPs. The Protocol bans
the production and use of some products outright
(aldrin, chlordane, chlordecone, dieldrin, endrin,
hexabromobiphenyl, mirex and toxaphene).
Others are scheduled for elimination at a later
stage (DDT, heptachlor, hexaclorobenzene, PCBs).
Finally, the Protocol severely restricts the
use of DDT, HCH (including lindane) and PCBs.
The Protocol includes provisions for dealing
with the wastes of products that will be banned.
It also obliges Parties to reduce their emissions
of dioxins, furans, PAHs and HCB below their
levels in 1990 (or an alternative year between
1985 and 1995). For the incineration of municipal,
hazardous and medical waste, it lays down specific
limit values. |
Protocol text: