Effects of persistent organic pollutants on environment, health and mountains: a review

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemicals that persists in environment, bio-accumulate through the food chain and can exhibit toxic effects with threatening effects to environment, humans and animals. Due to their volatility and semi-volatility, they are found in the air and they have potential of being transported to high altitude mountain locations as well as to high latitude areas. The objectives of this study have been to look into environmental and health impact of the POPs, studies that have covered the transport of the POPs through atmospheric air, water and other POPs sources such as sediments and soils. Thirdly to look into possible solutions that has been put forward regarding POPs removal from the environment. The methodology that was used to look for the references were through the Google, PUBMED, Google Scholar and Research-gate. Initial search retrieved 63 peer reviewed articles and abstracts. The studies revealed that POPs are still in the environment causing health effects through their toxicity. The sources of POPs in humans and animals is through food chain and lipophilic nature of the compounds. Solutions that have been put forward by the studies are: Stop using POPs, substitute POPs with non-toxic chemical compounds and have a wide range of non-chemical alternatives.