Review Committee Recommends Two Chemical Groups for Elimination under UN Stockholm Convention

The 19th assembly of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC-19), presided over by Dr. Peter Dawson of New Zealand, convened at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome, Italy, from October 9 to 13, 2023. During this meeting, POPRC-19 recommended the inclusion of two groups of chemicals in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention for elimination.

Stockholm Convention

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, established in 2001 and ratified in 2004, is a global treaty committed to reducing or eliminating the release of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) into the environment. This Convention aims to protect human health and the environment from chemicals characterized by their long-lasting persistence, wide geographical distribution, accumulation in the fatty tissues of humans and wildlife, and adverse effects on health and the environment.

Groups of substances included

The two groups of chemicals recommended for inclusion in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention are 'medium-chain chlorinated paraffins' (MCCPs), with carbon chain lengths in the range C14–17 and chlorine content of 45 percent by weight or more, and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids, along with their salts and related compounds.

MCCPs have multiple applications, from serving as lubricants and coolants in metalworking fluids to plastic softening additives. They are used in products like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), paints, sealants, rubber, and more. Nevertheless, the scientific consensus is that these substances present significant risks to human health due to their persistent presence in the human body, potentially leading to health complications, including cancer.

Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids which belong to the family of 'forever chemicals' or PFAS are recommended for elimination under the Convention. PFAS chemicals have found wide applications in both industrial and consumer products due to their water, stain, and grease-resistant properties.

The elimination recommendations allow for specific exemptions, which will be further discussed at the next Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention in 2025.

Future action on Chlorpyrifos

In addition to these key decisions, the POPRC-19 endorsed the risk assessment profile for 'chlorpyrifos,' a highly toxic pesticide widely used in agriculture. Chlorpyrifos poses significant health hazards, particularly to children and pregnant women, and has adverse effects on the nervous system. Over the coming year, the Committee will examine socio-economic considerations, and potential control measures, and formulate recommendations regarding the inclusion of chlorpyrifos during its risk management evaluation.