dieldrin, heptachlor, hexabromobiphenyl, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), mirex, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), toxaphene, hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) (Table 5.1) (http://www.unece.org/env/lrtap/pops_h1.htm). This list includes products of incomplete combustion (PAHs and PCDD/Fs), pesticides (aldrin, chlordanes, chlordecone, DDT, dieldrin, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, mirex, toxaphene, and HCHs), and industrial chemicals (PCBs and hexabromobiphenyl). It is noted that while the use of the synthetic organic POPs such as pesticides and industrial chemicals was banned in the United States several decades ago, they continue to volatilize from historically-contaminated soils and cycle in the environment. In addition, the emission of combustion derived POPs (PAHs and PCDD/Fs) may be reduced through combustion emission control but cannot be realistically eliminated.

The objective of the UNECE POPs protocol is to eliminate any emission, discharges, or losses of POPs. The protocol bans the use and production of some POPs (aldrin, chlordane, chlordecone, dieldrin, endrin, hexabromobiphenyl, mirex, and toxaphene), has severe restrictions on the use of some POPs (DDT, HCHs, and PCBs), and plans for a scheduled elimination of other POPs (DDT, heptachlor, HCB, PCBs) at a later date. In addition, the protocol requires parties to reduce emissions of HCB,