How many POPs are banned by the Stockholm Convention?

The Persistent Organic Pollutants banned under the Stockholm Convention are as follows:

• Chlordecone
• Hexabromobiphenyl
• Hexabromodiphenyl ether and Hepta Bromodiphenyl Ether 
• Tetrabromodiphenyl ether and Pentabromodiphenyl ether 
• Pentachlorobenzene
• Hexabromocyclododecane
• Hexachlorobutadiene

These chemicals are used in insecticides, pesticides, fungicides, fire retardants etc. A prolonged exposure can lead to cancer, damage to the central nervous system, destruction of the immune system. The Stockholm Convention regulates the usage of POPs in order to better protect the environment.

For more relevant articles refer to the links given below:

• UPSC Environment and Ecology Questions
• Conservation of Biodiversity
• UPSC Environment and Ecology