Why in the News?
A recent research has found in the North Atlantic Ocean orcas’ blubbers (fat layer under the skin) high levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) despite these were far from human habitations.
One category of the POPs are polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Used as coolants and lubricants in electrical components, they were banned in the US and Canada 50 years ago; yet PCBs were present at 10 times the threshold value considered safe for immune systems and fertility rate of orcas.
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs): These are toxic chemicals that adversely affect human health and the environment around the world. Because they can be transported by wind and water, most POPs generated in one country can and do affect people and wildlife far from where they are used and released. These persistent pollutants do not break down easily. Exposure to POPs can lead to cancer, damage to central & peripheral nervous systems, diseases of immune system, reproductive disorders and interference with normal infant and child development. POPs are listed in various Annexes to the Stockholm Convention after thorough scientific research, deliberations and negotiations among member countries.
Stockholm Convention on POPs: The Stockholm Convention (signed in May 2001) is a global treaty to protect human health and environment from 12 POPs, which are identified chemical substances that persist in the environment, bio-accumulate in living organisms, adversely affect human health/ environment and have the property of long-range environmental transport (LRET). India has ratified ban of seven Persistent Organic Pollutants(POP’s) listed under Stockholm Convention.
Killer whale or orca: The killer whale, also known as orca, is the ocean’s top predator. It is the largest member of the Delphinidae family, or dolphins. Members of this family include all dolphin species, as well as other larger species, such as long-finned pilot whales and short-finned pilot whales, whose common names also contain “whale” instead of “dolphin.” Found in every ocean in the world, they are the most widely distributed of all cetaceans (whales and dolphins).
