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In May 1995, the , Chlordane , DDT , Dieldrin , Endrin , Heptachlor , Hexachlorobenzene , Mirex , Polychlorinated Biphenyls , Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins , Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans , and Toxaphene . Since then, this list has generally been accepted to include such substances as carcinogenic PAH s and certain Brominated Flame-retardant s, as well as some Organometallic Compound s such as Tributyltin (TBT). The groups of compounds that make up POPs are also classed as PBTs (Persistent, '''B'''ioaccumulative and '''T'''oxic) or even TOMPs ('''T'''oxic '''O'''rganic '''M'''icro Pollutants.) CHEMICAL PROPERTIES Some of their chemical characteristics include low water solubility, high lipid solubility, high molecular masses and low volatility. One important factor of their chemical properties results in the ability to accumulate in the fatty tissues of living organisms. LONG-RANGE TRANSPORT POPs released to the environment have been shown to travel vast distances from their original source. Due to their chemical properties, many POPs are both Involatile and Insoluble . These compounds are therefore unable to transport directly through the environment. The indirect routes include attachment to Particulate Matter , and through the Food Chain . HEALTH CONCERNS A study by Duk-Hee Lee et al. published in , Dioxins , PCB s and Chlordane , among others) in their body are 38 times more likely to be Insulin Resistant than individuals with low levels of these pollutants. The study however did not demonstrate a cause and effect relationship. As most exposure to POPs is through consumption of Animal Fats , study participants with high levels of serum POPs are also very likely to be consumers of high amounts of animal fats, and thus the consumption of the fats themselves, or other associated factors may be responsible for the observed increase in insulin resistance. Another possibility is that insulin resistance causes increased accumulation of POPs. Among study participants, Obesity was associated with diabetes only in people who tested high for these pollutants. These pollutants are accumulated in animal fats, so minimizing consumption of animal fats may reduce the risk of diabetes.1 TRENDS The general trend of POPs is the following:
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