斯德哥爾摩「持久性有機污染物公約」 (Stockholm Convention)於5月4日起在日內瓦舉辦為期一周的會議，提議將九種新的化學物質列入公約下之標的物質，其中還包括廣泛使用於殺蟲劑和阻燃劑的化學試劑。
斯德哥爾摩公約締約國大會。照片來源：ENB
來自150個國家的部長與官員們齊聚一堂，商討如何提升全球的力量，將過去製造出的有害化學物質從地球上消除。這是斯德哥摩爾公約有史以來，首度考慮將新的化學品列入公約的附錄中。
提案列入公約的9種化學物質為：α-六氯環己烷( (Alpha hexachlorocyclohexane)；β-六氯環己烷(Beta hexachlorocyclohexane)；六溴聯苯醚與七溴聯苯醚(Hexabromodiphenyl ether and heptabromodiphenyl ether)；四溴聯苯醚與五溴聯苯醚(Tetrabromodiphenyl ether and pentabromodiphenyl ether)；十氯酮(Chlordecone)；六溴聯苯(Hexabromobiphenyl)；靈丹(Lindane)；(Pentachlorobenzene)；全氟辛基磺酸(鹽)與全氟辛基磺醯氟(Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride)。
截至目前為止，斯德哥爾摩公約僅將俗稱「12大污染物」(dirty dozen)的化學物質作為管制目標。「12大污染物」代表12種有害殺蟲劑與工業化學試劑，對人體造成的傷害從神經系統、免疫系統、癌症、生殖障礙，到影響嬰幼兒發展。
聯合國環境計畫署(UNEP)執行長史坦納(Achim Steiner)表示：「這類化學試劑造成的風險深遠，這些毒性物質也在全球留下化學足跡(chemical footprints)。農夫、孕婦、青年、尚未出生的嬰兒與特定偏遠社群如北極區等，最容易受到傷害。」
儘管調整了持久性有機污染物(POPs)的風險等級，這些化學試劑擁有四種共同的特性：劇毒；化性穩定且持久，在分解成毒性較低的物質前可維持數十年；可氣化並透過空氣與水流傳播到遙遠的地點；可在人類與野生生物的脂肪組織中累積。
對參與會議的各國代表而言，關鍵議題是評估是否要讓某些國家繼續使用DDT，以對抗帶有瘧疾寄生蟲的蚊子。
各國代表將考慮簽署商業計畫，發展可有效取代DDT的替代物質。儘管試圖消除DDT，各國也瞭解到對部分國家仍必須使用此種殺蟲劑來保護人民的健康。
會議的焦點也會放在加強協助全世界發展中國家清除持久性有機污染物(POPs)，與使用更安全的替代物以保護環境與人們的健康。
Nine new chemicals, some widely used as pesticides and flame retardants, are proposed for listing as target substances under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the POPs Convention, that opened its week-long meeting today in Geneva.
Ministers and officials from 150 governments are meeting to advance global efforts to rid the world of some of the most hazardous chemicals ever produced. For the first time in the history of the treaty, new chemicals now are under consideration for listing in the annexes of the Convention.
The nine new chemicals proposed for listing under the treaty are: Alpha hexachlorocyclohexane; Beta hexachlorocyclohexane; Hexabromodiphenyl ether and heptabromodiphenyl ether; Tetrabromodiphenyl ether and pentabromodiphenyl ether; Chlordecone; Hexabromobiphenyl; Lindane; Pentachlorobenzene; Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride.
Until now, the POPs Convention, has targeted only the so-called "dirty dozen" - 12 hazardous pesticides and industrial chemicals that are linked with human health impacts ranging from damage to the nervous and immune systems, cancer and reproductive disorders and the disruption of infant and child development.
"The risks posed by such chemicals are profound and these toxic substances leave chemical footprints around the globe. Farmers, pregnant women, young people, the unborn and certain remote communities such as those in the Arctic are particularly vulnerable," said Achim Steiner, chief executive of the UN Environment Programme, UNEP.
While the POPs risk level varies, all of these chemicals share four properties: they are highly toxic; they are stable and persistent, often lasting for decades before degrading into less dangerous forms; they evaporate and travel long distances through air and water; and they accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and wildlife.
A key issue for delegates at the conference is an evaluation of whether countries that use DDT to combat mosquitoes carrying the deadly malaria parasite need to continue doing so.
Delegates will consider the endorsement of a business plan to promote effective alternatives to DDT. While the Convention targets DDT for elimination, it recognizes that some countries must still use this pesticide to protect their citizens' health.
The meeting will focus, too, on expanding support to developing countries to clean up POPs worldwide and safer alternatives for human health and the environment.
