PESHAWAR, Dec 26: The presence of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), a set of toxic chemicals having adverse effects on human health, in the NWFP is causing environmental nuisance.

Preventive measures are required to save people from the hazardous effects of these substances.

This is the conclusion of a report prepared by Noor-ul-Hadi, coordinating consultant of UNDP Environment, on the prevalence of POPs pesticides in the NWFP.

The research has been completed with the assistance of Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to prepare an inventory of POPs in the province.

POPs are pesticides such as DDT and chlordane. Likewise, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are used in hundreds of commercial applications such as heat transfer, hydraulic equipment, plastic and rubber products and certain chemical by-products such as dioxins and furans which are produced unintentionally from most forms of combustion, including municipal and hospital waste incinerators, open burning of trash and industrial processes.

All of these have been included on an initial list of 12 chemicals called the “dirty dozen” at an international convention.

According to the finding of the report, total hospital waste generated in the NWFP is 9290.71 ton, of which 89 ton is incinerated per annum releasing 3.57 grams TEQ (Toxic equivalent).

Similarly, production from steel foundries and steel re-rolling mills is 127500 ton per annum, releasing 1.275 grams TEQs.

Release of dioxins and furans from household heating and cooking is estimated at 23.741 grams TEQ.

The report notes that a number of outdated pesticides are present in the province at different locations. POPs pesticides are present in D.I.Khan and Buner districts in substantial quantities.

some smuggled pesticides, which are banned internationally, are available in the market. The report makes mention of the presence of a closed DDT factory in the Nowshera district. The factory was established in 1953 for producing DDT to control malaria and was closed in 1993.

The poor condition of the factory and its store having DDT and its active chemicals have been producing bad smell and environmental nuisance in the area, the report says.

The report suggests strict implementation of laws banning open use and sale of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). —APP