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Hotspot Reports
Reports by Country
IPEN participating organizations have sampled chicken eggs in countries worldwide.The eggs where tested for dioxins, furans, PCBs, hexachlorobenzene and their lindane content. Eggs where chosen as they are a common food in every part of world and symbolize new life. Really safe chicken eggs should contain zero level of these chemicals. We should not allow contamination of new life. All reports are available in Adobe Acrobat format. There are two 2 ways to access these files, firstly you can double click with your mouse pointer on the  icon. This will open the document in a new window on your screen. This can take a long time to download. A faster approach is to mouse click on the icon with the right button, select 'Save Target As' and a small window will appear. From this, select the directory in which you wish to save the file.
Hotspot Reports 
Contamination of chicken eggs near the
Koshice municipal waste incinerator in
Slovakia by dioxins, PCBs and hexachlorobenzene
“Keep the Promise, Eliminate POPs!” Campaign Report Prepared by: Dioxin, PCBs and Waste Working Group of the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) Secretariat www.ipen.org Friends of the Earth (Slovakia) www.priatelizeme.sk/spz Arnika Association (Czech Republic) english.arnika.org 
Executive Summary Free-range chicken eggs collected from Valaliky and Kokshov-Baksha, downwind from the Koshice municipal waste incinerator, showed high levels of dioxins, PCBs, and hexaclorobenzene (HCB). Dioxin levels exceeded background levels by almost 10-fold and were almost three times higher than the European Union (EU) dioxin limit for eggs. Levels of PCBs exceeded proposed regulatory limits by more than two-fold. Finally, the eggs exceeded the newly proposed EU limit for HCB as a pesticide residue. A previous study conducted in 2001 found significant levels of dioxins in breast milk samples from women living downwind of the incinerator. Recent monitoring data for the Koshice incinerator are not publicly available, though data from 1992 show high dioxin releases (33 ng I-TEQ/m3). The incinerator is probably the major dioxin source in the area. Other potential sources of the substances include steel manufacturing (VSZ Koshice) and a heating station (Krasna nad Hornadom). The toxic substances measured in this study are slated for reduction and elimination by the Stockholm Convention which holds its first Conference of the Parties in May 2005. Slovakia is a Party to Convention since it ratified the Treaty in 2002. The Convention mandates Parties to take specific actions aimed at eliminating these pollutants from the global environment. We view the Convention text as a promise to take the actions needed to protect Slovakian and global public’s health and environment from the injuries that are caused by persistent organic pollutants, a promise that was agreed by representatives of the global community: governments, interested stakeholders, and representatives of civil society. We call upon Slovakian governmental representatives and all stakeholders to honor the integrity of the Convention text and keep the promise of reduction and elimination of POPs. Recommendations 1) More POPs monitoring in the Koshice area is needed; 2) More publicly accessible data about U-POPs releases from all potential sources in the region are needed to address them properly and; 3) Limits for U-POPs emissions should be introduced into national legislation.
Contamination of chicken eggs near the
Dandora dumpsite in Kenya by dioxins,
PCBs and hexachlorobenzene
"Keep the Promise, Eliminate POPs!" Campaign Report Prepared by: Dioxin, PCBs and Waste Working Group of the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) Secretariat www.ipen.org ENVILEAD (Kenya) Arnika Association (Czech Republic) english.arnika.org Executive Summary Free-range chicken eggs collected near the Dandora dumpsite outside Nairobi showed high levels of dioxins and PCBs. Dioxin levels exceeded background levels by almost 18-fold and were more than six times higher than the European Union (EU) dioxin limit for eggs. Levels of PCBs exceeded proposed regulatory limits by more than four-fold. To our knowledge, this study represents the first data about POPs in chicken eggs from Kenya. The most obvious potential source of POPs releases at the site is the burning of chlorine-containing waste products such as commonly-found PVC plastics. The high levels of U-POPs represent a concern for wider contamination since the Nairobi River passes below the dump and eventually drains into the Indian Ocean. The toxic substances measured in this study are slated for reduction and elimination by the Stockholm Convention which holds its first Conference of the Parties beginning 2 May 2005. Kenya is a Party to Convention since it ratified the Treaty in September 2004. The Convention mandates Parties to take specific actions aimed at eliminating these pollutants from the global environment. We view the Convention text as a promise to take the actions needed to protect Kenyan and global public’s health and environment from the injuries that are caused by persistent organic pollutants, a promise that was agreed by representatives of the global community: governments, interested stakeholders, and representatives of civil society. We call upon Kenyan governmental representatives and all stakeholders to honor the integrity of the Convention text and keep the promise of reduction and elimination of POPs. Recommendations 1) More POPs monitoring in Kenya is needed; 2) More publicly accessible data about U-POPs releases from all potential sources in the region are needed to address them properly; 3) Stringent limits for U-POPs emissions and levels in waste should be introduced into national legislation. 4) PVC-containing waste should not be burned and preferably other materials that do not contain chlorine should be substituted for products currently using PVC.
Contamination of chicken eggs near the
Spolchemie Ústí nad Labem chemical plant
in the Czech Republic by dioxins, PCBs
and hexachlorobenzene
"Keep the Promise, Eliminate POPs!" Campaign Report Arnika Association, Chlumova 17, CZ-130 00 Prague 3, Czech Republic http://english.arnika.org Prepared by Dioxin, PCBs and Waste Working Group of the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) Secretariat www.ipen.org Arnika Association (Czech Republic) english.arnika.org Executive Summary Free-range chicken eggs collected in Usti nad Labem showed high levels of hexachlorobenzene and elevated levels of dioxins. The hexachlorobenzene (HCB) level was 1.5-fold higher than the existing EU limit for this chemical residue and 2.5 times higher than newly proposed limit for HCB as a pesticide residue. Dioxin levels were two times higher than background levels. The highest observed levels of these chemicals were close to the European Union (EU) dioxin limit for eggs and nearly 1.5 times higher than the dioxin action level for eggs in the EU. This study contributes to the sparse data about U-POPs in free range chicken eggs from the Czech Republic. The most obvious potential source of POPs releases at the site is the chlorine chemical plant Spolchemie, which still produces HCB as a by-product of chlorinated solvents manufacturing. Spolchemie products include carbon tetrachloride, perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene and chlorinated benzenes. Other sources of POPs could be contaminated sites and/or waste incineration inside the chemical plant as well as in the neighbouring town of Trmice. The toxic substances measured in this study are slated for reduction and elimination by the Stockholm Convention which holds its first Conference of the Parties beginning 2 May 2005. The Czech Republic is a Party to Convention since it ratified the Treaty in August 2002. The Convention mandates Parties to take specific actions aimed at eliminating these pollutants from the global environment. We view the Convention text as a promise to take the actions needed to protect Czech and global public’s health and environment from the injuries that are caused by persistent organic pollutants, a promise that was agreed by representatives of the global community: governments, interested stakeholders, and representatives of civil society. We call upon Czech governmental representatives and all stakeholders to honor the integrity of the Convention text and keep the promise of reduction and elimination of POPs. Recommendations 1) Include HCB in the UNEP Toolkit and elevate the importance of HCB releases in the guidelines for Best Available Techniques (BAT) and Best Environmental Practices and all other documents prepared under the Stockholm Convention. 2) Government and industry stakeholders should implement the material substitution principle as a strategy to prevent HCB formation during chemical manufacturing. 3) Government and industry stakeholders should clarify dioxin pollution pathways related to chloralkali and other chlorine-related industries and implement strategies to prevent dioxin formation. 4) An inventory of HCB releases should be established to help to address all sources and releases. 5) Stringent limits for U-POPs, especially for HCB, in waste as well as air emissions should be introduced into both national legislation and under international treaties.
"Keep the Promise, Eliminate POPs!" Campaign Report Foundation for Realization of Ideas P.O.BOX 21, Minsk-220141, Belarus Fax: (+375 17) 2858144 Tel: (+ 375 29) 6587445/6858144 e-mail: fri@tut.by Prepared by Dioxin, PCBs and Waste Working Group of the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) Secretariat www.ipen.org Foundation for Realization of Ideas - FRI (Belarus) Arnika Association (Czech Republic) english.arnika.org Executive Summary Free-range chicken eggs collected near the Bolshoi Trostenec dumpsite located 5 km outside Minsk. the capitol city of Belarus, showed high levels of PCBs and elevated levels of dioxins. PCBs levels expressed in WHO-TEQs exceeded background levels by more than 10-fold and were four times higher than the proposed European Union (EU) limit for eggs. Levels of dioxins exceeded EU regulatory limits for eggs by almost 1 pg WHO-TEQ/g. To our knowledge, this study represents the first data about POPs in chicken eggs from Belarus. The toxic substances measured in this study are slated for reduction and elimination by the Stockholm Convention which holds its first Conference of the Parties beginning 2 May 2005. Belarus endorsed the Convention in February 2004. The Convention mandates Parties to take specific actions aimed at eliminating these pollutants from the global environment. We view the Convention text as a promise to take the actions needed to protect Belorussian and global public’s health and environment from the injuries that are caused by persistent organic pollutants, a promise that was agreed by representatives of the global community: governments, interested stakeholders, and representatives of civil society. We call upon Belorussian governmental representatives and all stakeholders to pursue ratification of this important Treaty, honor the integrity of the Convention text and keep the promise of reduction and elimination of POPs. Recommendations 1) More POPs monitoring in Belarus is needed; 2) More publicly accessible data about U-POPs releases from all potential sources in the region are needed to address them properly; the estimates given by the UNEP Toolkit are not satisfactory; 3) Stringent limits for U-POPs releases and levels in waste should be introduced into both national legislation and Stockholm Convention follow up documents. 4) PVC-containing waste should not be burned and preferably other materials that do not contain chlorine should be substituted for products currently using PVC. 5) PCBs-containing equipment as well as all wastes should be strictly controlled and disposed by noncombustion technologies and not landfilled.
"Keep the Promise, Eliminate POPs!" Campaign Report AGENDA, P.O. Box 77266, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Prepared by Dioxin, PCBs and Waste Working Group of the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) Secretariat www.ipen.org AGENDA (Tanzania) and Arnika Association (Czech Republic) english.arnika.org Executive Summary Free-range chicken eggs collected in Vikuge village and its surroundings 56 km northeast of Dar es Salaam City showed elevated levels of dioxins and high levels of hexachlorobenzene (HCB). HCB levels were 2-fold higher than the newly proposed limit for HCB as a pesticide residue and were very close to the existing limit for this chemical in eggs. Dioxin levels exceeded background levels by almost 2.5-fold and were slightly higher than the European Union (EU) dioxin limit for eggs. To our knowledge, this study represents the first data about U-POPs in chicken eggs from Tanzania. The most obvious potential source of POPs releases at the site is obsolete pesticides storage though it could also be open burning. The measured levels of U-POPs were accompanied by high levels of POPs pesticides residues and both together represent a concern for wider contamination. Drinking water contamination by POPs pesticides was found previously,i but U-POPs levels were not measured in food until this eggs sample study from the area. The toxic substances measured in this study are slated for reduction and elimination by the Stockholm Convention which holds its first Conference of the Parties beginning 2 May 2005. Tanzania is a Party to Convention since it ratified the Treaty in April 2004. The Convention mandates Parties to take specific actions aimed at eliminating these pollutants from the global environment. We view the Convention text as a promise to take the actions needed to protect Tanzanian and global public’s health and environment from the injuries that are caused by persistent organic pollutants, a promise that was agreed by representatives of the global community: governments, interested stakeholders, and representatives of civil society. We call upon Tanzanian governmental representatives and all stakeholders to honor the integrity of the Convention text and keep the promise of reduction and elimination of POPs. Recommendations 1) More POPs monitoring in Tanzania is needed; 2) More publicly accessible data about U-POPs releases from all potential sources in the region are needed to address them properly; 3) Clear U-POPs releases inventory would help to address properly all sources of their releases 4) Stringent levels of U-POPs in waste should be introduced into both national legislation and under international treaties.
"Keep the Promise, Eliminate POPs!" Campaign Report Toxics Link H2, Jungpura Extension New Delhi 110 014 T: +91-(0)11-24328006, 24320711 F: +91-(0)11-24321747 http://www.toxicslink.org Prepared by Dioxin, PCBs and Waste Working Group of the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) Secretariat www.ipen.org Toxics Link (India) www.toxicslink.org Arnika Association (Czech Republic) english.arnika.org Executive Summary Free-range chicken eggs collected near the Queen Mary's Hospital, Lucknow medical waste incinerator in Uttar Pradesh (India) showed high levels of dioxins and PCBs. Dioxin levels exceeded background levels by more than 16-fold and were five and half times higher than the European Union (EU) dioxin limit for eggs. Levels of PCBs exceeded proposed regulatory limits by 4.7-fold. To our knowledge, this study represents the first data about POPs in chicken eggs from India. The toxic substances measured in this study are slated for reduction and elimination by the Stockholm Convention which holds its first Conference of the Parties beginning 2 May 2005. India signed the Convention in 2002 but has not ratified it. The Convention mandates Parties to take specific actions aimed at eliminating these pollutants from the global environment. We view the Convention text as a promise to take the actions needed to protect Indian and global public’s health and environment from the injuries that are caused by persistent organic pollutants, a promise that was agreed by representatives of the global community: governments, interested stakeholders, and representatives of civil society. We call upon Indian governmental representatives and all stakeholders to pursue ratification of this important Treaty, honor the integrity of the Convention text and keep the promise of reduction and elimination of POPs. Recommendations 1) More POPs monitoring in India is needed; 2) More publicly accessible data about U-POPs releases from all potential sources in the region are needed to address them properly; data given by the UNEP Toolkit are not satisfactory; 3) Stringent limits for U-POPs releases and levels in waste should be introduced into both national legislation and Stockholm Convention follow up documents. 4) PVC-containing waste should not be burned and preferably other materials that do not contain chlorine should be substituted for products currently using PVC, especially in health care. 5) India should ratify Stockholm Convention.
Contamination of chicken eggs near the Mbeubeuss dumpsite in a suburb of Dakar, Senegal by dioxins, PCBs and hexachlorobenzene "Keep the Promise, Eliminate POPs!" Campaign Report Prepared by Dioxin, PCBs and Waste WG of the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) Secretariat www.ipen.org Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Africa (based in Senegal) BP 15938 Dakar - Fann, Senegal www.pan-africa.sn Arnika Association (Czech Republic) english.arnika.org Executive Summary Free-range chicken eggs collected near the Mbeubeuss dumpsite in one of Dakar’s suburbs in Senegal showed very high levels of dioxins and elevated levels of PCBs. The dioxin levels in the eggs were more than 11 times higher than the existing European Union (EU) limit for these chemicals. The PCB levels in eggs were more than 1.7 times higher than the newly proposed EU limit for PCBs in eggs . To our knowledge, this study represents the first data about POPs in chicken eggs from Senegal. The most obvious potential source of POPs releases at the site is chlorine-containing waste disposed at the Mbeubeuss dumpsite and uncontrolled burning of the chlorine-containing waste products such as commonly-found PVC plastics. The high levels of U-POPs represent a concern for wider contamination since the rubbish dump is located on one part of the Mbeubeuss lake bottom, parallel to the Atlantic coast. The toxic substances measured in this study are slated for reduction and elimination by the Stockholm Convention which holds its first Conference of the Parties beginning 2 May 2005. Senegal is a Party to Convention since it ratified the Treaty in October 2003. The Convention mandates Parties to take specific actions aimed at eliminating these pollutants from the global environment. We view the Convention text as a promise to take the actions needed to protect the Senegalese and global public’s health and environment from the injuries that are caused by persistent organic pollutants, a promise that was agreed by representatives of the global community: governments, interested stakeholders, and representatives of civil society. We call upon Senegal’s governmental representatives and all stakeholders to honor the integrity of the Convention text and keep the promise of reduction and elimination of POPs. Recommendations 1) More POPs monitoring in Senegal is needed; 2) More publicly accessible data about U-POPs releases from all potential sources in the region are needed to address them properly; 3) Stringent limits for U-POPs releases and levels in waste should be introduced into both national and international legislation. 4) Chlorinated materials and especially PVC-containing waste should not be burned and preferably other materials that do not contain chlorine should be substituted for products currently using PVC. 5) A comprehensive waste-management strategy needs to be implemented for Dakar to help prevent further threats to public health and the environment posed by the Mbeubeuss dumpsite.
Contamination of chicken eggs near the cement kilns in Minas, Uruguay by dioxins, PCBs and hexachlorobenzene "Keep the Promise, Eliminate POPs!" Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Africa, BP 15938 Dakar - Fann, Senegal http://www.pan-africa.sn Prepared by Dioxin, PCBs and Waste WG of the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) Secretariat www.ipen.org Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Africa (based in Senegal) Arnika Association (Czech Republic) english.arnika.org Executive Summary Free-range chicken eggs collected near the Mbeubeuss dumpsite in one of Dakar’s suburbs in Senegal showed very high levels of dioxins and elevated levels of PCBs. The dioxin levels in the eggs were more than 11 times higher than the existing European Union (EU) limit for these chemicals. The PCB levels in eggs were more than 1.7 times higher than the newly proposed EU limit for PCBs in eggs. To our knowledge, this study represents the first data about POPs in chicken eggs from Senegal. The most obvious potential source of POPs releases at the site is chlorine-containing waste disposed at the Mbeubeuss dumpsite and uncontrolled burning of the chlorine-containing waste products such as commonly-found PVC plastics. The high levels of U-POPs represent a concern for wider contamination since the rubbish dump is located on one part of the Mbeubeuss lake bottom, parallel to the Atlantic coast. The toxic substances measured in this study are slated for reduction and elimination by the Stockholm Convention which holds its first Conference of the Parties beginning 2 May 2005. Senegal is a Party to Convention since it ratified the Treaty in October 2003. The Convention mandates Parties to take specific actions aimed at eliminating these pollutants from the global environment. We view the Convention text as a promise to take the actions needed to protect the Senegalese and global public’s health and environment from the injuries that are caused by persistent organic pollutants, a promise that was agreed by representatives of the global community: governments, interested stakeholders, and representatives of civil society. We call upon Senegal’s governmental representatives and all stakeholders to honor the integrity of the Convention text and keep the promise of reduction and elimination of POPs. Recommendations 1) More POPs monitoring in Senegal is needed; 2) More publicly accessible data about U-POPs releases from all potential sources in the region are needed to address them properly; 3) Stringent limits for U-POPs releases and levels in waste should be introduced into both national and international legislation. 4) Chlorinated materials and especially PVC-containing waste should not be burned and preferably other materials that do not contain chlorine should be substituted for products currently using PVC. 5) A comprehensive waste-management strategy needs to be implemented for Dakar to help prevent further threats to public health and the environment posed by the Mbeubeuss dumpsite.
Contamination of chicken eggs near the Pajaritos Petrochemical Complex in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico by dioxins, PCBs and hexachlorobenzene. "Keep the Promise, Eliminate POPs!" Campaign Report Prepared by Dioxin, PCBs and Waste WG of the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) Secretariat www.ipen.org Red de Acción Sobre Plaguicidas y Alternativas en México - RAPAM (Mexico), Organización y Desarrollo Social, S.C. (Mexico) and Arnika Association (Czech Republic) english.arnika.org Executive Summary Free-range chicken eggs collected in Coatzacoalcos showed high levels of dioxins (PCDD/Fs) and hexachlorobenzene and elevated levels of PCBs. The level of dioxins was 6-fold higher than the existing European union (EU) limit for these chemicals and almost 19-fold higher than background levels . The hexachlorobenzene levels were also relatively high. In addition, the eggs exceeded the proposed EU limit for PCBs by 1.5-fold. To our knowledge, this study represents the first data about U-POPs in chicken eggs from Mexico. Considering the dioxin congener pattern in the eggs dominated by 2,3,7,8 TeCDF and the prevailing winds going towards the south and southeast. the most obvious source of dioxins and other chemicals in the eggs is the Pajaritos petrochemical complex and its associated waste incinerators. There are other potential POPs sources (chlorine production companies, open burning at the landfill, hospital waste incinerator and crematoria) in the region, but they are located south of the community where the eggs were sampled. Since the prevailing winds go south and southeast, they would carry pollutants away from the community where the eggs were sampled (see attached map Picture 2). We cannot exlude these facilities, but the data suggest that Pajaritos is the principal source. The toxic substances measured in this study are slated for reduction and elimination by the Stockholm Convention which holds its first Conference of the Parties beginning 2 May 2005. Mexico is a Party to Convention since it ratified the Treaty in February 2003. The Convention mandates Parties to take specific actions aimed at eliminating these pollutants from the global environment. We view the Convention text as a promise to take the actions needed to protect Mexican and global public’s health and environment from the injuries that are caused by POPs, a promise that was agreed by representatives of the global community: governments, interested stakeholders, and representatives of civil society. We call upon Mexican governmental representatives and all stakeholders to honor the integrity of the Convention text and keep the promise of reduction and elimination of POPs. Recommendations 1) More POPs monitoring in Mexico is needed as even basic data about U-POPs releases are missing; 2) More publicly accessible data about U-POPs releases to all compartments of the environment from the petrochemical complex are needed to address sources of U-POPs in Pajaritos area properly. That data should be incorporated in the National POPs Inventory; 3) Actions for the continuing minimization and where feasible elimination of U-POPs at the petrochemical complex should be incorporated in the National Implementation Plan of the Stockholm Convention. The incineration of chlorinated waste may increase U-POPs generation. As general policy is recommended the substitution of materials and products that avoid the use of PVC; 4) A health impact study of population exposed to U-POPs from the petrochemical complex is needed and also actions to prevent future exposure. The region should be evaluated as a potential hot spot in the National Implementation Plan of the Stockholm Convention; 5) A clear HCB release inventory would help properly address all sources of its releases in Mexico; 6) Stringent limits for U-POPs in waste as well as air emissions should be introduced into both national legislation and under international treaties.
Contamination of chicken eggs near the hazardous waste incinerator in Izmit, Turkey by dioxins, PCBs and hexachlorobenzene "Keep the Promise, Eliminate POPs!" Campaign Report Prepared by Dioxin, PCBs and Waste WG of the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) Secretariat www.ipen.org Bumerang e-mail: puppyorca@gmail.com Greenpeace Mediterranean M.B.E. 105/109, Salipazari, Istanbul, Turkey www.greenpeace.org.tr Arnika Association (Czech Republic) english.arnika.org Istanbul - Prague (April - 8 - 2005) Executive Summary Free-range chicken eggs collected near the Izaydas hazardous waste incinerator in Izmit (Turkey) showed levels of dioxins exceeding EU limits for chicken eggs and elevated levels of HCB. The dioxin levels in eggs exceeded background levels by almost 2-fold. HCB levels were five times higher than background levels. To our knowledge, this study represents the first data about U-POPs in chicken eggs from Turkey. The most obvious potential source of POPs releases at the site is the waste incinerator burning different types of hazardous wastes. The incinerator has operated either illegally or under a temporary permit that has long since expired. The toxic substances measured in this study are slated for reduction and elimination by the Stockholm Convention which holds its first Conference of the Parties beginning 2 May 2005. Turkey has signed the Convention in May 2001 but has not ratified it. The Convention mandates Parties to take specific actions aimed at eliminating these pollutants from the global environment. We view the Convention text as a promise to take the actions needed to protect Turkish and global public’s health and environment from the injuries that are caused by persistent organic pollutants, a promise that was agreed by representatives of the global community: governments, interested stakeholders, and representatives of civil society. We call upon the Turkish government to ratify the Stockholm Convention and urge governmental representatives and all stakeholders to honor the integrity of the Convention text and keep the promise of reduction and elimination of POPs. Recommendations 1) More POPs monitoring in Turkey is needed; 2) More publicly accessible data about U-POPs releases from all potential sources in the region are needed to address them properly; the data given by the UNEP Toolkit are not satisfactory; 3) Waste incineration of POPs-containing waste should be replaced by alternative technologies or practices that considerably reduce or eliminate the formation of dioxins and other U-POPs. This is promoted in the Stockholm Convention text but somewhat compromised in the proposed documents for COP1 of the Stockholm Convention. 4) PVC-containing waste should not be burned and preferably other materials that do not contain chlorine should be substituted for products currently using PVC. 5) Turkey should ratify Stockholm Convention.
Contamination of chicken eggs from Kovachevo, Bulgaria by dioxins, PCBs and hexachlorobenzene "Keep the Promise, Eliminate POPs!" Campaign Report Prepared by Dioxin, PCBs and Waste WG of the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) Secretariat www.ipen.org Za Zemiata (For the Earth) P.O. Box 975, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria http://www.zazemiata.org Arnika Association (Czech Republic) english.arnika.org Sofia - Prague (April - 12 - 2005) Executive Summary Free-range chicken eggs collected in Kovachevo, Bulgaria showed some of the highest levels of dioxins ever measured in chicken eggs. Dioxins in eggs from Kovachevo exceeded European Union (EU) limits by more than 20-fold. Levels of PCBs in eggs exceeded the proposed EU limit by more than 2-fold. Finally, the eggs exceeded the proposed EU limit for WHO-TEQ values. To our knowledge, this study represents the first data about U-POPs in chicken eggs from Bulgaria. Considering the dioxin congener pattern in the eggs dominated by PCDF, the most obvious dioxin source is combustion of chlorine-containing materials. Additional sources are also possible. Based on prevailing winds, the thermal power plant, Maritza East 2, could be a major source. Another smaller source could be the burning of used tires in a coal mine boiler and an obsolete pesticides stockpile since relatively high levels of DDT were also observed. High levels of dioxins in eggs are consistent with the results of the national POPs inventories (based on theoretical calculations) for year 20011 and 2002 2 in which thermal power plants are accounted for 51% and 49% respectively of the total dioxins releases in the country.a On the other hand, taking into account comparison with patterns from brown coal burning sources, the data also supports development of better monitoring of unintentionally produced persistent organic pollutants (U-POPs) sources in general. Calculations of dioxin releases based on emissions factors cannot substitute for rigorous monitoring and data collection. The toxic substances measured in this study are slated for reduction and elimination by the Stockholm Convention which holds its first Conference of the Parties beginning 2 May 2005. Bulgaria is a Party to Convention since it ratified the Treaty in December 2004. The Convention mandates Parties to take specific actions aimed at eliminating these pollutants from the global environment. We view the Convention text as a promise to take the actions needed to protect Bulgarian and global public’s health and environment from the injuries that are caused by persistent organic pollutants, a promise that was agreed by representatives of the global community: governments, interested stakeholders, and representatives of civil society. We call upon Bulgarian governmental representatives and all stakeholders to honor the integrity of the Convention text and keep the promise of reduction and elimination of POPs. Recommendations 1) Levels of dioxins and PCBs in this pooled sample of eggs supports calls for a larger monitoring study which would be focused on all U-POPs levels in the environment of the Stara Zagora region and possibly from some other parts of the country; 2) The heavy burden of U-POPs that already exists in the region argues against constructing any new sources of U-POPs; calls for measurements of existing ones; and should trigger clean up of any historically contaminated sites by POPs in the region using a non-combustion technology; 3) More publicly accessible data about U-POPs and other toxic chemical releases from industry complexes in Bulgaria are needed.
 Paul Lancaster Contamination of chicken eggs from Helwan in Egypt by dioxins, PCBs and hexachlorobenzene "Keep the Promise, Eliminate POPs!" Campaign Report Day Hospital Institute (Egypt) 74 Sawra street, Heliopolis, 11341 Cairo, Egypt E-mail:mbanna@starnet.com.eg Prepared by Dioxin, PCBs and Waste WG of the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN)Secretariat www.ipen.org Arnika Association (Czech Republic) english.arnika.org Cairo - Prague - 15 April 2005 Executive Summary To our knowledge, the free-range chicken eggs collected in Helwan showed one of the highest levels of dioxins ever measured in chicken eggs. In fact, they showed the third highest level of dioxins in eggs ever documented. Dioxins in eggs from Helwan exceeded the European Union (EU) limit by more than 40-fold. The level of PCBs in the eggs exceeded proposed EU limit by almost 5-fold. In addition, the significant levels of HCB were also observed. To our knowledge, this study represents the first data about U-POPs in chicken eggs from Egypt. Potential existing dioxin sources in Helwan include: the metallurgical industry, uncontrolled burning of the wastes and/or cement kilns. Since the pattern of dioxins in eggs were dominated by furans (PCDF), it is likely that the sources come mainly from combustion. One clue about the possible source is revealed by comparing the data in this study with data from Korea. The dioxin congener pattern for the metallurgy industry (steel as well as lead production) in Korea is similar to the pattern observed in this study from Helwan..1, 2 This suggests that the steel industry is a significant source of dioxins seen here, but other combustion sources cannot be excluded. The toxic substances measured in this study are slated for reduction and elimination by the Stockholm Convention which holds its first Conference of the Parties beginning 2 May 2005. Egypt is a Party to Convention since it ratified the Treaty in May 2003. The Convention mandates Parties to take specific actions aimed at eliminating these pollutants from the global environment. We view the Convention text as a promise to take the actions needed to protect Egyptian and global public’s health and environment from the injuries that are caused by persistent organic pollutants, a promise that was agreed by representatives of the global community: governments, interested stakeholders, and representatives of civil society. We call upon Egyptian governmental representatives and all stakeholders to honor the integrity of the Convention text and keep the promise of reduction and elimination of POPs. Recommendations 1) More POPs monitoring in Egypt is needed as even basic data about U-POPs releases are missing; 2) More publicly accessible data about U-POPs releases from industry complexes in developing countries and countries with economies under transition are needed to address these sources of UPOPs properly; 3) Stringent limits for U-POPs in waste as well as air emissions should be introduced into both national legislation and under international treaties. 4) The Helwan region needs to be addressed specifically as a large source of industrial pollution including POPs.
Contamination of chicken eggs from the Eloor in Kerala, India by dioxins, PCBs and hexachlorobenzene "Keep the Promise, Eliminate POPs!" Campaign Report Prepared by Dioxin, PCBs and Waste Working Group of the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) Secretariat Periyar Malineekarana Virudha Samithi - PMVS (Kerala, India), THANAL (Kerala, India) Arnika Association (Czech Republic) Kochi - Prague, 18 April 2005 Executive Summary Free-range chicken eggs collected in the Eloor area of Kerala, India near a chlorinated pesticides manufacturing plant and a hazardous waste incinerator showed contaminant levels exceeding the EU limit for dioxins in eggs by more than 4-fold. In addition, the egg samples were three times higher than the newly proposed EU limit for total WHO-TEQ level for dioxins and PCBs combined. In addition to U-POPs, high levels of DDT were found in the eggs with a large value of p,p' DDT indicating that the manufacturing facility also produces DDT. Finally, the HCB concentration in the eggs exceeded background levels by 7-fold. To our knowledge, this study represents the first data about U-POPs in chicken eggs from the state of Kerala and the second study of the matter from India after the results of the first IPEN study in Lucknow in March 2005. Taking into account all the circumstances and the dioxin congener patterns in the eggs, the most obvious source of U-POPs is the organochlorine pesticide production plant (Hindustan Insecticides Limited - HIL). In the case of dioxins, another important source might be incineration of hazardous wastes in the factory. Other factories in the region may play a minor role in U-POPs releases. The results of this study call for monitoring of pesticides production for U-POPs releases and for including pesticides production in UNEP’s Standardized Toolkit for Identification and Quantification of Dioxin and Furan Releases.1 The toxic substances measured in this study are slated for reduction and elimination by the Stockholm Convention which holds its first Conference of the Parties beginning 2 May 2005 in Uruguay. India signed the Convention 14th May 2002 and intends to ratify it. The Convention mandates Parties to take specific actions aimed at eliminating these pollutants from the global environment. We view the Convention text as a promise to take the actions needed to protect Indian and global public’s health and environment from the injuries that are caused by persistent organic pollutants, a promise that was agreed by representatives of the global community: governments, interested stakeholders, and representatives of civil society. We call upon Indian governmental representatives and all stakeholders to honor the integrity of the Convention text and keep the promise of reduction and elimination of POPs. Recommendations 1) India should ratify the Stockholm Convention and should include the contamination in the Udhyogamandal Industrial Area in Kochi and surrounding environment in its National Implementation Plan 2) A basic inventory of U-POPs content in wastes and analysis of the Udhyogamandal Industrial Area in Kochi and its surrounding environment is needed followed by plans for clean up; missing data about U-POPs releases as by-products during the manufacture of DDT, lindane and many other chlorinated pesticides needs to be covered by UNEP’s Dioxin Toolkit; 
HIL - The Burnt down Endosulfan Plant. Photo by Nityanand Jayaraman, 2004
Contamination of chicken eggs from Barangay Aguado, Philippines by dioxins, PCBs and hexachlorobenzene "Keep the Promise, Eliminate POPs!" Campaign Report Cavite Green Coalition, Ecological Waste Coalition, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) Philippines Prepared by Dioxin, PCBs and Waste Working Group of the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) Secretariat, Cavite Green Coalition, Ecological Waste Coalition, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives and Health Care Without Harm (all four Philippines) and Arnika Association (Czech Republic) Manila - Prague - 20 April 2005 Executive Summary Free-range chicken eggs collected near the medical waste incinerator in Barangay Aguado showed levels of dioxins that exceeded the European Union (EU) limit by more than 3-fold. Additionally the level of PCBs in the eggs exceeded the proposed EU limit. The levels of 7 PCB congeners did not exceed regulatory limits but were the seventh highest observed among 20 samples analyzed during IPEN’s global biomonitoring project. The reasons for this substantial level of PCBs are not clear. To our knowledge, this study represents the first data about U-POPs in chicken eggs from Philippines. Comparing the dioxin congener pattern from eggs collected in Barnagay Aguado with data measured for different kinds of sources from other countries indicates that medical waste incineration (including fly ash and air releases) is the likely source of the dioxins found in the eggs. Data from other types of dioxin sources such as metallurgy and/or local heating using wooden materials show different patterns of dioxin congeners. The toxic substances measured in this study are slated for reduction and elimination by the Stockholm Convention which holds its first Conference of the Parties beginning 2 May 2005. Philippines is a Party to Convention since it ratified the Treaty in February 2004. The Convention mandates Parties to take specific actions aimed at eliminating these pollutants from the global environment. We view the Convention text as a promise to take the actions needed to protect Philippine and global public’s health and environment from the injuries that are caused by persistent organic pollutants, a promise that was agreed by representatives of the global community: governments, interested stakeholders, and representatives of civil society. We call upon Philippine governmental representatives and all stakeholders to honor the integrity of the Convention text and keep the promise of reduction and elimination of POPs. Recommendations 1) Enforce the incineration ban under the country’s Clean Air Act and Ecological Solid Waste Management Act to prevent U-POPs releases from waste incinerators. 2) Stop the incineration of health care waste at the IWMI incinerator, and replace it with a noncombustion waste treatment alternative that does not release U-POPs. These alternatives need to be also included into the BAT/BEP guidelines prepared under Stockholm Convention framework; 3) Implementation of a more comprehensive identification, inventory and monitoring of U-POPs sources and releases in the Philippines is needed as basic data about levels of U-POPs are lacking; 4) More publicly accessible data about U-POPs releases from industry in developing countries are needed to address these sources of U-POPs properly; 5) More stringent limits for U-POPs in waste should be adopted on both national and international level. Specifically stricter limits than proposed by the Basel Convention Guidelines for POPs waste should be adopted for low POPs content according to Article 6 of the Stockholm Convention. 6) Barangay Aguado needs to be addressed specifically as a POPs hot spot that requires the prevention of further releases from all POPs sources, and the constant monitoring of the community’s health.
Contamination of chicken eggs from Mossville, Louisiana, USA by dioxins, PCBs and hexachlorobenzene "Keep the Promise, Eliminate POPs!" Campaign Report Prepared by Dioxin, PCBs and Waste Working Group of the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) Secretariat, Arnika Association (Czech Republic) Mossville - Prague - 20 April 2005 Mossville for Environmental Action Now, Inc. (MEAN) Advocates for Environmental Human Rights (AEHR) Contact: Dorothy Felix, Vice President, MEAN Phone: + 337-882-8078 Email: mossville4ej@yahoo.com Monique Harden, Attorney, AEHR Phone: + 504-304-2275 Email: mharden-aehr@cox.net Executive Summary Free-range chicken eggs collected near the chlorine chemical industry plants in Mossville, Louisiana showed levels of dioxins that were 16 times higher than background levels reported by US EPA in 2003. The Mossville eggs also exceeded the European Union (EU) limit for dioxins in eggs by almost 2-fold. In addition, PCB levels detected in the Mossville eggs exceeded the proposed action level set by the EU. The combined total of dioxins and PCBs expressed in measures established by the World Health Organization also exceeded the newly proposed EU limit. Dioxin congener profiles indicate that EDC/VCM production is one of the very likely sources of dioxins found in the eggs. Both dioxins and PCBs are two of the twelve persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that have been identified as global threats, requiring governments around the world to take action in accordance with an international treaty known as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. This study updates a previous sampling of eggs by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and shows dioxin levels about three times higher than those measured by ATSDR in 1999. The ATSDR study also examined dioxin levels in blood. ATSDR concluded that local sources appeared to be responsible for average dioxin concentrations in blood that were three times higher than the US background level. At least 14 industrial facilities manufacture, process, store, and discharge toxic substances near Mossville including several chlor alkali and VCM plants that begin the production chain for PVC plastic. Recent US EPA Toxic Release Inventory reports show that the vinyl manufacturers, Georgia Gulf and PPG Industries, the Lyondell petrochemical facility, the Conoco Phillips oil refinery, and the Entergy power plant are all sources of dioxins in the Mossville community. The high toxic exposure and deteriorating health situation in Mossville led to the filing of the first ever human rights petition with the Organization of American States (OAS). The brief asserts that 60 years of hazardous industrial development has interfered with fundamental human rights to health and a clean ecologically secure environment among others. The petition requests medical services, relocation, regulatory reforms in facility permits and pollution release limits. The toxic substances measured in this study are slated for reduction and elimination by the Stockholm Convention which holds its first Conference of the Parties beginning 2 May 2005. The US signed the Convention in 2001, which obligates the government to not take any action that would undermine the provisions of this important public health and environmental treaty. The Convention mandates Parties to take specific actions aimed at eliminating these pollutants from the global environment. We view the Convention text as a promise to take the actions needed to protect communities like Mossiville and others in the US and around the world by removing toxic threates to the global public’s health and environment. We call upon US governmental representatives and all stakeholders to honor the integrity of the Convention text and keep the promise of reduction and elimination of POPs. Recommendations 1) Identify and eliminate the local sources of the dioxins and dioxin-like contaminants that are found in the blood and breast milk of Mossville residents, the soils of their homes and their food sources. 2) As the sources of dioxins and dioxin-like chemicals are identified and eliminated, take all appropriate actions to reduce exposures from any remaining reservoir sources such as soils and sediments. 3) Appropriate actions include remediation of such reservoir sources to protect and preserve the rights of Mossville residents to maintain their chosen levels of food self-sufficiency through gardening, animal husbandry, hunting and fishing without the threat of dioxins, dioxin-like chemicals and related toxic contaminants. 4) Relocate all residents who so desire to an area where significant threats of contamination by dioxins, dioxin-like chemicals and other toxic contaminants do not exist. 5) Issue a moratorium on any new permits for activities or enterprises that release dioxins, dioxin-like chemicals and other toxic contaminants into the environment in or near Mossville. 6) The US should ratify the Stockholm Convention in a manner that guarantees prompt action on new additions to the Treaty; supports state regulatory efforts; and gives clear legal authority for EPA to respond quickly and effectively to new POPs additions to the treaty such as utilizing international scientific evaluations, the precautionary approach, and the health-based regulatory standard in the Convention.
The Global Egg Report This study looked for dioxin, furan, PCB, and HCB contamination in free-range chicken eggs in 17 countries on five continents. The chemicals included in this study are earmarked for minimization and elimination by the Stockholm Convention and are known as unintentional persistent organic pollutants (U-POPs), because they are created as unintentional byproducts of certain combustion and industrial processes.
New POPs This study looked for dioxin, furan, PCB, and HCB contamination in free-range chicken eggs in 17 countries on five continents. The chemicals included in this study are earmarked for minimization and elimination by the Stockholm Convention and are known as unintentional persistent organic pollutants (U-POPs), because they are created as unintentional byproducts of certain combustion and industrial processes.
The Next Generation of POPs: PBDEs and Lindane This study looked for the presence of the pesticide hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH, lindane), and brominated flame retardants, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), since these are chemicals that have the same characteristics as the 12 chemicals already slated for elimination or minimization. The 17 countries included in this study were chosen to emphasize the overwhelming lack of information about POPs pollution in many countries. The countries are: Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Egypt, India, Kenya, Mexico, Mozambique, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, Slovakia, Tanzania, Turkey, Uruguay and the United States. Both studies found dangerous levels of toxic chemicals in eggs that were collected near waste incinerators, cement kilns, the metallurgical industry, waste dumps and chemical production facilities. The lowest levels of contamination had more than two times the background level of dioxins. Seventy percent of the samples exceeded the EU limit for dioxins in eggs; sixty percent exceeded proposed EU limits for PCBs in eggs. Three egg samples reported in this study contain some of the highest dioxin levels ever measured in chicken eggs. Lindane, beta-HCH and the PBDE flame retardants were found in all samples. Another flame retardant, HBCD, appeared in 80 percent of the samples. This study represents the first data about these substances in most of the countries examined.
Contamination of chicken eggs from the Dzerzhinsk region, Russia by dioxins, PCBs and hexachlorobenzene “Keep the Promise, Eliminate POPs!” Campaign Report Prepared by Dioxin, PCBs and Waste Working Group of the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) Secretariat, Eco-SPES (Russia), Eco-Accord (Russia) Address: Chekhov str. 30, Dzerzhinsk, Russia E-mail: levashow@mail.ru Eco-Accord, Address: dom 3, stroenie 3, Bogoyavlenski per., Moscow/109012, Russia E-mail: speransk@leadnet.ru Arnika Association (Czech Republic) Executive Summary Free-range chicken eggs collected in Igumnovo and Gorbatovka, near the chlorine chemicals producing plants and hazardous waste incinerators in Dzerzhinsk, Russia showed contaminant levels exceeding the EU limit for dioxins as well as the newly proposed limit for PCBs. Eggs from Igumnovo had almost a 14-fold higher level of dioxins than the EU limit and 9 times the level of PCBs specified by the newly proposed EU limit for these substances. Eggs from Gorbatovka were less contaminated by these substances, but still had dioxin levels t4 times higher than EU limit and PCB levels 4.5 times higher than newly proposed limit for these chemicals in WHO-TEQ. To our knowledge, this study represents the second study of U-POPs in chicken eggs from Russia. Taking into account all circumstances and the congener pattern of dioxins in the eggs, the most obvious source of U-POPs in eggs sampled from Igumnovo and Gorbatovka are local chlor-alkali and other chlorinated chemicals production industries and their waste dumpsites within the region. We can not exclude open burning of municipal waste as additional source of dioxins in eggs. HCB and PCBs might be contaminating chemicals used and/or produced in the past or generated unintentionally during some of chemical production within the studied area. The results of this study call for including dioxins, PCBs, and HCB into regular monitoring in Dzerzhinsk, which has already started measuring many other chemicals. Dzerzhinsk, is the world's most polluted industrial town according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The toxic substances measured in this study are slated for reduction and elimination by the Stockholm Convention which holds its first Conference of the Parties beginning 2 May 2005 in Uruguay. Russian Federation signed the Convention 22nd May 2002 and plans to ratify it. The Convention mandates Parties to take specific actions aimed at eliminating these pollutants from the global environment. We view the Convention text as a promise to take the actions needed to protect Russian and global public’s health and environment from the injuries that are caused by persistent organic pollutants, a promise that was agreed by representatives of the global community: governments, interested stakeholders, and representatives of civil society. We call upon Russian Federation’s governmental representatives and all stakeholders to honor the integrity of the Convention text and keep the promise of reduction and elimination of POPs. Recommendations 1) A basic inventory of POPs content in wastes and an inventory of sites contaminated by POPs in Dzerzhinsk is needed followed by plans for clean up; 2) More publicly accessible data about U-POPs releases to all compartments of the environment from the chemical complexes are needed to address sources of U-POPs in Dzerzhinsk area properly. That data should be incorporated in the National POPs Inventory; 3) Actions for the continuing minimization and where feasible elimination of U-POPs releases at the chemical complexes should be incorporated in the National Implementation Plan of the Stockholm Convention. The incineration of chlorinated waste may increase U-POPs generation. As general policy is recommended the substitution of materials and products that avoid the use of PVC; 4) Raise public awareness and understanding of U-POPs impact on human health to avoid additional releases of U-POPs from solid waste burning including PVC 5) A health impact study of the population exposed to U-POPs in Dzerzhinsk is needed and also actions to prevent future exposure. The region should be evaluated as a potential hot spot in the National Implementation Plan of the Stockholm Convention; 6) The lack of data about levels of U-POPs in food sources in Russia supports the need to establish a regular monitoring system for these chemicals in food; 7) Stringent limits for U-POPs in waste as well as air emissions should be introduced into both national legislation and under international treaties. 8) Include PCBs and HCB in the UNEP Toolkit and set strict limits for these chemicals in wastes in all other documents prepared under the Stockholm Convention.
Contamination of chicken eggs near the dump site on the edge of Peshawar, Pakistan by dioxins, PCBs and hexachlorobenzene “Keep the Promise, Eliminate POPs!” Campaign Report Prepared by Dioxin, PCBs and Waste Working Group of the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) Secretariat, Sustainable Development Policy Institute - SDPI (Pakistan) # 3, UN Boulevard, Diplomatic Enclave 1 G-5, Islamabad, Pakistan Tel: + 92-51-2278134 Fax:+92-51-2278135 Email: main@sdpi.org Arnika Association (Czech Republic) Islamabad - Prague - 24 April 2005 Executive Summary Free-range chicken eggs collected near the dump site in the neighborhood of Peshawar reached levels of dioxins close to the EU limit and exceeded the newly proposed EU action level for these highly toxic compounds. Dioxin levels in chicken eggs from Peshawar was almost 3-times higher than the background levels of these compounds in chicken eggs. In addition, high levels of DDT found in the samples is more than four and a half times higher than the EU limit for the sum of DDT in eggs. To our knowledge, this study represents the first data about U-POPs in any food item from Pakistan. Bad practices in the disposal of mixed wastes, including ashes from waste incineration and open wastes burning that occurs occasionally at the dump site (near the sampling site) were found to be a most obvious sources of contamination in eggs from Pakistan. This conclusion is based on comparison of dioxin congeners patterns and other considerations. The toxic substances measured in this study are targeted for reduction and elimination by the Stockholm Convention which holds its first Conference of the Parties beginning 2 May 2005. Pakistan signed the Convention on the 6th December 2001 and intends to ratify it. The Convention mandates Parties to take specific actions aimed at eliminating these pollutants from the global environment. We view the Convention text as a promise to take the actions needed to protect Pakistani and global publics health and environment from the injuries that are caused by persistent organic pollutants, a promise that was agreed by representatives of the global community: governments, interested stakeholders, and representatives of civil society. We call upon Pakistani governmental representatives and all stakeholders to honor the integrity of the Convention text and keep the promise of reduction and elimination of POPs. Recommendations 1) Generally monitoring project focused on addressing U-POPs sources as well as their levels in environment in Pakistan is needed; 2) Non-combustion alternatives to medical waste incineration that avoid dioxins and other U-POPs releases into all environment compartments should be applied in waste management practices of all Pakistani provinces, and these alternatives should be equally addressed in BAT/BEP Guidelines prepared for COP1 of the Stockholm Convention; 3) Stringent limits for U-POPs releases and levels in waste should be introduced into both national and international legislation. 4) Chlorinated materials and especially PVC-containing waste should not be burned and preferably other materials that do not contain chlorine should be substituted for products currently using PVC. 5) A comprehensive waste-management strategy needs to be implemented for Peshawar to help prevent further threats to public health and the environment posed by the Charsadda road dump site as well as by medical waste incineration;
Contamination of chicken eggs from Matola, Mozambique by dioxins, PCBs and hexachlorobenzene “Keep the Promise, Eliminate POPs!” Campaign Report Prepared by Dioxin, PCBs and Waste WG of the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) Secretariat, JA! Justiça Ambiental (Mozambique) and Arnika Association (Czech Republic) Maputo - Prague (April - 28 - 2005) Executive Summary Free-range chicken eggs collected near Maputo/Matola showed high levels of dioxins that exceeded European Union (EU) limit by 2/3 of its value (5.07 pg/g in eggs, 3.0 pg/g is limit). Level of PCBs in eggs was almost 2.5-times of proposed EU limit. Also level of total WHO-TEQ level by 2-fold (level measured in Mozambique was 9.45 pg/g and limit is 5.0 pg/g). To our knowledge, this study represents the first data about U-POPs in any food items from Mozambique. Dioxin profile observed in eggs from Matola is very close to profiles associated with pesticides. This conclusion is also supported by fact that there were floods which washed out the obsolete pesticides storage. Also relatively high levels of PCBs were observed in eggs and there is facility repairing and refilling transformers within 10 km radius from sampling site. The toxic substances measured in this study are slated for reduction and elimination by the Stockholm Convention which holds its first Conference of the Parties beginning 2 May 2005. Mozambique signed the Convention 23rd May 2001 and intends to ratify it. The Convention mandates Parties to take specific actions aimed at eliminating these pollutants from the global environment. We view the Convention text as a promise to take the actions needed to protect Mozambician and global public’s health and environment from the injuries that are caused by persistent organic pollutants, a promise that was agreed by representatives of the global community: governments, interested stakeholders, and representatives of civil society. We call upon governmental representatives of Mozambique and all stakeholders to honor the integrity of the Convention text and keep the promise of reduction and elimination of POPs. Recommendations 1) More POPs monitoring in Mozambique is needed as even basic data about U-POPs releases are missing; 2) More publicly accessible data about U-POPs releases from industry complexes in developing countries and countries with economies under transition are needed to address these sources of UPOPs properly; 3) Stringent limits for U-POPs in waste as well as air emissions should be introduced into both national legislation and under international treaties; 4) No increase of burden this region by any new U-POPs sources as can be a waste burning in cement kiln; 5) Mozambique should ratify a Stockholm Convention and to prepare National Implementation Plan of this international treaty. |
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