U.N. Considers AddingNine Toxic Chemicals to Banned List

The United Nations Environment Programme may expand the so-called “dirty dozen” list of banned toxic chemicals by adding an additional “nasty nine” substances that are harmful to humans and the environment. The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants has banned 12 pesticides and common chemicals, including PCBs and Dioxin, because they accumulate in human and animal tissue, are virtually indestructible in nature when released, and can be spread worldwide by winds. The nine substances that may be added to the list are Pentabromodiphenyl ether and Octabromodiphenyl ether, both used in flame retardants; Chlordecone, an agricultural insecticide; Lindane, used to treat head lice and scabies in people; alpha-Hexachlorocyclohexane and beta-Hexachlorocyclohexane, both used in manufacturing Lindane; PFOS, used in stain- and water-resistant products, including, until 2002, in 3M’s Scotchguard; Hexabromobiphenyl, a flame retardant; and Pentachlorobenzene, used in insecticides and flame retardants.