During October 9 and 13, 2023, the 19th Persistent Organic Pollutant Review Committee (POPRC-19) meeting was convened in Rome, Italy. Scientists agreed that two chemicals in the following should be considered hazardous and recommended to be listed in the Annex A of the Stockholm Convention:
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Chlorinated paraffins with carbon chain lengths in the range C14-17 and chlorination levels at or exceeding 45% chlorine by weight, known as 'medium-chain chlorinated paraffins' or MCCPs;
These chemicals are often used metalworking fluids as lubricants and coolants and can also be used as an additive to make plastic softer. They can also be used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, as well as in paints, sealants, and rubber. However, they can cause serious health risks including cancer because of their long persistence in human body.
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Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids, its salts and related compounds;
These chemicals belong to PFAS substances (known as forever chemicals). Because of their water, stain, and grease-resistant properties, they are widely used in industrial and consumer products such as the manufacture of semiconductors, printing inks, paints and coatings, paper and food packaging, waterproof textiles and firefighting foams.
The Committee agreed that these chemicals may be used under specific circumstances. Specific exemptions will be discussed at the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention in 2025.
POPRC-19 also adopted the risk profile for the highly toxic pesticide 'chlorpyrifos'. As a highly toxic insecticide widely used in the agriculture, chlorpyrifos is particularly dangerous to children and pregnant women, and has adverse effects on the nervous system. POPRC-19 will assess information on socio-economic considerations and possible control measures for chlorpyrifos and consider a recommendation for listing in the next year.
Once a substance is listed in the Stockholm Convention, stakeholders will take measures to reduce or prohibit the release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). As a stakeholder to the Stockholm Convention, China will obey relevant management measures. If a substance is included to the Stockholm Convention, China will add it to its restriction lists such as the List of Toxic Chemicals Restricted to be Imported/Exported in China, and Inventory of Chemicals Prohibited from Import/Export in China. Furthermore, enterprises involved in the production or downstream products related to POPs not only need to monitor POPRC but also should pay attention to the proposed uses of substances and their impacts on downstream products. It is essential to seek alternatives to POPs in terms of substances or technologies to mitigate any potential impact resulting from the Annex of the Stockholm Convention.
The Stockholm Convention:
The Stockholm Convention, adopted in 2001 and enforced in 2004, is a global convention that requires its stockholders to take measures to eliminate or reduce the emissions of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Its objective is to protect human health and the environment by preventing long-term persistence, widespread distribution, and accumulation of these chemicals in the fat tissues of humans and wildlife, which can lead to adverse effects on both human health and the environment.
The Convention lists the initial 12 types of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Annex A (Elimination), Annex B (Restriction), and Annex C (Unintentional Production), each with specific control requirements such as elimination, restriction, or emission reduction. Additionally, chemicals with the review and approval of POPRC can be added to the Annex. As of now, a total of 34 types of POPs has been included in the Annex of the Stockholm Convention, covering hundreds of chemicals.
