Capacity Development Training for
Monitoring of POPs in the East Asian Hydrosphere

UNU Centre, Tokyo, Japan; 1-2 September, 2003

Workshop Overview:

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are chemical substances that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate through the food web, and pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human population and the environment. There has been a realization that these pollutants, upon exposure of human population, can cause serious health effects ranging from increased incidence of cancers to disruption of the hormonal system. These effects have also been observed and recorded for various animal species. Developing countries are particularly vulnerable due to the often indiscriminate use and disposal of POPs.

The purpose of this workshop was to address key issues in the interpretation of the threats posed by environmental levels of POPs through the examination of existing standards, guidelines and toxicity assessments for POPs in the environment. The workshop also targeted to build the capacity in the East Asian region to undertake monitoring of POPs through a monitoring network that has been set up by UNU. This network has been collecting data in the region for a number of years.

For further information, please contact Ms. Kumiko Tsukamoto, Project Coordinator.

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Workshop Programme
Workhop Report
List of Participants
Abstracts