Correct option is A
Dioxins, Furans, and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are examples of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), which are chemical substances known for their longevity in the environment, toxicity, and ability to bioaccumulate. POPs resist environmental degradation, remaining intact for years or even decades. These chemicals cause significant harm to both ecosystems and human health, with effects such as cancer, endocrine disruption, and reproductive issues. PAN (Peroxyacetyl nitrate) and VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) are harmful pollutants but are not classified as POPs due to their relatively shorter persistence in the environment compared to POPs.
Information Booster: 1. POPs are organic compounds resistant to environmental breakdown through chemical, biological, and photolytic processes.
2. POPs are found in pesticides (like DDT), industrial chemicals (like PCBs), and unintentional by-products (like dioxins and furans).
3. They accumulate in the fatty tissues of living organisms, including humans, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification.
4. POPs can travel long distances through air and water currents, far from their original source.
5. They have been linked to a range of adverse health effects, including cancer, reproductive issues, and immune system damage.
6. POPs are regulated under the Stockholm Convention, which aims to eliminate or restrict their production and use.
7. Dioxins are by-products of industrial processes such as waste incineration and chemical manufacturing. They are known for their extreme toxicity.
8. Furans are chemically related to dioxins and are produced from similar industrial processes. They are equally persistent and toxic.
9. PCBs were once used widely in electrical equipment, but their production was banned due to their environmental persistence and health risks.
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