Multi-generation health risks of persistent organic pollution in the far north: use of the precautionary approach in the Stockholm Convention

Abstract

Abstract Precautionary regulation of persistent, toxic substances is controversial because of continued and irresolvable uncertainties in ecotoxicology. This is especially an issue for people who eat wild food, still a common practice in the Arctic. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been shown to interfere with hormone function and genetic regulation. In animal studies, myriad dysfunctions can be induced (manifested later in life) by low-dose POPs exposure during development. The ubiquity of POPs in biological tissue makes all organisms subject to developmental exposure. The Arctic, where subsistence living is common, is a sink region for POPs. To curtail bioaccumulation and biomagnification, the United Nations has created the Stockholm Convention in May 2001, which targets 12 chemicals for virtual elimination. Using the precautionary approach, the treaty also enables the listing of new targets as threats are recognized. The “dirty dozen” are well-documented developmental toxics and other POPs are expected to exhibit similar patterns of accumulation and harm. Arctic peoples insist that waiting for irrefutable evidence is poor planning. Nevertheless, the United States, a major signatory, has proved reluctant to ratify the language that would enable this expedient listing of new targets. Such reluctance allows health threats in the Arctic and around the world to grow. This paper reviews the theoretical background for and current evidence regarding the global issues of endocrine disruption and POPs contamination, especially as they relate to wildlife and people in the far north. It is concluded that there is an urgent need for the US to ratify the full text of the Stockholm Convention, including the provision for the listing of new targets.