Phaseout of Toxic Chemicals

In the 21st century, global efforts have emerged toward phasing out the use of toxic and environmentally persistent chemicals. The United Nations has led this effort, focusing on chemicals known to linger in the environment and those that have adverse effects on human and ecosystem health. Most of these chemicals were developed as insecticides but have been found to affect more than their target species.

The largest global action to phase out the use of toxic chemicals is the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. This action began in 1995 when the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) called for global action to address chemicals that linger in the environment, bioaccumulate, and may adversely affect animals and humans. As a response, a list of 12 chemicals, called ...