DownloaD Graphic 2
Level
Trends in POPs and mercury in eggs of Thick-billed murres
3.0
Total DDT
Total PCB
2.5
Total Mercury
Note: Levels are g/g dry
2.0
weight for mercury and lipid
weight for PCBs and DDT.
1.5
1.0
0.5
0
1975 1976 1977 1987 1988 1993 1998 2003
Sources: INAC 2003, Braune and others 2005
Interlinkages

Issues of development and poverty are inextricably linked
to the problems associated with waste. In the develop-
ing world it is usually the poor who deal with waste and
Persistent organic pollutants such as DDT and PCBs recycling and are forced to live close to waste dump-
are long-lived, fat-soluble chemicals that build up to ing sites. The vulnerability of local populations is often
higher levels through the food chain. Arctic animals created or reinforced by poor governance and a lack of
are especially vulnerable, since they store fat to capacity to deal with the hazardous materials.
survive when food is not available.
In addition to contamination generated for example by
In the past 20-30 years, DDT and PCBs have gener- industrial or mining sites, the transport and deposition of
ally declined in Arctic animals, while mercury has waste is a major threat. Vulnerability is imported where,
risen in some species and regions, and remained for example, there is agreement to import waste and haz-
unchanged in others. Rising mercury levels may be ardous materials to locations where it cannot be safely
from anthropogenic sources, from ecosystem chang- disposed of or managed.
es related to climate warming, or a combination of
these factors. Abandoned factories and industrial sites are most likely
to be found in poor communities, which can be home
to marginalized newcomers. Contamination of air, water
and land decreases land productivity, making agricultural
products unsuitable for markets. Children are particularly
at risk from contaminated sites (as places of play and
work) and women are especially at risk for physiological
reasons.
Contaminated sites are also legacies of past industrial
and economic development, and a heritage of present
production and consumption patterns that affect both
current and future generations. Abandoned industrial sites
can present a serious risk to people and the environment.
Children and their parents work all day sifting through rubbish for scraps to sell.
Credit: Mark Edwards/Still Pictures Sometimes, whole regions are affected by the problem.
HARMFUL SUBSTANCES AND HAZARDOUS WASTE 53