Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a family of toxic substances that are causing increasing international concern, as they become implicated in risks to public health and environmental degradation. In December 2003, as part of its commitment to sustainable development, IFC published its position paper on persistent organic pollutants (pdf file).
This is one of a number of IFC position papers that describe how IFC will address emerging sustainability issues that often present difficult and novel operational challenges without simple and obvious solutions. These issues may arise in a broad range of sectors and activities in which IFC is engaged.
The position papers are designed to raise the awareness of IFC staff, and in many cases they provide procedural guidance. They do not include any new policy, or new policy requirements, but may include a summary of relevant existing policy.
Other IFC position papers include:
You can also access the position papers through IFC's Sustainability site by clicking on
Sustainability Tools.
