Klin Onkol 2000; 13(Speciál 2000): 21-24.
Summary: Organic substances that are persistent, bioaccumulative and posses toxic characteristics likely to cause adverse human health or environmental effects are called PBTs (Persistent, Bioaccumulative, Toxic substances). In this context, “substance” means a single chemical species, or a number of chemical species which form a specific group by virtue of (a) having similar properties and being emitted together into the environment or (b) forming a mixture normally marketed as a single product. Depending on their mobility in the environment, PBTs could be of local, regional or global concern. Subclass of PBTs so called POPs (persistent organic pollutants) is group of compounds, which are prone to long-range atmospheric transport and deposition. The global extent of POP pollution became apparent with their detection in areas such as the Arctic, where they have never been used or produced, at levels posing risks to both wildlife and humans.
