by Ms. Fatoumata Keita-Ouane

The POPs WEBSITE - informs users on issues and the progress made by countries and international organisations to initiate action to reduce or eliminate emissions, discharges and releases of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Chemicals of the POPs group are used in agriculture and industry and some are un-intentionally produced byproducts. They can bioaccumulate and are persistent causing serious damage to health and to the environment. POPs are the number 1 target for reduction by a number of regional and international bodies.

If you are seeking information on the POPs chemicals and actions initiated by the international community, then you are looking at the right source. In June 1996, the POPs Home page became accessible for the first time and is updated on a regular basis with information received from concerned organisations, countries and other partners. With the aid of this guide, you can visit the Website and learn what it offers. This web site has several functions:

• to serve as a clearinghouse of information on POPs,
• to increase awareness,
• to show how to access information,
• to inform about sources of information relevant to POPs activities.,
• to inform about new developments relevant to POPs,
• to give contacts.

Open your Internet access programme or click on the Netscape icon.

Find the field, <Location> and type, http://irptc.unep.ch/pops/ then press <enter>. You will see the following screen.

Figure 1

When you see the screen (Fig. 1), your connection was successful. Use the <pagedown> key and explore the contents of the introductory page. Also note the option for documentation in Spanish (Español) and French (Français), when such is available.

You may enter and select the following information areas (retrieval sites):

• News
• Introduction
• Specific POPs and their alternatives.
• Meetings on POPs including relevant meeting documents
• Case studies and other contributions received from countries and organisations.
• Selected Bibliography
• Document search
• Web Links
• Dialogue/Comment areas (under construction)

To proceed, select an area with the cursor and press <enter>. Now you can browse the content and print the sections you need.

N.B. Documents not available in this Web Site can be ordered from UNEP Chemicals under the address indicated on page 4 of this guide.

Figure 2

To choose another area, click on the icon <home> at the top of the screen, if you are using Netscape, select another field and press <enter> to continue your visit. For quick searching, you may use the search index option, under "Document search" and "Selected Bibliography".(eg. try typing PCBs in the search field and see what happens.)

UNEP's work to support the Governing Council Decision (18/32) on international action on persistent organic pollutants is gaining momentum and moving fast. Keep up with the latest reports. The POPs home pages will be updated as new reports become available.

• To learn about POPs chemicals, the initial list includes:

The POPs Home page provides real-time information to decision makers on key issues and major concerns to be addressed in the elaboration of international actions.

• To learn about the recommendations which may lead to the

development of a legally binding instrument on POPs,

If you require further information on this activity please contact:

The Director

UNEP Chemicals (IRPTC)

P.O. Box 356

15, Chemin des Anèmones, Châtelaine,

Ch.1219 Geneva,

Switzerland

Telephone +4122/ 979 9183

Fax:+4122/797 3460

E-Mail:irptc@unep.ch

The UNEP clearinghouse operates other websites on Internet: Connect to the following for more information on a complete range of current activities on toxic chemicals and waste.