Devastating Impact of Persistent Organic Pollutants on Arctic Environment and Human Health

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are long-lasting, toxic organic compounds often referred to as “silent killers” due to their bioaccumulative nature and prolonged persistence in the environment. Examples of POPs include organometallic compounds such as methylmercury, lipophilic halogenated compounds like dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorinated pesticides, polybrominated flame retardants, and perfluorinated repellents. These substances can be found both in the environment and within the human body. Their extended lifespan allows them to travel great distances through the atmosphere, ultimately reaching remote regions like the Arctic, where cold temperatures facilitate their deposition. These pollutants can bioaccumulate in the food chain, posing significant health risks to humans. Although regulations have reduced POP concentrations in Arctic air over recent decades, climate change may cause POPs stored in sinks (such as water and ice) to volatilize back into the atmosphere. POPs are linked to a wide range of adverse health effects, including cancer, immune system suppression, cognitive and neurobehavioral impairments, hormonal disruptions, and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, particularly among Arctic communities. This chapter explores the current understanding of POPs in the Arctic environment, examining their impacts on both animals and humans. Additionally, we discuss the health implications of infectious diseases linked to POPs exposure at the population level in Arctic regions.