title: Dispersion and transport paths of toxic persistent organochlorines to the Arctic--levels and consequences.
abstract: Most people still consider the Arctic as one of the last non-polluted regions of the world. However, recent studies have shown that the levels of organochlorines such as chlorinated pesticides, dibenzofurans and dibenzo-p-dioxins are surprisingly high in biota such as seals and polar bears from the Norwegian and Canadian Arctic. A short review is given of our knowledge concerning levels and sources as well as consequences of the presence of persistent toxic organochlorines in the Arctic. Long-range air transport, in particular, as the main source of these compounds will be discussed in more detail.
authors.affiliation: Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Lillestrøm.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Oehme
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000737:chemistry*; D000818:Animals; D001110:Arctic Regions; D001822:Body Burden; D004787:Environmental Pollution; D005260:Female; D007306:Insecticides / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity; D008892:Milk / Q000032:analysis*; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity; D046048:Seals, Earless; D012621:Seasons; D012623:Seawater
chemical_list: D007306:Insecticides; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls