Regionally based assessment of persistent toxic substances : Pacific islands regional report

This report provides a regional review of the production, use, environmental impacts and environmental transport of the group of chemicals know as persistent toxic substances (PTS). The introduction of these chemicals into the environment and resulting effects is a major issue that gives rise to concerns at local, national, regional and global scales. The report is intended as a scientifically-based assessment of the nature and scale of the threats to the environment and its resources posed by past and present uses of persistent toxic substances both within the region and beyond. It is intended to contribute to a global assessment of PTS that will provide guidance to the international community concerning future priorities for national, regional and global activities in this area.