THE DIRTY DOZEN GROWS, NEW TOXIC THREATS

When we think of pollution, we often imagine plastic waste in rivers, smoke from factories or oil spills in the ocean. But there’s another kind of pollution, one we can’t always see but lives right under our noses. It’s in the food we eat, the water we drink and even the air we breathe. This pollution comes from Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), harmful chemicals that can be found in everyday products we use. These substances don’t break down easily and can stay in the environment for decades.To tackle this global threat, the Stockholm Convention was created in 2001.

This international agreement was designed to ban or restrict some of the most dangerous chemicals ever produced. These chemicals, often called the ‘Dirty Dozen’, include pesticides, industrial compounds and toxic by-products that harm both people and nature. Eswatini, like many other countries, is a signatory to the Stockholm Convention. This means our government has committed to phasing out dangerous substances and ensuring a cleaner, healthier future for all of us. But while governments play a big role, young people also have a powerful voice in this fight.

New chemicals on watch list

Every few years, scientists review new chemicals that might be dangerous enough to be added to the convention’s list of banned or restricted substances. This year, three new chemicals have been recommended for inclusion in Annex A of the Convention, meaning they will eventually be eliminated:
1. Chlorpyrifos – A pesticide used in farming, particularly in fruits, vegetables and grains. Studies have linked it to brain damage in children, developmental issues and harm to wildlife.

2. Chlorinated Paraffins (C14–17) – Chemicals used in plastic products, industrial lubricants and flame retardants. They accumulate in water sources, causing long-term damage to fish and other aquatic life.

3. Long-chain Perfluorocarboxylic Acids (PFCAs) – Found in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing and some firefighting foams. These chemicals don’t break down and have been detected in human blood and breast milk, raising concerns about their impact on health.

These chemicals may sound like technical jargon, but they are present in everyday products that many of us use without thinking twice. The problem is that they linger in the environment, travel long distances through air and water, and harm people who have never even used them. For a country like Eswatini, where agriculture is a major industry and water sources are crucial for survival, the risks are real. If toxic pesticides contaminate our soil, they don’t just affect farmers, they affect the entire food supply. If industrial chemicals pollute our rivers, the effects will be felt for generations.

What can young people do?

Young people are often left out of these conversations, but we have a huge role to play in advocating for a cleaner future. The Stockholm Convention is a powerful tool, but its success depends on public awareness and action. Here’s how we can be part of the solution:

1. Be curious and informed
    Knowledge is power. Many harmful chemicals continue to be used simply because people don’t know about them. Start by researching what’s in the products you use every day, from make-up to cleaning supplies to the food on your plate. There are many safer alternatives to toxic pesticides, plastics, and industrial chemicals.

2. Raise awareness in your community
    If people don’t know the risks, they can’t make informed choices. As young people, we have platforms like social media, school clubs and community events where we can educate others about the dangers of POPs. Even small efforts, like sharing a post about toxic chemicals or starting a conversation with friends can make a big impact.

3. Advocate for change
    Governments need to hear from young people. If we want stricter environmental laws, better waste management systems and safer alternatives to harmful chemicals, we have to voice our opinions to the relevant institutions. This means: Supporting policies that ban hazardous substances, asking businesses to use safer materials and encouraging schools and communities to adopt eco-friendly practices.

4. Make smarter choices
    Every purchase we make is a decision about the kind of world we want to live in. Here are some small but powerful choices we can make: Buy organic or locally grown food to avoid harmful pesticides like chlorpyrifos. Reduce plastic use to minimise exposure to toxic chemicals in packaging. Dispose of waste properly, especially electronic waste that contains dangerous compounds. Support brands that prioritise sustainability and avoid toxic materials.

The truth is, we are the generation that will inherit the planet. If we don’t take action now, the consequences will affect our health, our environment and even the ability of future generations to thrive. The Stockholm Convention may seem like just another international agreement, but it’s really a lifeline, a way to protect our water, air, and land from pollution that could last for centuries. We don’t have to be scientists or policymakers to make a difference. By staying informed, speaking up and making better choices, we can become champions for a cleaner, safer world.

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