Vietnam has long been listed as one of the countries that is significantly effected by Persistent Organic Pollutents (POP). A great number of kindergarten centres, office buildings, and lakes were built on chemical-affected areas.
 |
| Old chemical-storage facilities are POP hazards. (Photo: CAND) |
POP's are recognised as harmful industrial-type chemicals that can destroy the immune and nervous system, cause cancer and reproductive disorders, as well as interrupt normal development of fetuses and babies.
Although Vietnam has banned POP chemicals for plant-protection from being imported into the country, investigation results from the Environment Department (Ministry of Resources and Environment) showed that about 1,153 locations and 864 areas are still currently POP affected, with 185 of these areas classified as "seriously affected". The main cause has been the 289 plant-protection chemical warehouses which were built and in use before 80's, and are still scattered over 37 provinces.
The danger is that many things were built on these chemically-affected areas. Among the 864 POP affected areas, 250 have had homes built on them, 18 areas have kindergartens and schools established and 26 have authority offices, culture houses, or playgrounds built on them.
Improper handling of these POP areas is a huge problem that Vietnam is now having to face.
The authorities reported that 51 chemical warehouses, which store 216 tonnes and 37,000 litres of plant-protection chemicals with 29 tonnes of packing bags, have been found. Most of these chemicals are listed as dangerous and their use has been banned however, chemicals have started to leak and spread into the environment.
It is urgent that these dangerous chemicals are removed as soon as possible. Dr. Bui Cach Tuyen, head of the Environment Department said, "Both the people and the environment are seriously being affected due to the mishandling of the chemicals." According to international organisations, Vietnam is probably the most heavily POP effected country in the world.
On April 5, the Ministry of Resources and Environment reported the United Nations organisation has started a project which would last for 4 years to help Vietnam with the treatment of harmful plant-protection chemicals. The project has a budget of 11 million USD, with a 6.5 million dollar contribution from Vietnam.