POPs analysis reveals issues in bringing laboratories in developing countries to a higher quality level

We assessed the performance of laboratories in 18 developing countries in analyzing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in environmental and human samples, as part of a capacity-building program with the goal of helping laboratories increase proficiency in the types of analyses required for the POPs Global Monitoring Program (GMP) under the Stockholm Convention. We identified several issues that need improvement before the laboratories can contribute to the GMP, including technical aspects of POPs analysis, QA/QC issues and laboratory-management problems.

► Laboratories in the developing world are often not yet ready for POPs monitoring.
► Lacking resources, limited skills and QA/QC awareness are hurdles to be overcome.
► The recent “new” persistent organic pollutants (POPs) will be even more challenging.