"Persistent organic pollutants such as DDT, PCBs and dioxins are still to be found in natural ecosystems and in our own bodies, despite substantial reductions in emissions. In recent years, moreover, a succession of new pollutants of a similar kind have been discovered in the environment." "What characteristics make these substances a serious cause for concern? Where do they come from? How do they disperse, and what concentrations of them are present in the environment? In what ways can they harm organisms and life-sustaining processes? On what scale has such damage actually been observed in people and animals? And what can we do to reduce the risks?" "This book offers answers to all of these questions, and many more besides."--BOOK JACKET.