ORGANOCHLORINES IN PERSPECTIVE

Efforts to classify all organochlorine compounds as toxic substances a re not supported by scientific facts. These compounds are produced in vast quantities in marine environments and in soil, and 2000 naturally produced organohalogen compounds have been identified to date. Manmad e organochlorines range from persistent, toxic, and bioaccumulative co mpounds like pesticides to beneficial substances such as pharmaceutica ls, analgesics, and artificial sweeteners. It is essential to distingu ish between toxic and harmless organochlorines, just as we distinguish between poisonous and edible mushrooms. Regulatory efforts can then b e directed toward eliminating the discharge of persistent, toxic, and bioaccumulating substances, no matter what elements they contain.