Discuss the environmental impacts and regulatory concerns associated with persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

POPs are organic compounds that resist degradation in the environment, bioaccumulate in organisms, and pose significant risks to human health and ecosystems. They include substances such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and dioxins. POPs can travel long distances via air and water currents, leading to global contamination. Due to their toxic effects, POPs are subject to international regulatory agreements like the Stockholm Convention, which aims to eliminate or restrict their production and use.