<unk> s <unk> s), sometimes known as "forever chemicals", are<unk>  compounds that are resistant to environmental degradation through chemical, biological, and photolytic processes. They are toxic chemicals that adversely affect human health and the environment around the world. Because they can be transported by wind and water, most<unk> s generated in one country can and do affect people and wildlife far from where they are used and released. The effect of<unk> s on human and environmental health was discussed, with intention to eliminate or severely restrict their production, by the international community at the Stockholm Convention on<unk> s in 2001. The United States has taken strong domestic action to reduce emissions of<unk> s. For example, none of the original<unk> s pesticides listed in the Stockholm Convention is registered for sale and distribution in the United States today and in 1978, Congress prohibited the manufacture of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and severely restricted the use of remaining PCB stocks. In addition, since 1987, the Environmental Protection Agency and the states have effectively reduced environmental releases of dioxins and furans to land, air, and water from U.S. sources. Many<unk> s are currently or were in the past used as pesticides, solvents, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. Although some<unk> s arise naturally (e.g. from volcanoes), most are man-made.
Persistent organic pollutant
Corrosive substance
Organochlorine compound
Drug 
Drug
Toxic heavy metal
Biological agent
Toxicant