A recent joint study by Moldovan and Czech experts revealed the presence of significant persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in chicken eggs. These findings raise concerns about the contamination of human food and its consequences on the health of local people. The study identified POPs as probably related to old environmental burdens, such as obsolete pesticides or transformer oil stockpiles. The experts also warn about the other known sources of unintentionally produced POPs, for example, tire pyrolysis or waste incineration, which may lead to further contamination of the environment. These sources could become a severe threat in Moldova as a consequence of legislative changes allowing such practices that are being prepared. Experts also suggest that stricter limits for POPs in waste should be established and that the Moldovan government should support the introduction of such limits at the upcoming conference of the parties to the Basel Convention held in June in Geneva.
