Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic chemicals that are chemically stable, do not easily degrade in the environment, and tend to bioaccumulate and biomagnify as they move through the food chain. Serious human health problems are associated with exposure to POPs, including cancer, neurological damage, birth defects, sterility, and immune system suppression. Restrictions and bans on the use of POPs chemicals have resulted in a significant number of unusable stockpiles of POP-containing materials internationally. In addition, deterioration of storage facilities used for the stockpiles, improper storage practices, and waste/releases associated with past production and use of POPs have resulted in contamination of soils around the world. The Programme on the Prevention and Disposal of Obsolete Pesticides by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is creating an inventory of obsolete pesticides stockpiled around the world.