The United Nations has initiated a pact banning dangerous pollutants that will take affect in Europe and North America on October 23, 2003. Thirty-five countries, including the United States and Canada, have signed the pact, and 16 countries have ratified it. According to Reuters news Agency, a U.N. source says the U.S. Congress is expected to ratify the agreement within the next few months, The 1998 Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants needs participant countries in Europe and North America to ban completely or gradually eradicate 11 pesticides, 2 industrial chemicals, and 3 by products proven to hazardous to environmental and human health. The chemicals being banned have the ability to stay in soil and water for hundreds of years after they are used. They can leach into drinking water, contaminate food, and ultimately cause birth defects and developmental problems in children. Source: voanews.com