The 2012 World’s Worst Pollution Problems Report sets out to quantify the human health impacts from major sources of hazardous pollution in low to middle-income countries. In particular the focus is on sites in the developing world where toxic pollution has occurred because of industrial activity. 1 This evaluation of industries and pollutants is based on data collected by the Blacksmith Institute and Green Cross Switzerland through investigations of pollution hotspots around the world, principally abandoned (“legacy” or “orphan”) sites and informal artisanal activities. This report is compiled using analysis of the Blacksmith Institute’s site database and a review of industry.
