"The health of roughly 100 million people is at risk from pollution in developing countries," says Richard Fuller, president of Blacksmith Institute, a non-profit international group that co-authored the report with Green Cross Switzerland. "For the first time, this report identifies and quantifies the impacts of the most damaging toxic pollutants."
The 2010 report, the fifth in a series of annual pollution reports by the two groups, is based on more than 1,000 risk assessments by field investigators in more than 40low- and medium-income countries during the past two years. It focuses on specific pollutants, rather than polluted sites or sources of contamination as did the prior reports, that are global in scope.
For example, it finds that lead, the top toxic threat, affects communities in nearly every country and comes from a variety of sources, from large smelters in Peru to small metal recyclers in Senegal.
The report says the top six toxics -- also including mercury, chromium, arsenic, pesticides, radionuclides -- can cause cancers, organ dysfunction, neurological disorders and developmental problems in unborn fetuses. It says they weaken the immune system and can be the undocumented cause of later illnesses, such as respiratory infections or tuberculosis.
"Fortunately, these pollution problems can be dealt with affordably and effectively," Fuller says. "In many cases there already exist replicable solutions that have shown success."
Past cleanup projects designed by the two groups range from the very low tech — using worms or molasses to neutralize pollution — to engineering projects that involve soil removal and groundwater remediation.
Wendy Koch has been a reporter and editor at USA TODAY since 1998, covering politics and social issues. She's begun a quest to build the most eco-friendly home her budget allows. She'll share her experience and give you tips for greening your home. More about Wendy