Global news
4 October 2007
“The Dirty 30” - the most polluted sites in the world
U.S.-based Blacksmith Institute, an independent environmental group, and Green Cross Switzerland, has issued a report listing “The Dirty 30”, including a Top Ten list, of the world's most severely polluted places. Overall, the Top Ten sites lie in seven countries and affect a total of more than 12 million people. The report demonstrates that huge investments are still required for remediation and health in many parts of the world. The WHO and the World Bank have estimated that 20% of the premature death in the world is related to pollution.
The report also shows that the international aid community must consider increasing their efforts and contribution to chemical management and chemical waste management through SAICM, the Strategic Approach for International Chemical Management. Many sites in the report as well as in last years report are contaminated with heavy metals.
ChemSec calls for an initiative to establish an International convention on heavy metals.