Raising awareness of toxic pollutants in the environment

"As a Not-for-Profit public organisation TOXICOWATCH has the aim of carrying out scientific field work exactly where it matters the most: It is of critical importance to maximise *dissemination* of the results of relevant biomonitoring studies as well as encourage further citizen-driven counter activities against harmful industrial emissions. Because of TOXICOWATCH's unique way of working, local affected communities feel listened to and experience in practice that action is taken to focus their serious concerns through citizen-participation scientific research and communication with governments and other relevant organisations. In this way, TOXICOWATCH acts as a science-backed activist bridge between local communities, industry and government - with reporting (quantity and quality) that is no less than overwhelming. "

"ToxicoWatch (TW) is an important global driving force to conduct independent (biomonitoring) research on persistent organic pollutant (POP) emissions emitted by (co-)waste incineration, like waste incinerators and cement kilns into the local environment. ToxicoWatch fulfils a bridge function between people-government-industry, by developing (citizens) science. ToxicoWatch implements innovative bioassay analysis techniques, for dioxins (DR CALUX), PFAS (FITC-T4, PFAS CALUX), endocrine disrupting chemicals (ER CALUX) and for PAH (PAH CALUX), besides conventional chemical analysis, which results in a much broader understanding of the toxic pollution of the environment. Kirsten and Abel are very experienced and enthusiastic people to bring the puzzle together for a safer and more sustainable environment and public health."

"In a world where chemical pollution is driving the triple planetary crisis, integrity in science, trust in regulation, community right to know and environmental justice are critical. This is where ToxicoWatch stands out as a leader. Delivering independent biomonitoring studies to inform frontline communities about the true toxic toll of waste incineration has never been more important. We are so grateful to ToxicoWatch for undertaking this critical work and sharing it with us in Australia. We now look forward to two parliamentary inquiries to investigate this industry and reconsider the policy and regulatory framework for waste incineration in Australia. This is what robust, independent, scientific analysis and international collaboration for the protection of our human rights, looks like."

"ToxicoWatch say that their objective is to bring "the science to the people" and they deliver on that promise ! We, C3R, are an NGO representing people that live near the incinerator of Ivry-sur-Seine, suburb of Paris in France. ToxicoWatch has accompanied us to investigate the pollution around the Waste-to-Energie incinerator since 2021. Their rigorous, robust and undeniable conclusions have completely changed the nature of the public debate on incineration here in France - and they have even been used by local communities in New Zealand and India ! Science empowers citizens, and is the best response to industrial greenwashing especially when scientists know how to explain it to people that are not specialists. ToxicoWatch always took the time to explain their studies to us so we could feel comfortable to make their conclusions our own and defend them in the court of public opinion. "

"We started looking into the real impacts of waste incinerators back in 2019 together with @ToxicoWatch, using innovative bioassays to uncover the hidden toxic footprint of incineration. Since then, this tool has empowered communities around the world to stand up for their right to clean air, safe food, and a healthy environment. "