The global health impact from toxic pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides and radionuclides, is greater than previously thought. Today, more than 100 million people are estimated to be at risk from toxic pollution at levels above international health standards. This is a public health issue as salient as tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/ AIDS, and one that should receive considerable attention and resources.

The World’s Worst Toxic Pollution Problems 2011 Report is the latest in a series of annual reports documenting global pollution issues. Since 2006, Blacksmith's yearly reports have been instrumental in increasing public understanding of the health impacts posed by toxic pollution, and in some cases, have compelled cleanup work at pollution hotspots. Blacksmith Institute reports have been issued jointly with Green Cross Switzerland since 2007.