New data published by Zero Waste Europe and the ToxicoWatch Foundation point to high levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in food grown near waste incinerator facilities in Europe. Eggs, apples, pears, and water are only a handful of the foods affected by elevated POP contamination, as identified by the studies.
The two studies, part of Zero Waste Europe’s True Toxic Toll project, focus on Slovakia and the Netherlands. Researchers analyzed the presence of POPs in the surrounding environment of (co)incinerator facilities. The studies gathered and tested a diverse range of samples—including eggs from backyard chickens, vegetation, fruit, roof dust, water, and sediment—from the vicinity of the investigated facilities.