impact
Real Lives. Real Solutions
We all rely on extractive industries. But we are not all directly affected by the dangers of those industries. Whether you are streaming a show, gaming on a console, texting a friend, or riding your e-bike, you’re using resources extracted from multiple locations around the globe.
We serve communities in low- to middle-income countries and U.S. sovereign nations that bear the majority of the burdens from mining and resource extraction. We have reduced hazardous exposures for over 46,000 people and led $5 million USD in health response and cleanup work.
Real Lives.
Real Solutions
We all rely on extractive industries. But we are not all directly affected by the dangers of those industries. Whether you are streaming a show, gaming on a console, texting a friend, or riding your e-bike, you’re using resources extracted from multiple locations around the globe.
We serve communities in low- to middle-income countries and U.S. sovereign nations that bear the majority of the burdens from mining and resource extraction. Through data-driven assessment and science-based intervention, we have reduced hazardous exposures for over 46,000 people and led $5 million USD in health response and cleanup work.
impacts of a clean environment
HEALTH
When extractive industries operate irresponsibly or abandon their operations, they contaminate air, water, and soil—putting nearby communities at serious risk. Toxic pollution from mining causes developmental delays in children, chronic illness, and loss of access to safe food and water.
At TIFO, we partner with communities to reduce exposure, restore environmental health, and build lasting local capacity. Together, we work toward a future where every community has the expertise to protect future generations and support sustainable livelihoods.
EDUCATION
Even low levels of lead and other chemicals can reduce cognitive function and academic achievement. In highly contaminated areas, children experience hazardous exposures, resulting in learning delays, increased school absences, and higher dropout rates.
We use science not only to detect and reduce pollution, but to demonstrate its impact on learning outcomes — helping communities and governments prioritize action. Clean environments help children stay healthy, attend school, and achieve academically — to thrive, not just survive. Investing in environmental health is investing in education, opportunity, and the future.
ECONOMY
Healthy people power strong economies.
Pollution from extractive industries harms health, raises healthcare costs, and reduces productivity—costing low- and middle-income countries nearly $1 trillion annually from lead exposure alone.
Our science-backed interventions support conditions for long-term economic growth. Clean environments protect natural resources, support sustainable jobs, and keep communities thriving. Investing in environmental health is an investment in long-term economic resilience.
Why focus on low to middle-income countries?
Pollution is inseparably linked to environmental health and injustice. Many hazardous industries have shifted operations to low- and middle-income countries (LMCIs). This lowers their costs while offloading toxic risks to vulnerable communities. For example, over 80% of global e-waste ends up in Africa and Asia, where informal recycling exposes people—especially children—to dangerous levels of lead and other toxins.
TIFO brings scientific expertise to places often overlooked by global systems—using evidence to expose harm, fortify local response, and advocate for a healthier environment.