France has the largest number of municipal solid waste
incinerators (MSWIs) in the European Union, with 128
plants counted in 2006. Their technology has evolved
over time, with a general reduction of emissions that affect
nearby communities. Thus, at present, all MSWIs in
France meet the European guide value (0.1 ng/m3). However,
older units have undeniably caused significant pollution
in the past. This has contributed throughout the
years to an overall increase in the environmental load of
particulate matter that contains dioxins, metals, and accumulates
in soils and local food.