Alaska Community Action on Toxics

Founded in December of 1997, Alaska Community Action on Toxics (ACAT) believes that everyone has the right to clean air, clean water, and toxic-free food. The organization focuses on empowering Alaskan communities to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and is especially committed to supporting the rights of Indigenous peoples to maintain traditional practices while minimizing exposure to contaminants. ACAT’s work often addresses the tension between subsistence hunting and fishing and exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and other toxic chemicals transported to the Arctic. ACAT promotes a precautionary approach to chemical policy, advocating that the burden of proof for chemical safety should lie with industry rather than the public. We use research, education, outreach, organizing, and advocacy to accomplish our mission.