The article discusses the use of the class 1 integron-integrase gene (*intI1*) as a proxy for anthropogenic pollution. *intI1* is proposed because it is linked to genes conferring resistance to antibiotics, disinfectants, and heavy metals, is found in a wide variety of bacteria, and its abundance can change rapidly due to horizontal gene transfer and rapid generation times. The authors review studies showing correlations between *intI1* and human impacts, and outline methods for using *intI1* to monitor anthropogenic pollution. They suggest that *intI1* could serve as a generic marker for anthropogenic influence due to its universal presence, high abundance in commensal bacteria, and conserved DNA sequence. The article also discusses the environmental and laboratory studies that support the use of *intI1* as a marker for anthropogenic pollution.The article discusses the use of the class 1 integron-integrase gene (*intI1*) as a proxy for anthropogenic pollution. *intI1* is proposed because it is linked to genes conferring resistance to antibiotics, disinfectants, and heavy metals, is found in a wide variety of bacteria, and its abundance can change rapidly due to horizontal gene transfer and rapid generation times. The authors review studies showing correlations between *intI1* and human impacts, and outline methods for using *intI1* to monitor anthropogenic pollution. They suggest that *intI1* could serve as a generic marker for anthropogenic influence due to its universal presence, high abundance in commensal bacteria, and conserved DNA sequence. The article also discusses the environmental and laboratory studies that support the use of *intI1* as a marker for anthropogenic pollution.