Vázquez-Quintero Griselda, Lira-Hernández Daniel, Pérez-Olmos César Damián, Valles-Aragón María Cecilia, Cortes-Palacios Leonor, García-González César Guillermo, Iracheta-Lara Ireyli Zuluamy, Nevárez-Rodríguez Myrna Concepción, Aquino-de Los Ríos Gilberto Sandino
Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Pascual Orozco Avenue s/n, Campus I, Chihuahua 31200, Chihuahua, Mexico.
Faculty of Zootechnic and Ecology, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Periférico Francisco R. Almada Km 1, Chihuahua 31453, Chihuahua, Mexico.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2025 Apr 27;22(5):692. doi: 10.3390/ijerph22050692.
Mining has caused major pollution, especially in poorly regulated areas. The former Ávalos Foundry in Chihuahua, Mexico left toxic contamination after its closure in 1997, affecting the nearby settlements. This study examines the socio-environmental impact on residents adjacent to the site. A total of 5773 dwellings were considered, with 4634 inhabited by 14,187 persons. A survey to 465 residents assessed sociodemographic aspects, environmental perceptions, and disposition to community participation. Tap water samples from 70 homes were analyzed for metals and compared to Mexican, American and European regulatory standards. Water pollutant dispersion was modeled using ArcGIS interpolation. Residents face economic, social, environmental, and health issues from ongoing contamination. Several suffer respiratory and skin diseases linked to excessive dust from the proximity to mining waste and unpaved streets. While the majority consider their lives comfortable or very comfortable, many would not have moved there if aware of the risks before moving. Despite concerns, most residents are reluctant to engage in community efforts to address the pollution. Tap water tests revealed levels above the regulatory standards of arsenic, copper, chromium, iron, manganese, and nickel, posing serious health risks. This study calls for immediate action, including awareness and health campaigns, environmental remediation, and intersectoral collaboration to secure funding for long-term solutions.
采矿造成了严重污染，尤其是在监管不力的地区。墨西哥奇瓦瓦州的前阿瓦洛斯铸造厂在1997年关闭后留下了有毒污染物，影响了附近的定居点。本研究考察了该场地周边居民所受的社会环境影响。共考虑了5773处住宅，其中4634处有人居住，居住着14187人。对465名居民进行的一项调查评估了社会人口学方面、环境认知以及社区参与意愿。对70户家庭的自来水样本进行了金属分析，并与墨西哥、美国和欧洲的监管标准进行了比较。利用ArcGIS插值法对水污染物扩散进行了建模。居民因持续的污染面临经济、社会、环境和健康问题。一些人患有与靠近采矿废料和未铺砌街道产生的过多灰尘有关的呼吸道和皮肤病。虽然大多数人认为他们的生活舒适或非常舒适，但许多人如果在搬家前意识到风险，就不会搬到那里。尽管存在担忧，但大多数居民不愿参与社区解决污染问题的努力。自来水检测显示，砷、铜、铬、铁、锰和镍的含量高于监管标准，构成严重健康风险。本研究呼吁立即采取行动，包括开展宣传和健康运动、进行环境整治以及开展部门间合作以确保获得长期解决方案的资金。
