In a recent investigation, communities in Tabasco, Mexico, report severe contamination from toxic waste dumped by the state-owned oil company Pemex.
Sarah Sax reports for Mongabay.
In short:
- Residents near dumped sites suffer health issues from toxic sludge believed to improve soil fertility.
- Pemex's new sustainability plan is met with skepticism amid its significant debt and ongoing environmental damage.
- Funds intended for community aid are misallocated, raising questions about Pemex's commitment to social responsibility.
Key quote:
"We realized the soil was toxic because we could smell it."
— Lorenza Castro Castro, local resident
Why this matters:
The waste disposal by Pemex has ignited concerns among local residents and environmental advocates alike. Toxic pollutants can infiltrate water supplies, soil, and air, leading to long-lasting health issues such as respiratory problems, skin diseases, and other serious conditions. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to these adverse effects.
