26 August 2010 | Interviews | Human rights
Better Late than Ever
Authorities declare environmental emergency in communities affected by lead in El Salvador
Download: MP3 (1.1 Mb)
Communities of Sitio del Niño, El Salvador, have been warning for ten years about the high levels of lead in blood present in the population, as a consequence of the operation of a battery plant owned by Baterias de El Salvador company.
Finally, this week, the people affected received good news: the Environment Ministry declared an environmental emergency in the area, and the government is now considering compensating the victims.
The emergency will be dealt with by a committee made up by different governmental bodies based on conclusions of studies conducted by private institutions which have proven the presence of high levels of lead, with serious risks for the health of human beings.
The social organizations denouncing this situation welcomed the decision by the government, although they said that this decision should have been made some time ago.
They also demand an immediate response for the people who have been suffering this situation for years, and they ask the authorities to analyze vegetables and dairy products produced in the area.
All of these issues were raised in a press conference held by Ricardo Navarro, from CESTA-Friends of the Earth, and Carlos Mejia and Maria Tomasa Guardado, from the Movement without Lead.
