The Socio-Environmental Impact in the Adjacent Settlements of a Former Foundry

Griselda Vázquez-Quintero, Daniel Lira-Hernández, César Damián Pérez-Olmos, María Cecilia Valles-Aragón (), Leonor Cortes-Palacios, César Guillermo García-González, Ireyli Zuluamy Iracheta-Lara, Myrna Concepción Nevárez-Rodríguez and Gilberto Sandino Aquino- de los Ríos
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Griselda Vázquez-Quintero: Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Pascual Orozco Avenue s/n, Campus I, Chihuahua 31200, Chihuahua, Mexico
Daniel Lira-Hernández: Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Pascual Orozco Avenue s/n, Campus I, Chihuahua 31200, Chihuahua, Mexico
César Damián Pérez-Olmos: Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Pascual Orozco Avenue s/n, Campus I, Chihuahua 31200, Chihuahua, Mexico
María Cecilia Valles-Aragón: Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Pascual Orozco Avenue s/n, Campus I, Chihuahua 31200, Chihuahua, Mexico
Leonor Cortes-Palacios: Faculty of Zootechnic and Ecology, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Periférico Francisco R. Almada Km 1, Chihuahua 31453, Chihuahua, Mexico
César Guillermo García-González: Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Pascual Orozco Avenue s/n, Campus I, Chihuahua 31200, Chihuahua, Mexico
Ireyli Zuluamy Iracheta-Lara: Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Pascual Orozco Avenue s/n, Campus I, Chihuahua 31200, Chihuahua, Mexico
Myrna Concepción Nevárez-Rodríguez: Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Pascual Orozco Avenue s/n, Campus I, Chihuahua 31200, Chihuahua, Mexico
Gilberto Sandino Aquino- de los Ríos: Faculty of Zootechnic and Ecology, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Periférico Francisco R. Almada Km 1, Chihuahua 31453, Chihuahua, Mexico

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 5, 1-33

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: metals and metalloids; mining waste; social perception (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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