Air pollution in an arid environment: the effects of copper smelting on the US-Mexico border region

Community activists and some observers have alleged that sulfur dioxide and other emissions may damage crops and natural vegetation, harm wildlife, upset limnological balance and reduce visibility. But these assertions should not obscure the fact that smelter emission is not merely an environmental issue. Since the late 1970s the topic has generated controversial debates in several arenas. First, control of smelter emissions must be seen as an economic problem facing a major industry. Above all else, control is expensive, and may not be cost effective. Second, human health may be adversely affected by smelter smoke. Finally, smelting occurs on both sides of the US-Mexico border, and the gases respect no boundaries. As a result, all of the above concerns have converged in what has become a delicate binational diplomatic issue. -from Author