'Hazardous Wastes Produced by the Maquiladora Industry of Mexicali, B.C.'

摘要

The city of Mexicali has witnessed the growth of a sizeable industrial development principally sustained by the maquiladora industry. As a consequence of this, the volume of hazardous wastes has greatly increased over the last 10 years. This situation creates a need for evaluating the conditions under which these wastes are handled, with a view to obtaining clear, reliable information regarding the vulnerability level of the region's inhabitants, as well as the impact on the city of Mexicali and the Mexicali Valley. The present study was done with the objective of classifying the wastes produced by the maquiladora industry and of quantifying the annual production. An analysis was also made of the way these wastes are managed, in order to evaluate threats to public health. It was found that a majority of Mexicali's maquiladoras are complying with the legal requirements for declaring hazardous wastes and returning them to their country of origin. However, there is a need for increased vigilance over compliance with these processes as well as for research related with the production, management and final disposition of industrial hazardous wastes in general, in agricultural activities and in health services, among others.