In the western Chilean cities of Quintero and Puchuncaví, at least 75 people have been poisoned as a result of high levels of pollution from heavy industry. Sulfur dioxide levels were briefly five times higher than normal on Monday, Quintero mayor Rubén Gutiérrez said on Tuesday. More than 50 children and more than 25 school staff were “affected by the effects of the toxic gases”.
“The communities of Quintero and Puchuncaví have tolerated this for decades, but this must end,” Gutiérrez said. According to the health authorities of the Valparaíso region, those affected complained of symptoms such as headaches, itchy eyes and throat and nausea. They were examined and then released to go home. The regional government has declared an environmental emergency in Quintero and Puchuncaví. Schools in both cities were closed.
Mining, oil, cement, gas and chemical companies as polluters
Mining, oil, cement, gas and chemical companies are located in the two cities of Quintero and Puchuncaví, which the environmental protection organization Greenpeace has called “Chiles Chernobyl”.
In 1958, the Chilean government decided to turn the region into an industrial center. Pollution has increased significantly since then. The governor of Valparaíso, Rodrigo Mundaca, called on those responsible for the poisoning to be held accountable.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
