-Editorial
Environmental pollution in the Imperial-Mexicali border region poses a growing threat to public health and the environment. This was emphasized by Dr. Astrid M. Calderas, Ph.D., during the conference “Beyond Borders: The Health Consequences of Pollution in the Imperial-Mexicali Region,” organized by the binational organization EconCiencia y Salud A.C. – EconCiencia & Salud INC.
With a background in engineering and environmental health, Dr. Calderas presented scientific research findings that document the accelerated deterioration of materials exposed to the environment in various areas of Mexicali, reflecting the high toxicity of the air. “New cooling systems installed in different areas showed severe corrosion in less than a month,” she noted. Spectroscopic studies revealed the presence of multiple harmful elements in the environment, affecting materials like copper and aluminum. “If that happens to metal, what’s happening to our lungs?” the researcher questioned.
The conference addressed the documented effects of air pollution on human health, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people who work outdoors. “Pollution doesn’t just cause asthma or respiratory illnesses—it also affects the nervous and immune systems and can reduce life expectancy by up to 10 years,” she warned.
Calderas also criticized the lack of adequate air quality monitoring. According to her analysis, official monitors don’t cover the most affected areas and, in many cases, are either out of service or fail to reflect actual environmental conditions due to the use of weighted averages. “People hear on the radio that the air is good, but they smell it, see it, and feel otherwise,” she said.
In response, her team has developed community-based air monitoring networks that provide real-time data on pollution levels and their variation throughout the day. “One single day can have multiple pollution spikes. If someone has a heart condition, they can’t wait 24 hours to find out they were exposed to a dangerous level,” she explained.
One of the most alarming topics was the impact of agricultural burning, a practice still allowed in Imperial Valley and Mexicali. “Over 240 burns have been documented in Mexicali in a recent period. They release fine particles that enter schools and homes, especially affecting children,” Calderas explained. She also highlighted the ongoing contamination in the New River, which was recently encased without a clear plan to remediate the toxic sediments lying in its bed.
Dr. Calderas emphasized that despite multimillion-dollar binational programs, the core issues remain unresolved. “People get regulated for campfires or fireworks, but large industrial pollution sources are ignored. We need an honest, justice-centered approach,” she said.
The conference concluded with an urgent call for community action, environmental health education, and the implementation of sustainable solutions. “It’s not enough to know what we’re breathing—we must use that knowledge to transform our reality. The health of future generations depends on it,” she concluded.
