U.S. Exports Lead Batteries to Mexico for Recycling

The lead article in today’s New York Times, “Used Batteries from U.S. Expose Mexicans to Risk,” provides just one more example why businesses need to be regulated for everyone’s good. For economic reasons, companies are exporting used batteries to Mexico for recycling purposes to avoid costly rules promulgated by the EPA for the health of both adults and particularly vulnerable children.

Exposure to lead can affect the natural development of kids and cause severe developmental disabilities, and now, as a result of this illegal exporting, the very ground in which Mexican children are playing is contaminated.

The degree of danger is sobering. With demand for lead up more than ten times in the past few years, the recycling of lead batteries has become a growth industry in Mexico, and little effort is made to police it. The workers end their shifts covered with lead powder, and their health is monitored only minimally by their employers. In addition, there is little control of smokestack emissions bellowing dangerous levels of lead into the atmosphere.

Whether The Times’ expose will bring any changes remains to be seen. One hopes that it will bring action, but it may take a real tragedy before any environmental remediation occurs.

It’s a shame to see such an example of greed and selfishness, especially during the holiday season.