Controversial topic of "Ventanas"

Ventanas has produced a string of environmental tragedies. In 1993, it was declared a saturated area by the presence of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, so the Ventanas division of Codelco, the largest and most polluting, implements a remediation plan. However, 135 workers of Codelco have died of cancer in recent years and after a toxic cloud of sulfur dioxide, among other components, on March 23 this year, there was a leak that caused poisoning in 23 children and seven adults in La Greda School. The Ministry of Health has proved respiratory diseases and cancer to have grown by 40% in Ventanas.

But two companies produce the major sulfur dioxide emissions in the area: besides the industrial complex of Codelco, the power plants of AES Gener. Both are under the rule in Chile, but their standards are quite low. The two, however, are well above the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), and the U.S. standard.

 Causes and effects this situation has avoided if had revised time Chilean standards. But, firstly, they must make a serious study of the effects of pollution, as nobody knows exactly where contamination comes from.

It is essential to carry out studies and implement monitoring stations in the area of Puchuncaví to establish whether a causal relationship between contaminants and potential health problems of people. Fortunately, the body has the ability, once off-site contamination, to activate the detoxification mechanisms and lower pollution levels by itself. But this can not be done if you live there.