Senator Eliot Shapleigh - El Paso, Texas

I am sitting here looking out my window, dominating the view are the 2 large smoke-stacks of ASARCO. The smokestacks are so close I feel like I can reach my hand out and touch them. A few months ago when we moved in here I didn’t know why the stacks weren’t blowing smoke. With a little more investigating I found out that it used to emit toxins into the air some 6 years ago. I didn’t think anything of it after that because it never affected me, being that I only moved here 5 years ago. I had no idea why it shut down and was not aware of the effects that this, still existing smokestack would eventually have on me.

I am writing as a concerned mother and on the behalf of many mothers out there in Mexico, New Mexico and El Paso that have no idea what the repercussions may be on our children if Asarco is allowed to renew its permit for the next ten years. I think it is imperative that we as mothers take a strong stand to protect our children. There is evidence and a long history of health related problems in children that lived in ASARCO’s 4 mile radius while it was open. There are children out there who were exposed to lead, arsenic, among other toxins that have never been tested. It seemed to be the same old story of if I don’t look then it isn’t there. I was shocked to find out that the “normal” blood lead level is below 10 and over 15 can cause some serious health issues in children. But I say that no lead level is acceptable. The levels of lead exposure over 15 cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems and a lowered I.Q. As a parent, I want to know this information so that if my child is affected, then I can take certain measures to deal with these negative effects properly.

The point is that we must fight for our children because they deserve a clean environment without exposure to toxins. After all they are our future and learn by example. I definitely will teach my son to fight for a healthy and safe life but I can make the fight that much easier by doing my part as a parent by getting involved and educating myself.

As our family grows my husband and I want to purchase a home in the Kern area. If ASARCO obtains a renewal permit then we will certainly rethink this decision. And what about those people who may move to El Paso and see the huge smokestack spewing out toxins. This clearly isn’t a good move for the benefit of El Paso’s tourist industry or business.

I guess the point is that my son comes first and I will do what ever it takes to protect him and any children that come along in the future. All I want is for all children to be able to play in the mud, sand and breathe clean air. And what about a parent’s peace of mind, wondering if my child will be come contaminated or have health problems later on. What happened to the carefree innocence of playing outside--if Asarco renews this permit I am afraid that will be lost.