1) I live in a colonia and do not have access to potable water. I wait for the pipa every week to fill the containers with water. I've been using containers I get from the maquiladora across the street for a while now. I always clean them before I fill them with water and boil the water once I am ready to drink it. I still wonder if this is enough. Is there more I can do to make sure the water is safe to drink?

Cleaning the containers that you get from the maquiladora may not be enough because soap does not get rid of everything. Remember that these containers were used by maquiladoras and there is no way to know for sure what was kept inside. Many times, these containers are used to store chemicals that can be harmful to your health. If you can avoid using them, please do. I know that sometimes you may not have a choice, so if you must, you can line them with polyethylene plastic, sold in rolls at any department or hardware store. It would be best if you didn't drink the water from the truck at all, but I know that it is hard when you live in a colonia. I'm glad you boil the water, just remember that doing so does not completely purify your water. Boiling the water only gets rid of certain bacteria. Sometimes, boiling water leaves an unpleasant aftertaste. To minimize the aftertaste, pour the boiled water back and forth between two pitchers and leave it out for a few hours. You can also add a pinch of salt for every four cups of water. You also have the option of using tablets of chlorine or iodine. The advantage of using chlorine or iodine tablets is that they contain the necessary dosage for drinking water disinfection. You can purchase them at most drug and sporting goods stores. Just make sure you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

2) I've been working at a maquiladora for a while now. Lately, I have been getting really bad headaches. I get dizzy spells at work and I am anxious and depressed all the time. I even missed work the other day because I felt too sick. I cannot afford to miss work anymore. What could be causing this and what should I do?

Well, I cannot tell you for sure what is happening to you, there are many reasons why you might be experiencing this. Get to a doctor as soon as possible and tell him or her what is going on. If you usually have a hard time talking to your doctor, it is a good idea to keep a diary or a notebook. Jot down what you are feeling, the changes you are experiencing so when you talk to your doctor, you can speak clearly even if you are nervous. Sometimes we are exposed to things that can make us sick and we don't even know it. You mention you work in a maquiladora. Depending on what type of products you are assembling, it is possible that you are handling chemicals that can be harmful to your health. Keep in mind that headaches can be caused by many things: stress, toxins in the environment, or physical disorders. Make sure your doctor is aware that you work in the maquiladora. The more information you bring to your doctor about your condition and lifestyle, the better able he/she will be able to guide you. If you have a doubt, ask! Be informed and be alert to changes around you; does this happen to your coworkers as well? Ask your supervisors about the chemicals you are handling. Under Mexican Law, your managers are required to provide you with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). If you are interested in finding out more about this law follow the link to it at the bottom of this page. If you know the names of the chemicals you handle and you are unable to obtain a safety data sheet, you can find out more about their effects by reading the International Chemical Safety Cards, which are available online (check the link at the bottom of the page). This will give you a better idea of the things you are exposed to by working in the maquiladora.

3) I am very concerned about getting cancer. A lot of people I grew up with, people that live in my town, are getting cancer and dying. Sometimes, it seems as though more people are getting cancer here than anywhere else. What is happening to the people in my community?

Well, it is important to highlight that there are many types of cancer out there. In fact, more than 100 types have been identified. There are various factors both inside your body as well as outside that play a role in the development of cancer. The chance of someone getting cancer by being exposed to certain environmental agents depends on how long and how often that person is exposed to a particular substance but also depends upon exposure to other things, such as genetic factors, diet, lifestyle, health, age and gender. Lifestyle choices, like cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, lack of exercise, and excessive sunlight exposure, can all increase your chances of getting cancer. In other words, there are things that for the most part, you can control such as being exposed to cigarette smoke and things that are harder to control such as exposure to environmental chemicals present in the air, water, food or at work. Studies seek to find the causes of the different types of cancer. For example, some studies have linked lupus clusters with regions where maquiladoras are located, but like I said, each type of cancer develops as a result of various different factors. The most important thing you can do is to stay informed! Be alert of changes around you. If you are worried about cancer's link to maquiladoras and you live close to one, ask about the types of products that are produced there and the type of chemicals they handle. This information will give you a better idea of the types of things to which you are being exposed. There are many organizations that can provide more information and help you identify these hazards. It is important to take ownership of your neighborhood and of yourself. Taking care of your surroundings and making sure hazardous chemicals don't become your neighbors is an important step in ensuring a healthy body. There is a lot you can do…get involved!

4) I live by an abandoned factory that made car batteries. It has been closed for some time now but lately I have noticed many of my neighbors complaining of similar ailments at our weekly community association meetings. I know of other communities that have had similar experiences, communities also located near factories. Could there be a connection between people getting sick and the factory even though the factory has been closed for so long?

Making batteries requires requires using certain chemicals that can be harmful to your health. One of these is called cadmium. Don't be intimidated by the name. Cadmium is a chemical that can damage the lungs, cause kidney disease, irritate the digestive tract and lead to weak or fragile bones. Some of the symptoms include: weakness, fever, headache, chills, sweating and muscular pain. If you are feeling sick, get to a doctor as soon as possible. What is most worrisome, is that cadmium stays in the body for a very long time and can build up for many years. Most severe exposure can lead to cancer or tumors in the lung and trachea. This chemical can enter the body through the air, contaminated water or food. So if you live close to a factory that produced batteries, it is possible that you and your neighbors are breathing this stuff. If you feel this is the case, here are some things you can do.

· First take care of your health, go to your doctor and make sure he or she knows you think you might have been exposed to this.

· Second, talk to your neighbors, document their experiences, illnessess or symptoms.

· third, seek out organizations dedicated to helping individuals like you. See what other communities with similar experiences are doing. Go to the links at the bottom of this page for more information.

El producir baterías involucra el usar ciertos químicos que pueden dañar tu salud. Uno de ellos se llama cadmio. No dejes que el nombre te intimide. El cadmio es un químico que puede dañar los pulmones, causar enfermedades del riñon, irritar el sistema digestivo y hacer que tus huesos se debiliten. Algunos síntomas incluyen: sentirse débil, fiebre, dolores de cabeza, titiritar, sudar, y dolores musculares. Si te estás sintiendo mal, ve al médico lo más pronto posible. Lo más preocupante del cadmio es que permanece dentro del cuerpo por mucho tiempo y puede acumularse a través de los años. En los casos mas extremos puede llegar a causar cáncer o tumores en el pulmón o tráquea (por donde pasa el aire a los pulmones). Este químico puede entrar al cuerpo a través del aire, del agua contaminada y de la comida. Así que si vives cerca de una fábrica de baterías, es probable que tu y tus vecinos estén respirando o inhalando este químico. Si presientes que este es tu caso:

· primero que nada, cuida tu salud, ve con tu doctor y dile que crees haber estado expuesta a este químico.

· segundo, habla con tus vecinos/as, comparte y documenta sus experiencias, enfermedades o síntomas.

· tercero, busca organizaciones que te puedan ayudar. Entérate de lo que otras comunidades con experiencias similares están haciendo al respecto. Hay algunas direcciones de internet al final de esta página que te darán ventaja en tu busqueda.

5) I live close to the U.S.-Mexico border. There is an alleyway next to my backyard. A lot of people walk or drive through this alley and leave trash behind. I wouldn't worry so much if it was only candy wrappers or plastic bags, but they also leave needles behind. I am afraid to clean this up because I've heard you can get all kinds of diseases by touching the needles. What can I do to protect myself and my children from these hazards?

Very true, picking up needles can be hazardous since there are many diseases that can spread by touching them. Then again, leaving them in your backyard because you're afraid of catching a disease can be just as dangerous as actually picking them up. Often, when needles have been used, a small amount of blood is left inside or viruses that you may not be able to see, viruses such as hepatitis B and C, and HIV. Therefore, its important that you:

• Talk to your children about the hazards of touching or picking up items from the alley.

• Wear latex gloves when picking trash up

• If you have tweezers, use them to pick up small items, even if you are wearing gloves.

• After disposing the needle, take off the gloves and throw them away

• Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water after cleaning

• Use sunscreen when going out to clean the yard. Remember that viruses are not the only things that can harm you. Sun exposure for long periods of time without sunscreen can lead to skin cancer. Remember that it doesn't matter what the color of your skin is, you need to wear sunscreen to protect yourself from UV rays.

5) Vivo cerca de la línea de México con Estados Unidos. Hay un callejón enseguida del patio. Mucha gente camina y/o conduce por este callejón, dejando basura tirada por donde quiera. No me preocupara tanto si sólo fueran envolturas de dulces o bolsas de plástico, pero también dejan jeringas. Me da miedo recoger esto porque he oído que se puede contagiar uno con alguna enfermedad al tocar las jeringas. ¿Qué puedo hacer para protegerme a mi y a mis niños de estos peligros?

Muy cierto, el recoger jeringas puede ser peligroso, ya que hay muchas enfermedades que se pueden transmitir al tocarlas. Pero también, el dejarlas en el patio por miedo de contraer una enfermedad puede ser igual de peligroso que el recogerlas. Muchas veces cuando se usan las jeringas, queda un poquito de sangre y otros viruses dentro de ellas, o viruses que no se pueden ver como la hepatitis B y C y hasta el VIH. Por eso es importante que tu:

• Hables con tus hijos acerca del peligro de tocar o recoger basura del callejón

• Uses guantes de látex cuando recojas la basura

• Si tienes unas pinzas, las uses para recoger pedacitos pequeños, aunque tengas los guantes puestos

• (Como Pin Pón), te laves bien las manos con agua y con jabón.

• Uses un protector solar para salir al corral o patio. Recuerda que los viruses no son lo único que te puede hacer daño. El exponerse al sol por mucho tiempo sin usar protector solar puede llegar a contribuir al desarrollo del cáncer de la piel. Recuerda que no importa tu color de piel, siempre debes de usar protector para protegerte de los rayos solares.

7) I grew up by the smelter and have always had breathing problems. My doctor told me I have asthma. I know that when I'm around people that smoke, it gets worse. What can I do to feel better?

Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs and makes breathing challenging. It is most common in children, who many times, suffer beyond adolescence. Symptoms include constant coughing, lack of air, and pain in the chest and neck. Asthma attacks can be horrible and occur when the lungs get irritated. Cigarette smoke irritates the lungs, making asthma attacks more likely to happen. Avoid smoking and try not to be around people when they are smoking. If you cannot control smoking in your house, then use fans or air purifiers to help get the smoke out of the house or designate areas for smoking. It is not only cigarette smoke that is dangerous for asthmatics. Make sure you open the windows when cooking food items that create smoke in the kitchen. Dust, mold, and pets can also be hazardous to your health. Pet hair can irritate your lungs; if you have cats or dogs, it would be better to keep them outside or at the very least, remove the pet hair on a daily basis. If you suffer from asthma, it would help you to follow a balanced diet (ask your doctor about the best foods to control your asthma). For example, some doctors suggest eating fruits and vegetables to keep your immune system strong. Health begins at home; make sure you keep the air clean inside your home. The U.S. EPA offers some suggestions to help purify the air:

· Avoid smoking altogether and don't allow others to smoke inside

· Wash your sheets with hot water every week

· Limit your outside activities when the ozone and contamination are high

· Clean with a wet rag, vacuum the carpet and all upholstered furniture

· Keep pets outside

7) Crecí cerca de la fundición y siempre he tenido problemas al respirar. Mi doctor me dice que es asma. He notado que cuando estoy con gente que fuma, me pongo peor. ¿Qué puedo hacer para sentirme mejor?

El asma es una enfermedad que afecta a los pulmones y hace del respirar un reto. Es más común en los niños, quienes muchas veces, sufren hasta después de la adolescencia. Se manifiesta por una tos persistente, falta de aire, dolor en el pecho o cuello. Los ataques de asma pueden ser horribles y ocurren cuando los pulmones se irritan. El humo del cigarro irrita a los pulmones y puede causar ataques de asma más frecuentes. Trata de mantenerte alejada de fumadores / as mientras fumen. Si no puedes controlar si fuman o no en tu casa, puedes usar ventiladores o abanicos para ayudar a sacar el humo o designa áreas en tu casa donde se pueda fumar. También asegúrate de abrir las ventanas cuando cocines alimentos que produzcan humo en la cocina. El peluche de los animales puede irritar a tus pulmones. Si tienes perros o gatos, será mejor que los mantengas afuera. Si eres asmático o asmática, te ayudaría seguir una dieta balanceada (pregúntale a tu doctor acerca de las comidas más apropiadas). Por ejemplo dicen algunos doctores que el comer frutas y verduras le ayudará a tu sistema inmune, así estarás fuerte y podrás combatir otras enfermedades que te pueden hacer sentir peor. La salud comienza en casa. Asegúrate de mantener limpio el aire de tu casa. La Secretaría de Protección Ambiental de los Estados Unidos (EPA) brinda sugerencias para ayudar a purificar el aire:

· Evita fumar y no dejes que otros fumen adentro

· Lava tus sábanas con agua caliente cada semana

· Limita tus actividades al aire libre cuando haya un alto nivel de ozono y contaminación

· Sacude con un trapo húmedo, aspira la alfombra y los muebles tapizados

· Mantén a tus mascotas afuera

8) The summer months are the worse! Roaches, ants, rats and mosquitoes in my house drive me insane! My first thought is to buy insecticides and poison to kill bugs and cover the whole house with them, but I worry about my kids breathing this stuff and accidentally poisoning themselves. Are bug sprays and other types of poison ok to use? What can I do to make sure I am not harming my children when I use these products?

Some of these chemicals are toxic and can contribute to the development of asthma or cancer. Keep in mind that how much of them you use and how you use them has a lot to do with it. For starters, it would be good to find alternatives that are less risky for you and your children. The following alternatives can be used to control pests at home:

· Cucumber is a natural roach repellent: slice the cucumber and rub the slices on their path, making sure to cover all areas that roaches tend to visit.

· If you have ants in your house, make sure to throw away any leftovers and check for those little pieces of food that always get stuck on the corners. Ants can be repelled with vinegar or cinnamon. Place lines of either vinegar or cinnamon sticks at various points along their path. Although this is not a sure thing, many people say it works… try it! If you find their nest, pour boiling water over it; you can also try adding cayenne pepper to the boiling water.

· Flies are other bothersome visitors that can be scared away easily with the water in the bag trick. Just hang a small, clear plastic bag filled with water from the top of the doorframe and watch the flies disappear!

Keep in mind that children are more vulnerable to these chemicals than adults. If you feel that you need to use insecticides, then make sure to read all the fine print in the back and take precautions. So in short, keep all food and thrash in closed containers. Don't leave dirty plates overnight, avoid and/or repair water leaks, and maintain surfaces dry. In addition, try some of the suggestions above and see if they work for you.

8) Los meses de verano son de lo peor. Las cucarachas, hormigas, ratas y zancudos en mi casa me vuelven loca. Lo primero que se me ocurre es comprar esos insecticidas y venenos para matar estos bichos y rociarlos por toda la casa, pero me preocupa que esto les haga daño a mis hijos. Es malo usar insecticidas? ¿Cómo puedo asegurarme que no les estoy haciendole daño a mis niños al usar estos productos?

Algunas de estas sustancias son tóxicas y pueden tener efectos negativos que pueden contribuir al desarrollo del el asma o el cáncer. Toma en cuenta que mucho depende de la cantidad que uses y como lo utilices. Para empezar, sería bueno buscar soluciones menos riesgosas para tu salud y la de tus hijos. Las siguientes opciones pueden ser utilizadas para controlar los bichos en casa:

· El pepino es un repelente natural para las cucarachas. Córtalo en rodajas y frótalas por donde suelen pasar, asegurándote de cubrir todos los sitios visitados por ellas.

· Si andan hormigas por tu casa, asegúrate de tirar la comida que queda y de tirar todos los pedacitos de comida que queden escondidos en las esquinas de la cocina. El vinagre y la canela ahuyentan a las hormigas. Rocía vinagre o pon palitos de canela en los diferentes puntos de su camino. Aunque no ha sido comprobado, mucha gente dice que si funciona…trátalo! Si encuentras su nido, échale agua hervida; también puedes añadir pimienta al agua hervida.

· Las moscas son visitas muy desagradables pero pueden ser espantadas facilmente con el viejo truco del agua en la bolsa. Solo cuelga una pequeña bolsa de plástico transparente, llena de agua en el marco de la puerta y observa como desaparecen!

Toma en cuenta que los niños son más vulnerables a estos químicos que los adultos. Si sientes que tienes que usar plaguicidas, entonces asegúrate de leer las letras pequeñitas que se encuentran en el envase y toma tus precauciones. Para resumir, recuerda mantener toda la comida y basura en recipientes cerrados. No dejes platos sucios durante la noche, evita fugas de agua, repara las goteras, y mantén superficies secas. Junto con esto, puedes seguir las sugerencias brindadas aquí y ve si te funcionan.

¿Qué es el plomo? ¿Dónde se encuentra?

El plomo es un metal que se encuentra en la tierra y en las piedras. Es usado para fabricar diferentes productos como las baterías, el barro, platos cerámicos pintados a mano y antes de los años '70, como base de pintura. Como mencionas, últimamente se han visto muchas noticias sobre el plomo en los dulces y en otras cosas. La mayoría de los dulces que se han estado mencionando son dulces que contienen chile en polvo tales como Vero Vagabundo, Dulmex's Rollito de Tamarindo, y Chaca Chaca (entre otros). Agentes de salud de Arizona han publicado una advertencia a los consumidores y aconsejan que se evite comer estos dulces porque pueden contener altos niveles de plomo.

Aunque la pintura que contiene plomo fue prohibida en los Estados Unidos en los años 70, casas que fueron construidas antes pueden representar un peligro para tu salud. Hoy en día, niños y adultos están expuestos a partículas de plomo que son más pequeñas que en el pasado. Pero el polvo todavía esta presente en el aire y puede ser inhalado. En cuestión de la cerámica o barro, las autoridades de salud sugieren que la gente no prepare alimentos en cerámicas provenientes de México o Latino América ya que pueden contener altos niveles de plomo. Hay que recalcar que no todo el barro contiene plomo:

• La cerámica producida en los Estados Unidos debe cumplir con estándares o reglas de seguridad y se cree que es segura.

• Busca la etiqueta que diga "puede utilizarse con comida"

• La cerámica o barro puede ser peligrosa/o si hay un polvo gris en el vidriado después de lavarla/o.

Ahora es importante recalcar que el Gobierno de México a través del FONART (Fondo Nacional para el Fomento de las Artesanías) ha implementado el Programa de Sustitución del Uso del óxido de Plomo en el Vidriado. Si quieres obtener más información sobre este programa comunícate a la Dirección General de Salud Ambiental en México, D. F. (al 01-52554555).

Porqué puede ser peligroso?