Yucatan is on alert due to number of reported cases of cancer, allegedly related to the water pollution.
A recent investigation of Eduardo Batllori Sampedroa member of CINVESTAV, suggests that the water in the region could be the cause of the presence of mercury and arsenic in the blood of the inhabitants.
Eduardo Batllori Sampedro’s research focused specifically on the ring of cenotes, which are part of the hydrological reserve of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Cancer in Yucatán: Alert of rebound in cases due to contaminated water
Both metals found in Yucatan water (mercury and arsenic), whose properties can be carcinogenic, were found in the bodies of people diagnosed with cervical cancer and breast cancer.
“In several communities, elevated levels of mercury and arsenic have been detected in the blood and breast milk, exceeding health standards and being linked to cases of cervical and breast cancer”
Eduardo Batllori Sampedro
According to the research of Eduardo Batllori Sampedro, this area of the Yucatán Peninsula should be considered as a “yellow spotlight” in the face of the risks of contamination, scarcity and salinization.
In addition to these risks, there is the possibility of sea water advancing up to 20 kilometers into freshwater reserves, which threatens the availability of water by 2050.
Batllori points out that it is necessary to infrastructure adequate and quality for water treatment in the municipalities of Yucatán. Among the main reasons for water damage are:
- Insufficient water treatment
- Filtration of contaminants through sinks
- Poorly managed landfills
- Excessive use of agrochemicals
- Soil erosion and loss of vegetation
Agua (Unsplash)
CDMX tops the list of deaths from malignant tumors in Mexico
Despite the recent findings of carcinogenic metals in the blood of inhabitants, surrounding the cenotes of the hydrological reserve of the Yucatan Peninsulait should be remembered that this state is not part of the list.
In 2022, the states that recorded the highest rates of deaths from malignant tumors were:
- Mexico City
- Sonora
- Veracruz of Ignacio de la Llave
- Colima
- Morelos
- Chihuahua
With rates of 76.39 to 95.96 deaths per 100 thousand inhabitants.
breast cancer (Angiola Harry / Unsplash)