Ecological problems here are similar to those in all republics and regions of the Volga basin. These now threaten the flora, fauna, and the human population of the Chuvash, Tatar, and Mari peoples, as well as Russians.
Children are especially vulnerable.
A problem unique to Chuvashia is the Novocheboksarsk chemical plant which is currently engaged in destroying chemical weapons. Emissions from this plant threaten all forms of life in the region. The Novocheboksarsk plant causes specific respiratory diseases that are far more prevalent in Chuvashia than elsewehere in the Russian Federation, as well as high infant mortality. The women's movement in Chuvashia defines ecology not only in biological terms, but also cultural, economic, and political.