The majority of the pollution along the 2,000-mile border from California to Texas is generated by 2,000 maquiladoras, according to experts. While officials on both sides began monitoring the air quality last year, they agreed to keep the results a secret. For Martinez and her family, however, the maquiladoras are a godsend. We feed our family because of the maquilas,'' she said. In the shanty where they live, there is no running water or electricity.
Residents dispose of their trash by dumping it in the canal or incinerating it.
The acrid chemicals and sewage burn a long time. Although neighbors have been afflicted by stomach viruses and skin rashes, the Martinezes have been fortunate. You don't think about the black waters,'' Teresa Martinez said. For now, we are fine here,'' said Teresa Martinez.