Challenge theme 3: Protecting the environment and safeguarding human health: Chapter 5 in United States-Mexican Borderlands: Facing tomorrow's challenges through USGS science

Circular 1380-5
By:  and 

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Abstract

Many of the diverse, fragile ecosystems of the United States–Mexican border region are reaching unsustainable levels because of rapid population growth and changes in land use. Water shortages and pollution, poor air quality, increased soil salinities, and pesticides and heavy metal contaminants are some of the many stressors that are degrading the quality of life in the Borderlands. Lack of water treatment and wastewater infrastructure on both sides of the United States–Mexican border contributes to elevated rates of various communicable diseases most commonly found in developing countries: tuberculosis, intestinal infections, and hepatitis. Chronic diseases (diabetes, cancer, and heart disease) also prevail at high rates along the border, resembling trends observed in developed countries. In addition, the subtropical climate of the Borderlands is particularly suited for vectors of tropical diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Challenge theme 3: Protecting the environment and safeguarding human health: Chapter 5 in United States-Mexican Borderlands: Facing tomorrow's challenges through USGS science
Series title Circular
Series number 1380
Chapter 5
DOI 10.3133/cir13805
Year Published 2013
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Southwest Region, Contaminant Biology Program
Description 24 p.
Larger Work Type Report
Larger Work Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Larger Work Title United States-Mexican Borderlands: Facing tomorrow's challenges through USGS science (Circular 1380)
First page 92
Last page 115
Country Mexico, United States
Other Geospatial United States-Mexico Borderlands
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details