Mittal dismisses pollution claims in South Africa

Charity Davenport
10/1/09
9:57pm

According to an article by Clean Jacobson, there is a huge pollution problem in Vanderbijpark, South Africa. This pollution is said to be due to ArcelorMittal SA, the world’s largest steel maker. However, Mittal dismissed allegations of severe environmental damage and unethical business practices at the mill. They claim that they realize that there is, in fact, pollution in the water and the air, but claim that they will have clean-up operations under way soon. They also say that they hold meetings with people of the community to address their concerns on the issue. The article states that about 500 families lived on the farmlands, but only 4 families hold on to land. Experts have said that the ground water has been contaminated with toxins that cause disease and birth defects. Residents gathered to discuss the effects that the pollution has had. They told how animals were being born deformed, their clothes would become bleached after washing, and metal frames would rust away. One gentlemen stated that his daughter has 3 different types of cancer, all of his children are sick, and even his grandchildren have fallen ill.

I found this article to be very disturbing. As I was reading, it seemed like the company realized that they were causing problems, however they didn’t seem to be handling the issue in a timely manner. It is really sad to see how much the people in those areas are being affected by the pollution. I wish that they could simply move away to a safer environment, but being that their crops are failing and they are falling ill, they probably do not have the money nor strength to make the move. It saddens me to know that so many of the children are becoming sick as well. I hope that the problem gets fixed really soon so that people can go on to live happy, healthy lives.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j81BOuYf5I32iL5Q_btCOo3tBLdwD9AUHAN80