Toxic foam from a Colombian river spills into town, affecting residents' livelihoods and health
Detergent waste?
The froth floating in the Balsillas river, according to the local administration, is caused by detergent waste poured into the river.
Affecting the community
However, Mosquera neighbours complained that the foam was not just soap and that its residues were corrosive, seriously affecting the community.
Impacting livelihoods
A local shopkeeper Luis Romero complained about losing clients. He states that every time the foam appears, customers flee because of the foul odour.
Rots everything
"Health, that's the problem. This foam affects everything; for example, foam falls on the doors, and everything rots," Romero said.
Affecting health
Claudia Esperanza Garzon, a resident, told Reuters that her health has deteriorated since the foam appeared.
"I have to use an inhaler because my lungs are already bad," said Garzon while sweeping foam from his house.
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