Exporting air pollution and birth defects to Mexico

A tightening of the US air quality standard for lead in 2009 caused an increase exports of used batteries to Mexico. 

•  In the United States, air-borne lead dropped sharply near affected plants, most of which were battery-recycling plants. 

•  In Mexico, production increased at battery-recycling plants ... and birth outcomes deteriorated within two miles of those plants 

Cite: North-South Displacement Effects of Environmental Regulation: The Case of Battery Recycling