At one time, El Paso had the highest level of lead contamination in North America (Leon). There was serious concern when the lead contamination was discovered, not just in the physical areas close to ASARCO, but in the blood of the residents of a neighboring community that was then called Smeltertown. Smeltertown residents suffered serious consequences from the lead poisoning; especially the children, and in time, when the danger was reported by health officials, everyone had to be relocated.(White, Murga, and Rodriguez 1)
Many of the workers of ASARCO had health issues. “A lot of us came out sick,” said Danny Arrellano, a former employee of ASARCO. Those who were hospitalized due to high levels of contaminants had to sell their property to pay for medical bills because the company refused to take responsibility for their illnesses and would not pay their medical expenses.