Cases

Stopping a Peruvian Smelter from Emitting Toxic Pollutants

The people—especially the children—of La Oroya in the Peruvian Andes, suffer terrible health effects from air pollution emitted by a lead smelter operated by an American company.

Clients

Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense (AIDA)Peruvian Society for Environmental Law (SPDA)

Attorneys

Martin WagnerAnna Cederstav

Regional Office / Program

International Program

Case Overview

The Interamerican Commission on Human Rights, prompted by Earthjustice and its partner AIDA, has repeatedly urged the Peruvian government to come to the rescue of the people—especially the children—of La Oroya in the Peruvian Andes, who suffer terrible health effects from air pollution emitted by a lead smelter operated by an American company.

In fact, the groups first went to the Peruvian courts and secured an order for medical treatment for the victims, but the Peruvian health ministry ignored the court order. It has also ignored requests from the human rights commission.

The effort to rescue the people of La Oroya continues.

Doe Run Peru’s smelter emits such enormous quantities of pollution that many residents suffer from chronic respiratory illnesses and nearly all the children in the city have lead poisoning.
La Oroya is one of the most contaminated cities on the planet. Doe Run Peru’s smelter emits such enormous quantities of pollution that many residents suffer from chronic respiratory illnesses and nearly all the children in the city have lead poisoning. (Photo courtesy of AIDA)

Case Updates

August 19, 2009 Press Release: Victory

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to Hear La Oroya Case

City extensively contaminated by Doe Run Peru Smelter

April 9, 2008 Press Release

Doe Run Smelter in Peru Loses Environmental Certification

Children living near smelter contaminated with high levels of lead

September 5, 2007 Press Release: Victory

Human Rights Body Calls on Peru to Protect Citizens from Contamination by American-owned Smelter

Virtually all the children in La Oroya suffer from lead poisoning

See More

Case page created on May 5, 2003.