Intel cleared over pollution-sickness in New Mexico

The state launched the investigation after residents of Corrales, a small town near Albuquerque, complained that fumes from a factory belonging to the computer-chip maker were causing rashes, asthma and other health problems.

An air-quality assessment conducted in March, and re-evaluated after complaints that it relied on computer models and not real-world observations, found no evidence that chemicals in the air had caused the health problems.

“Now that this five-phase project has been completed, the results are in and the facts are clear,” said Ron Curry, environment department secretary for the state of New Mexico. “This health risk assessment did not find conclusive evidence of any negative health impacts related to poor air quality.”