Whether due to a lack of work or simply an insufficient salary, some Mexicans have turned to clinics in the United States to sell their plasma , an important element in blood, reports the local newspaper Milenio .

“The plasma industry in the United States has found a business opportunity in job insecurity, economic emergencies, and the poverty of people on the Mexican border, as recognized by the U.S. government, companies, and analysts from various universities,” the outlet stated.

It’s worth noting that, according to the WHO, 65% of the total plasma purchased from people in all countries originates in the United States . That’s equivalent to 8.5 million liters.

According to the outlet, while there are no official figures on how many Mexicans sell their plasma, the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association has recorded at least 52 centers where this element is purchased, all located near the Latin American country.