The release of mercury into the environment from ASGM is not only a serious health issue for the local people but it also contributes towards global health problems. When mercury is released into the air, it may travel long distances before it is deposited into waterways and soils. When this occurs, bacteria can convert mercury into an even more toxic form called methyl-mercury, which can bio-accumulate up the food-web. This results in predatory fish, such as tuna and marlin, having high mercury concentrations.
Mercury is a well known neurotoxin. When mercury enters the brain it causes permanent brain damage resulting in dizziness, difficulty in concentration, muscle twitching, poor muscle coordination, memory loss, blurred vision, and numbness in the hands and feet. These symptoms become much more pronounced when mercury exposure occurs in a child or fetus because the developing brain is still forming and therefore more vulnerable to mercury toxicity.
No comments:
Post a Comment