World emissions of mercury from small scale and artisanal gold mining and the knowledge gaps about them

333 tonnes of mercury per annum are volatilized directly to the atmosphere

667 tonnes are discharged into soils, rivers and lakes but much of this may be later emitted to the atmosphere “latent emissions”

Severe occupational hazards

Tens of thousands of permanently polluted sites for centuries

Long term environmental health hazards to populations and ecosystems

Perhaps 15 Million people are directly employed by ASGM including 4 million women & 1 million children all potentially exposed

100 million people are indirectly involved and potentially exposed to mercury vapours

Many more people are potentially exposed if the global impact is considered

global contamination of fish

Neurological damage to people and animals

Decreased capacity for innovation and prosperity
societal regression
http://www.htap.org/meetings/2008/2008_04/Presentations/07-04-08/6%20-%20Telmer/Telmer_Rome_UNEP%20April%202008.pdf