But even with the attempts to rehabilitate the land, one toxic problem remains. To extract the gold, the ore is mixed with mercury to amalgamate the precious metal, because mercury is most effective in binding very fine and powdery gold particles. Mercury, or quicksilver, is toxic.
Jezahel Tiranzi (35) has covered her hands with plastic bags to protect herself from contact with the toxic substance when she pans the gold. Touching the quicksilver, however, is not nearly as hazardous as its vapour. Its harmful effects include damage to the brain, kidneys and lungs, especially in children.
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