Mercury, used in gold mining to separate the precious metal from other materials, seeps into the water supply and soil. Mercury “toxicity causes irreversible damage to the environment and to the health of the general population living in the region where mining occurs,” said the study.
“Among participants in Puleowime, 12 percent reported feeling numbness in arms, fingers, or toes,” it said. “In Kawemhakan, that number was higher at 36%. Three women with hair mercury levels between 25 and 30 micrograms per gram requested a health assessment. All complained of headaches and pain and tingling in their hands and feet.” http://lapress.org/articles.asp?art=6529
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