The minister ordered immediate eviction of the miners who also use mercury in coagulation process of the alluvial gold which is finally drained into the river. "This is very serious. These (miners) put people's lives at risk. Unsuspecting water consumers may suffer health complications resulting from mercury.
They must be removed to avoid running the risk," Prof Maghembe ordered. Meanwhile, Dr Stanley Lyimo from Muhimbili Medical Centre said health problems caused by mercury depend on how much has entered in the human body, how it entered, how long one has been exposed and how the body responds to it.
"Mercury is harmful to both animals and human beings. Children are more susceptible to mercury poisoning than adults. Exposure to even small amounts of mercury over a long period may cause negative health effects including permanent damage to the brain and nervous system, kidney, lungs and the developing foetus," Dr Lyimo explained.
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