When mercury is spilt, or carelessly discarded during the mining process, it remains in the environment to pollute and contaminate anything and everything with which it comes into contact. Eventually, the spilt or discarded mercury reaches the ground water and makes its way back up the food chain. Humans are near the top of the food chain. Mercury poisoning affects the central nervous system, and can cause loss of muscular coordination and paralysis.
http://www.stabroeknews.com/2012/opinion/letters/08/03/mercury-use-in-gold-mining-should-be-stringently-regulated/
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