The Madre de Dios region in Peru is recognized for its lush Amazon
rainforests, meandering rivers and rich wildlife. But the region is also
known for its artisanal gold mining, which employs the use of a harmful
neurotoxin. Mercury is burned to extract the pure gold from metal and
ore producing dangerous air-borne vapors that ultimately settle in
nearby rivers.
"Mercury in all forms is a potent neurotoxin
affecting the brain, central nervous system and major organs," Luis
Fernandez, an ecologist and research associate at the Carnegie
Institution's Department of Global Ecology, told mongabay.com. "At
extremely high exposure levels, mercury has been documented to cause
paralysis, insanity, coma and death."
http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/46035
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