Artisanal gold mining is a common practice in some developing countries, including Senegal. Because of its value, gold is highly sought after. When it is uncovered, it is processed using mercury, a toxic element that can cause neurological problems. The mercury binds itself to the gold, allowing them to separate the gold and mercury from the rock and dirt that encases it. Then, often in the same small huts that their families reside in, they burn off the toxic mercury, leaving pure gold. It creates extremely dangerous levels of mercury in the air they breathe and contributes to a global health problem. This activity is the single greatest source of mercury in the atmosphere worldwide.
http://eng-cs.syr.edu/college-news/students-philanthropy-leads-to-nsf-fellowship-in-mercury-research/
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