Mercury exposure widespread among Yanomami tribe in Amazon, report finds

[Judi Lynn]

A global review of mercury exposure in 2018 identified Amazon river tributary communities as one of four communities of most concern.

ASSOCIATED PRESS / April 4, 2024



A Brazil Environmental Agency helicopter flies over an illegal mining camp during an operation to try to contain it in Yanomami Indigenous territory, Roraima state, Brazil, Feb. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros, File)

BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Many Yanomami, the Amazon's largest Indigenous tribe in relative isolation, have been contaminated with mercury coming from widespread illegal gold mining, according to a report released on Thursday by Brazil’s top public health institute.

The research was conducted in nine villages along the Mucajai River, a remote region where illegal mining is widespread. Mercury, a poison, is commonly used in illegal mining to process gold.

The researchers collected hair samples from nearly 300 Yanomami of all ages. They were then examined by doctors, neurologists, psychologists and nurses.

The vast majority, 84% of Yanomami tested, had contamination equal to or above 2 micrograms per gram, a level of exposure that can lead to several health problems, according to standards by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization.

More:
https://www.courthousenews.com/mercury-exposure-widespread-among-yanomami-tribe-in-amazon-report-finds/

[mahina]

1. Heartbreaking. As if they don't have enough woes.