The largest indigenous tribe in the Amazon was contaminated with mercury
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Researchers: Amazon’s Largest Indigenous Tribe Contaminated with Mercury
The Yanomami Indians, the largest indigenous tribe in the Amazon and living in relative isolation, were contaminated with mercury as a result of widespread illegal gold mining. This is stated in a report published by the Brazilian Institute of Public Health.
How writes Associated Press, the study was conducted in nine villages along the Mukazhai River, a remote region where illegal mining of the precious metal is widespread. Mercury 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 the Yanomami tested, had contaminant levels equal to or greater than 2 micrograms per gram, an exposure level that can lead to a range of health problems, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization standards.
More worryingly, a minority of this group, 10%, exceeded the 6 micrograms per gram threshold – a level of contamination often associated with more serious illness.
Research teams also tested fish in the area and also found high levels of mercury. Eating fish high in mercury is also the most common route of infection.
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