Guerrilla warfare isn't the only danger from gold mining.
A recent article on Colombia's gold rush fails to mention potential mercury effects on ecosystems and fish consumers.
A March 3 article in the New York Times describes the armed conflict arising from gold mining in Colombia, particularly in the area near Medellin. While the article touches on the region's large-scale environmental degradation, it fails to mention the more extensive environment and human health impacts of massive mercury releases associated with the mining practices.
The reporter explains that the gold operations occur along river basins where miners use liquid mercury to chemically separate the metal from river sediments. Not only are the miners directly exposed to the mercury, but "an estimated 67 tons" are released into the environment each year.
Mercury affects brain and nervous system function. Even at low levels, memory and motor skills can decline. Too much of it causes mercury poisoning that can lead to severe illness or death. Pregnant women and children are the most vulnerable to mercury's neurodevelopmental effects.
Importantly, once mercury is in the environment, it can accumulate in the food chain, particularly in fish. From there, it can be passed on through diet to other wildlife and people.
The health impacts of this massive exposure on the ecosystem and human health should be mentioned in this detailed article about gold mining issues in South America.
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Based on a work at www.environmentalhealthnews.org.
