Elevated levels of mercury, arsenic and cadmium have been detected in urine samples from indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon living in areas adjacent to oil fields, according to a study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), the results of which have been published. May 3 in the scientific journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
Researchers have identified high levels of all three toxic metals in indigenous peoples in the northern Peruvian Amazon, where mining is currently at a low level. Oil production has been occurring in this area for five decades, which has led to severe contamination of these areas of the country.
Scientists have reported that mercury, arsenic and cadmium are carcinogenic and can cause serious health problems. Arsenic can cause lung, bladder, skin, liver, and kidney cancers, as well as damage to the skin, liver, and kidneys, decreased red and white blood cell counts, and developmental delays in children.
For its part, cadmium can cause lung, prostate and kidney cancer, as well as respiratory problems, kidney disease, bone fragility, reproductive problems and cardiovascular diseases. Equally harmful is mercury, which can cause neurological damage, cognitive impairment, affect the nervous system of fetuses and children, and cause kidney and immune system diseases.
People are reported to ingest toxic substances in the water they use for drinking and also bathing, which is especially dangerous for mercury, which can penetrate the skin.
Study leader Christina O’Callaghan explained that “Crude oil can contain mercury and other metals that are very high in the environment, both around oil fields and in areas affected by spills.”.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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