Mongabay · Climate & nature

Mercury Poisoning Threatens Bolivian Communities

A new analysis reveals 39 communities in Bolivia suffer from mercury poisoning, with 125 more at risk, primarily due to contaminated fish consumption.

Communities in Bolivia's Beni River basin rely on fish, but it's contaminated with mercury. Levels in some areas are nine times higher than WHO limits.

A Mongabay analysis of 42 studies over 27 years found 249 communities exposed to mercury, with 702 at risk.

In Bolivia, all 533 human samples from 36 communities exceeded WHO mercury limits. Fish samples from 17 communities also showed contamination.

Mercury from illegal gold mining causes severe health damage, affecting the nervous system, kidneys, and fetal development.

Despite signing the Minamata Convention, mercury use persists in mining, with Bolivia being a major buyer.

Medical care is limited, with health centers unable to offer specific treatments. Residents consume contaminated fish for survival.

Contamination flows down the Beni River from upstream mining, affecting communities hundreds of miles away. State inaction persists.

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