Mercury poisoning in Peru's Amazon found in nearly 80 per cent of villagers in recent study
The test results released this month by the Center for Amazonian Scientific Innovation at Wake Forest University (CINCIA) in the United States show nearly 80 per cent of the people tested late last year had levels of mercury far above the safe limits in six communities on the banks of the Nanay and Pintuyacu rivers.
"The majority of the population is contaminated," said Jairo Reategui Davila, the Apu, or leader, of San Antonio de Nanay, one of the tested communities.
"We call on the authorities to take action on the matter because we are very concerned," he said.
The results showed 37 per cent of the 273 men, women and children tested had levels of mercury at more than 10 ppm (parts per million) in their hair, compared to just three per cent under the 2.2 ppm limit established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
How did so much mercury get in the environment? The central factor is a lust for gold, according to scientists and officials.
Gold prices have soared by nearly 50 per cent in the last year, beating successive record highs, and encouraging a flourishing illegal gold mining trade in the Amazon, where illegal miners use mercury to extract gold particles from the river silt.
After the gold is extracted, these mining operations burn off the mercury, turning the toxic metal to vapour that is absorbed by surrounding plants, soil and rivers, said Claudia Vega, head of the mercury program at CINCIA, damaging local nature and biodiversity and raising significant health concerns.
Mercury poisoning is associated with several health issues, including cognitive impairment in adults and irreversible developmental delays and learning difficulties for children and babies in the womb.
Gabriel Barría, regional coordinator for heavy metals for the local health authority, said it was "very regrettable that villagers were highly contaminated" and blamed the spread of illegal gold mining for the mercury levels in Amazon rivers.
He said the health authority did not have the budget to carry out tests for mercury and had only tested 12 villagers on a recent health visit relying on blood and urine samples.
Exceeding the limit
CINCIA said tests revealed an average level was 8.41 ppm, exceeding the WHO limit by nearly four times.
Given that illegal mining in Loreto is fairly recent, there are no comprehensive studies on its health impact on the local population yet.
But the levels in these initial tests are already higher than those in the Peruvian Amazon region most impacted by illegal gold mining, Madre de Dios, where 2012 tests showed the majority of adults had average mercury levels of 2.7 ppm.
Communities along the Amazon have had to deal with illegal gold mining operations for decades, but it's become a mounting problem in South America in recent years despite governments attempting to crack down on them.
In 2023, Colombia, Brazil and the U.S. teamed up to destroy 19 illegal gold mining dredges in the Amazon rainforest. Around 114,000 grams of mercury was being dumped into the river every month at these sites, which authorities said were run by a transnational criminal group.
Luis Fernandez, executive director of CINCIA and research professor at Wake Forest University, said if illegal mining continued to spread in Loreto, then villagers with already high mercury levels might begin to approach those close to the worst-recorded cases of mercury contamination.
This includes Minamata Bay, the renowned case in Japan in the 1950s, where children were born with congenital deformities and neurological disabilities caused by a chemical factory dumping mercury into the water supply for decades.
Vega from CINCIA, who led the study, said the results showed worrying "background" levels of mercury in the Loreto riparian communities.
The villagers' fish-based diet was the biggest vector for the mercury entering their systems, Vega said. While this particular study couldn't fully determine if the mercury came from naturally occurring sources or human-caused activities like illegal gold mining, she noted that "several studies agree that the entry of mining into a territory tends to significantly increase mercury levels in the environment."
The villagers tested for this newly released study were mainly exposed to methylmercury, researchers found, a highly toxic form that accumulates in the body.
"[The] greatest risk is for pregnant women and children: methylmercury can cross the placenta and affect the development of the developing baby's brain," Vega said. "This type of exposure is a serious public health concern, even if affected individuals do not show immediate symptoms."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBC
2 days ago
- CBC
Small Cape Breton school gets kudos for big environmental efforts
A small Cape Breton school is getting national recognition for its environmental efforts. The Donkin School is the only school in Nova Scotia to receive eco-certification at the platinum level from EcoSchools Canada, a non-profit group focused on building sustainable communities. The school has about 130 students ranging from pre-primary to Grade 8 and has undertaken many initiatives including community cleanups and energy conservation days. "We turned off the lights for a day," said Grade 8 student Lukas Burke. "It was sweater day, for like turning down the heat." The students have also been working in a community garden on the school's grounds. They planted tomatoes, strawberries, carrots and some trees, including plum, apple and peach trees. The school also participated in an event called the Great Gulp to raise awareness about access to clean water on World Water Day. People could enter the competition by drinking tap water from a reusable water bottle and sharing a picture of themselves drinking it. The school invited a Mi'kmaw elder for a traditional Grandmother Moon ceremony, which included a blessing of the water and teaching students the source of the water and the importance of having access to clean water. Math and science teacher Brittney Melnick said she is proud of her school's efforts and is thrilled the school is being recognized. She said the school plans to continue to find new ways to be eco-friendly. "Hard work, dedication and finally achieving something that we have been really working toward at the school," said Melnick of the certification. "We are excited to see what opportunities this gives us in the coming years."
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Globe and Mail
CVS vs. Amazon: Healthcare Battle Continues- Which Stock to Buy Now?
Amazon 's AMZN entry into healthcare was once seen as a major existential threat to traditional players like CVS Health CVS. From its 2018 acquisition of PillPack to the rapid expansion of Amazon Pharmacy, AI-powered prescription fulfillment, RxPass discounts for Prime members, and even drone-based drug delivery, Amazon has quickly shaken up the retail pharmacy landscape, prompting investor concerns about the long-term viability of brick-and-mortar drugstores. Its recent moves into diagnostics in India and AI-enhanced primary care via One Medical have only reinforced its ambition to redefine healthcare as a logistics- and data-driven service. But CVS hasn't stood still. After a tough 2024 marked by cost headwinds at its Aetna insurance unit, the company is staging a strong comeback in 2025, now among the top 10 S&P 500 performers year to date. In the first quarter of 2025, CVS posted $95 billion in revenue and continued expanding its vertically integrated ecosystem, including Oak Street Health clinics, Aetna's Medicare Advantage plans and over 9,000 retail locations. What once looked like an asymmetrical battle is now shaping into a true rivalry. With Amazon driving digital-first, scalable models powered by generative AI and logistics strength and CVS focusing on integrated care and physical access, investors are currently watching closely to see who will ultimately lead the next era of healthcare delivery. Let's discuss in detail. Physical Footprint vs. Digital Deployment CVS Health continues to capitalize on its vast physical footprint, boasting over 9,000 retail pharmacies across the United States, alongside its insurance arm, Aetna, and a growing network of Oak Street Health clinics. This infrastructure enables CVS Health to offer coordinated, in-person care with integrated logistics, pharmacy, and insurance services under one umbrella. The company's ability to deliver both routine and specialized care locally makes it a go-to player for communities seeking trusted, comprehensive healthcare access. In contrast, while it lacks a clinic network, Amazon is leaning into its core strength, logistics. Its recent launch of at-home diagnostics in six Indian cities via a partnership with Orange Health sent shockwaves through the market, triggering concerns for local diagnostics giants. By integrating test booking directly into its app, Amazon is building a tech-enabled healthcare layer on top of its existing consumer base and delivery infrastructure, reinforcing its push toward frictionless, on-demand healthcare. Integrated Clinical Model vs. Tech-Fueled Efficiency CVS Health is building a vertically integrated healthcare ecosystem that brings together insurance (Aetna), pharmacy services, and care delivery, offering patients a cohesive, end-to-end experience. In Q1 2025, CVS Health reported that Medicare Advantage members who use CVS pharmacies experienced 3% lower medical costs, a reflection of stronger medication adherence and care coordination. Amazon, meanwhile, is pursuing a modular, tech-driven approach. Through Amazon One Medical in the United States, the company is embedding generative AI tools, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), HealthScribe and Bedrock, directly into clinical workflows, slashing physicians' administrative time by around 40%. Beyond primary care, AWS is expanding its healthcare footprint with AI-powered solutions in diagnostics, medical coding, drug discovery, and operational efficiency. Rather than integrating care under one roof, Amazon is redefining each function with digital tools that emphasize productivity, scalability, and user experience. CVS Eighth on the S&P 500 Chart, AMZN at No. 262 After a rough 2024, marked by high utilization at its Aetna insurance unit, as well as reimbursement pressure, CVS Health has experienced a dramatic recovery so far in 2025. The stock has become the S&P 500's eighth-best performer, with a year-to-date return of 56%, thereby outperforming all other index members by a significant margin. Amazon, on the other hand, is at number 262 on the chart with a 1.8% gain. These compare to the benchmark's 5.1% rise during this period. YTD Price Performances of CVS and AMZN Comparing EPS Projections: CVS Health & Amazon The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CVS' 2025 earnings per share suggests a 12.7% improvement from 2024. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AMZN's 2025 EPS implies an improvement of 12.5% over the previous fiscal. CVS is Attractively Valued Than AMZN CVS is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings, which is a commonly used multiple for valuing healthcare stocks, of 10.48X, above its five-year median of 9.45X. Meanwhile, Amazon is presently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings of 33.3X, which is below its five-year median of 55.1X. This suggests that while CVS may appear slightly elevated compared with its own historical average, it remains attractively valued relative to CVS. Buy CVS Now, Hold AMZN While Amazon is making bold, tech-driven plays in healthcare, CVS Health is firmly holding its ground with a focused, integrated strategy. Backed by a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), CVS is outperforming the market in 2025 through strong Medicare Advantage growth and disciplined execution. Amazon, a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock, remains an innovator, but its healthcare efforts are still maturing and carry greater execution risk. For near-term earnings prospects and sector leadership, CVS stands out as the better investment today. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here. Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor Stock It's only 1/9,000th the size of NVIDIA which skyrocketed more than +800% since we recommended it. NVIDIA is still strong, but our new top chip stock has much more room to boom. With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $803 billion by 2028. See This Stock Now for Free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. CVS Health Corporation (CVS): Free Stock Analysis Report
CBC
2 days ago
- CBC
Personality plays a role in whether you believe in climate change, Dalhousie study finds
Personality plays a role in whether people believe in climate change, a recent study has found — and that could have implications for efforts to combat climate skepticism. The research from Dalhousie University in Halifax found people who are more skeptical about climate change are more likely to rank higher on scales of narcissism, machiavellianism and psychopathy — traits that reflect a tendency to be self-centred, manipulative, callous and socially aversive. People who are less skeptical about climate change are more likely to have pro-social personality traits of openness, agreeableness, honesty, humility and emotionality. Scott Pruysers is an associate professor in the political science department at Dalhousie University and the lead author of the study, published in March in the journal Climatic Change. He says understanding the personality roots of climate skepticism can help develop more effective strategies to encourage environmentally conscious behaviour. "The precursor to developing good policy or understanding why people care about this issue is understanding who doesn't care about it, who remains skeptical," he said. "And so we're going to have to get kind of creative and smarter with the messaging." How the study was done The researchers analyzed data from a survey of 1,725 Canadians conducted in 2020. The survey respondents were asked to rate how much they agreed or disagreed with the following statements: I am certain that climate change is happening. Claims that human activities are changing the climate are exaggerated. Floods and heat waves are not increasing; there is just more reporting of it in the media these days. Climate change is just a result of natural variation in the climate. Climate change is a scam. Government should do more to address climate change. Pruysers says while researchers have previously looked at the roots of climate skepticism, some of those studies had limitations that the Dalhousie study tried to overcome. While other studies have relied primarily on undergraduates as participants, his study ensured the participants reflected the income, gender and age distribution of the Canadian population. In addition, previous studies have used as few as 10 descriptors (for example, reserved/quiet, or disorganized/careless) to assess personality. Pruysers's study used more robust measures that included more than 160 descriptors. Scientific consensus There is worldwide scientific consensus that the Earth's climate is changing, and that human activity has unequivocally caused climate change. The United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which produces assessments written by hundreds of leading scientists, has found that climate change is a threat to human well-being and planetary health, and that changes must be made to ensure a liveable and sustainable future. The Dalhousie study found that more than 20 per cent of participants believe claims that human activity is changing the climate are exaggerated, 17 per cent believe climate-related events such as floods or heat waves are not increasing, and more than 10 per cent disagree that governments should be doing more to address climate change. More recent data has also found similar levels of skepticism among Canadians and dwindling concern about climate change. Different strategies may be needed Demographic and political factors do affect climate skepticism. For instance, the study found that men and people who are more right wing are more skeptical, while those with higher education levels, income and political knowledge are less skeptical. While the participants' self-placement on the left-right ideology scale was the factor that most accurately predicted climate skepticism, openness was the second most predictive factor, outperforming factors such as age, education, income and political interest and knowledge. The study made it clear to Pruysers that personality does play a role, so in order to convince skeptics to adopt planet-friendly practices, he says different tactics may be needed. For example, Pruysers said, other research has shown that people who score higher in narcissism are more likely to buy environmentally friendly products if they might be seen and admired by others while doing it. Pruysers emphasized that the study is not labelling climate skeptics as narcissists or psychopaths. "When people hear something like narcissism or psychopathy, right, it's jarring. We're not talking about clinical levels of these things," he says. Rather, he says, the traits are measured on a spectrum and most people will exhibit elements of those traits. Hard to put findings to use Matthew Hornsey is a professor in the business school at the University of Queensland in Australia who researches the psychological motivations for rejecting scientific consensus, including climate change skepticism. He said the Dalhousie study is "one of the more authoritative statements" around the role of personality and climate skepticism and its methodology is more sophisticated than other studies on the topic. While the data makes it clear there is a relationship between climate skepticism and darker personality traits, and pro-social traits and acceptance of climate science, those relationships are not particularly strong. "Just because something is there, doesn't mean it's a big, big effect," Hornsey said. "You would have a hard time predicting people's climate change views just from their personality." He said putting the study's findings to use would be challenging. "What do you do with this information? You can't change people's personalities, and so it's not easy to have an intervention around that." Hornsey did note, however, that developments in artificial intelligence have improved the ability to detect personality from the media people consume and how they write on social media. That ability could be harnessed to develop "micro-targeted" messages based on personality. "But, you know, that's a whole can of worms," he said.
