Mercury exposure and ecosystem health in the Amazon: Building solutions with the community University of Quebec in Montreal Federal University of Pará Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Riverside villagers of the Rio Tapajós Local authorities and NGOs funded by International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada WSSD, Johannesburg, 2002 Mercury Mercury contamination contamination in in the the Amazon Amazon High levels of mercury in fish High levels of mercury in human populations What did we learn? Gold-mining Deforestation Mercury released into the aquatic environment Accumulated in the trophic chain WSSD, Johannesburg, 2002 Fish eaten by humans Mercury in fish Carnivorous fish have high levels of mercury (half were over the recommended limit: 0.5 ppm) Herbivorous fish have very little mercury WSSD, Johannesburg, 2002 Mercury in humans Mercury in villagers’ hair increased with the number of fish meals: `Higher among those who ate fish daily `Higher among those who ate more carnivorous fish `Varied seasonally with the bioavailability of fish WSSD, Johannesburg, 2002 Was this affecting health? Early nervous system changes ? Subclinical neurological signs Minamata Disease (50 ppm) Increasing mercury exposure WSSD, Johannesburg, 2002 Dexterity Sensitive tests Fine movements Vision Results consistent with mercury poisoning Decrease in motor, tactile and visual functions with increasing hair mercury levels; Neurological exam normal with the exception of disorganised coordinated movements which increased with increasing mercury WSSD, Johannesburg, 2002 Building solutions Short term: Fish- eating practices: Maximize nutrition and minimize toxic risk Medium term: Identify ‘hot spots’ for methylation Long term: Regional Agroforestry practices WSSD, Johannesburg, 2002