ENSC 201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Ataxia, Northern Ontario, Relx Group
13 Apr 2017
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Document Summary
The case of mercury contamination and a northern. Prior to this time, occupational exposure had been main concern. Review: mercury in environment: toxicity, sources, exposure pathways lecture. Organically-bound mercury (methylmercury and dimethylmercury) are most toxic forms. Neurotoxin to which young children and pregnant women are most sensitive. Sources include coal burning, chlor-alkali plants, mercury mining, gold mining. Mercury can be transported long distances due to volatility which makes it difficult to identify sources. First nations communities in nw ontario were exposed to mercury in 1960s. The origins of mercury at grassy narrows and white dog reserves was a pulp and paper mill in dryden. Major properties of mercury in the context of this case study. Toxicity of monomethyl mercury to humans, mainly via consumption of fish. Bacteria and fish not as sensitive to mercury. Risk enhanced by cultural, dietary and economic significance of fish to reserve communities. Most humans are exposed through consumption of fish.
