Wide social group being exposed to mercury daily: Research

New Delhi, June 22(UNI) New research by Toxic Link has revealed that a wide social group is being exposed to the lethal effects of mercury on a daily basis.

India is emerging as a hotspot of trade and unregulated internal distribution of this toxic acid. The lethal metal called mercurry could be circulating in the underbelly of cities and towns in plastic containers and polythene bags, according to the organisation.

The findings by Toxic Link shows that even school going children are playing with liquid metal that could cause neurological damage and harm to internal organs .

Toxic Link said that according to a recent survey, 15 per cent students in Kolatta 's selective schools and colleges were found to have played with liquid mercury. Among them 46 per cent of the students have held it on paper and 8 per cent were found to have inhaled it in curiosity. 70 per cent of the country's population is not aware about the health risk of mercury .

Toxic Link said the waste pickers and recycling community that trade in this metal have very sketchy information about the threat of this heavy metal. Even waste pickers buy this mercury poision in small quantities and sell them for their livelihood. Key markets in Delhi where the mercury trade is primarily focused are Tilak bazaar, Khari bawali and Chandni chowk.

European countries import large amount of mercury in India. From last two decades these mercury industries are developing in India, Toxic Link said.

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