Environmental Review: Magico-Religious Mercury Use in Caribbean and Latino Communities: Pollution, Persistence, and Politics

Abstract

Elemental mercury is put to magico-religious uses, most problematically the sprinkling of mercury on floors of homes in Caribbean and Latino communities. Indoor mercury spills are persistent and release toxic levels of mercury vapor over long periods of time. Surveys in these communities have demonstrated widespread and large-scale mercury sales for ritualistic use, elevated mercury vapor levels in public hallways, increased amounts of mercury in wastewater, and elevated urine mercury levels in Latino children. Yet no clear connection has been drawn between ritualistic mercury use and these elevated levels, nor has any pathology been associated with such use. Social, political, and economic factors have acted to preclude advocacy for these affected communities, whose members are largely unaware of their mercury exposure (frequently secondhand) and of its adverse health effects. Without the political mandate to act, environmental agencies have not allocated the resources necessary for environmental professionals to assess and respond to this latent environmental health disaster. Steps to investigate and respond to this impending public health emergency are suggested, as presently there is no coordinated plan for assessing and remediating the tens of thousands of dwellings around the country likely to be contaminated with actionable levels of mercury vapor. Environmental Practice 7: 87-96 (2005)

Mercury vapor in residential building common areas in communities where mercury is used for cultural purposes versus a reference community

“…Our findings are consistent with previous reports (Wendroff, 2005;Riley et al, 2001;U.S. EPA, 2002), and lead us to conclude that some individuals in these communities may be exposed to elevated Hg 0 vapor from cultural practices.…”

“…In the Dominican Republic we purchased several grams of Hg 0 in a botanica and were instructed to spread mercury on the floor within the home and the most auspicious days to do so. Wendroff (2005) and Quintero-Somaini and Quirindongo (2004) contend mercury contamination of homes may be widespread in communities where Hg 0 is used in religious or cultural practices. However, we believe it is important to differentiate Hg 0 use during ceremonies or the formal practices conducted by initiates, santeros, or priests with those of "laypersons" who may disperse Hg 0 .…”

A Review of Events That Expose Children to Elemental Mercury in the United States

“…Some folk healers recommend oral ingestion of mercury to treat empacho (indigestion). In addition, some practitioners of Caribbean and Latin American religions, such as voodoo, Santería, obeah, Palo, and Espiritismo, use mercury ceremonially ( Johnson 1999 ; Newby et al 2006 ; U.S. EPA 2002 ; Wendroff 2005 ; Zayas and Ozuah 1996 ). Mercury may be rubbed onto the skin, added to candles, or sprinkled around the home.…”

Mercury Exposure in Young Children Living in New York City

“…Some reports mention sprinkling elemental mercury in homes and automobiles, and some researchers claim that such practices are widespread among Hispanic New Yorkers. 9 During rituals, elemental mercury is sometimes added to perfumes, oils, or candles, or used in a cauldron-also called a Prenda. [10][11][12] Reportedly, dancers also rub mercury on their hips to improve their dancing ability.…”