"Airborne Mercury from Gold Mining Threatens African Crop Safety, Study Finds"

A recent study reveals that airborne mercury from unregulated Gold mining threatens crop safety in Africa, posing risks to food security and health.

• Scientists found that Mercury (element) pollution from artisanal and small-scale gold mining contaminates food crops via the air, not through soil, challenging previous beliefs.
• The study highlights that the surge in gold prices has led to increased unregulated mining, raising concerns about environmental justice and potential health impacts on local populations.
• The ongoing contamination threatens agriculture and food security, as the toxic effects of airborne mercury (element) can compromise the safety of crops consumed by communities.