Elemental Mercury Use in Religious and Ethnic Practices in Latin American and Caribbean Communities in New York City

Abstract

Elemental mercury is used in folk medicine and in certain religious practices in the Latin American and Caribbean communities. However, exposure to mercury can cause serious health problems including neurotoxicity. There are, therefore, concerns that mercury users are exposing themselves to dangerous levels of this toxicant. A survey was conducted to determine the use pattern of elemental mercury in the Latin American and Caribbean communities in New York City. Two hundred and three adults participated in the survey. Forty-four percent of the respondents from the Caribbean and 27% from Latin America stated that they have knowledge of such cultural uses.