Landmark study reveals ‘clear evidence’ of mercury’s toll on health in Grassy Narrows – Thestar.com
May 24, 2018
More than four decades after mercury was dumped upstream from Grassy Narrows First Nation, the physical and mental health of the people there is by many key measures “considerably worse” than that of other First Nations in Canada, according to a landmark new government-funded survey.
The survey found there are fewer elders in Grassy Narrows, suggesting people there are dying prematurely. The residents are also reporting higher rates of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts compared to other First Nations. And adult residents who reported eating more fish as children had experienced lower levels of success in school and have higher rates of nervous system symptoms and disorders.
“The results of the (survey) provide clear evidence that the physical and mental health of (Grassy Narrows community) members is poorer than that of other First Nation communities in Canada and Ontario,” says a report of the survey’s findings. The document also says that the health and well-being of the community “cannot be understood without taking into account their history of mercury poisoning and its consequences.”
