Petition Tag - minimata disease

Two First Nations communities devastated by mercury poisoning nearly 50 years ago are still feeling the impacts from the metal toxins in one of their key water supplies, a world-renowned expert suggested.

Japanese doctor Masazumi Harada found that of the 160 Grassy Narrows and White Dog residents he examined, 59 per cent were showing signs of ongoing mercury poisoning. Symptoms ranged from tunnel vision and loss of co-ordination to tremors and seizures. 39 per cent had symptoms severe enough to merit a diagnosis of Minamata disease.

Residents of Grassy Narrows had internal mercury levels three times above the Health Canada limit.

People living in White Dog fared even worse, with levels more than seven times above the national guidelines.

The condition has even wormed its way into a new generation. Grassy Narrows resident Judy Da Silva, added she was personally galvanized into action after witnessing the births of numerous babies with brain cancer and other birth defects.

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