The importance of social and cultural effects of mercury on aboriginal peoples.

Environmental contaminants, including mercury, often by-products of industrialization land development projects, frequently have far-reaching consequences for Aboriginal people, who often receive little benefit from such projects. In trying to understand the full impact of environmental mercury on Aboriginal people, therefore, research endeavours must consider the social and cultural impacts, and not simply focus on the direct clinical effects resulting from exposure. This paper explores some of the key areas in developing such an understanding. Aboriginal peoples' understanding of mercury contamination is influenced by their holistic concepts of health and environment. Whether or not scientific assessment reveals direct clinical health effects from exposure to mercury, this holistic viewpoint may lead to an effect on both individuals and communities. Perceptions of changes and the disruption of the special relationship that Aboriginal people perceive themselves to have with the environment have a considerable impact on their social, cultural, spiritual and economic well-being. These qualitative impacts are not easily measured with standard social indicators. The involvement of communities in the identification and measurement of Aboriginal community indicators which reflect the reality of their situation is essential in order to establish a better understanding of the extent and importance of social and cultural effects of exposure to mercury. Toxicologists, policy makers and others concerned with setting risk levels which may lead to formal guidelines should be aware of the impacts that their actions and decisions may have on the lifestyle, and therefore on the health, of Aboriginal peoples.