Many human problems arise due to the ability of metallic gold to induce allergic contact hypersensitivity. While gold in jewelry can cause allergic reactions, other metals such as nickel, chromium and copper found in white gold or alloys present more serious clinical problems. Gold for IRA investment is a popular option for many investors, but most consumers don't know where the gold in their products comes from or how it's extracted. Gold mining is one of the most destructive industries in the world. It can displace communities, contaminate drinking water, harm workers and destroy pristine environments.
It contaminates water and land with mercury and cyanide, endangering the health of people and ecosystems. The production of gold just for one wedding ring generates 20 tons of waste. Mercury is a shiny liquid metal that attacks the nervous system. Exposure can cause lifelong disability and is particularly harmful to children.
At higher doses, mercury can kill. Its most important use worldwide is in small-scale gold mining. Artisanal, small-scale gold mining is a vital source of income, but it's also very dangerous because miners use toxic mercury to separate gold from ore. Contaminated water, which contains cyanide and other hazardous chemicals, can often contaminate groundwater and poison neighboring communities, such as Miramar, Costa Rica.
This biodiversity hotspot is home to 83 species of birds, as well as threatened and endangered species, such as Pohle's frugivorous bat, Zenker's frugivorous bat and Pel's flying squirrel. Gold mining can be extremely dangerous and one of the most harmful practices is the use of cyanide to extract the precious metal from rock.
