Recently i drove down to south lombok in between kuta and mawi (also around sekotong)and have noticed a large increase of gold processing facilities in local villages. I am very concerned for the safety of the children living in such proximity to these processing plants. The amount of poisonous run-off into the nearby fields and creeks from these facilities is of deep concern and can effect not only local inhabitants but people all over lombok through the food supply and water. Just how much murcury and other chemicals is escaping into the environment, no one knows. As the lombok guide repoted in issue 44,
Arsenic is a deadly poison that can cause serious skin problems, severe organ damage and even death. It can be absorbed from the air, water and, most commonly, from food grown in contaminated soil. Mercury cannot be destroyed once in the environment and poisoning occurs through water and soil contamination. It poses serious health risks and can cause damage to the brain, heart, kidneys and lungs. In water, it can contaminate fish stocks and poison those eating fish or seafood exposed to the mercury.
I would like to know how people feel about this ongoing and accelerating health and environmental issue.
Tue Sep 13, 2011 5:42 pm