Fungicide-Tainted Grain Poisons Thousands of Iraqis
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History II: Ecology and the Environment Series
- Categories: Science, Medicine, Health, Agriculture, Environmental Issues
- Subcategories: Ecology, Environment, Conservation
- Curriculum: Middle Eastern History
- Geographical Location: Middle East, Iraq
- Date: December 27, 1971
Article abstract: Poisonings worldwide resulted in the curtailment of the use and export of agricultural products treated with mercury.
Summary of Event
The clinical symptoms of mercury poisoning were diagnosed and described as early as 1533. It was known that mercury could be absorbed through the skin and lungs and that it could be ingested; the mercury then traveled through the body and accumulated in the tissues of the brain and other vital organs. Although its toxic nature was recognized, however, mercury was used therapeutically to combat illnesses...
[The entire page is 2178 words long]
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