Mercury Contamination and Co‑exposures in the Amazon Basin: At the Center of the Planetary Environmental Crisis
Roberto G. Lucchini, Paulo Cesar Basta, Maria Elena Crespo‐López, María del Carmen Gastañaga, Cristina O’Callaghan‐Gordo, Jesús Olivero‐Verbel, Cláudia M. Vega, Stefanny Magaly Moncada Barbosa, Carlos Espinal, Quentin Felty, Alok Deoraj
Abstract
To address this critical gap, we propose the formation of a cross-national scientific consortium to foster collaboration, enhance epidemiological capacity, and strengthen laboratory infrastructure. Crucially, efforts to address mercury contamination must center the voices of Amazonian Indigenous peoples, who bear the greatest burden of exposure while facing persistent social, environmental, and health inequalities. Meaningful engagement with these communities is essential to overcome marginalization and ensure that research, policy, and intervention strategies are culturally informed, equitable, and effective. Coordinated regional action is urgently needed to protect the health and rights of vulnerable Amazonian populations.