MANY members of the Amazon’s Yanomami tribe have been poisoned with mercury, according to a report by Brazil’s top public health institute.

The study, published on Thursday, was conducted in nine villages along the Mucajai River, a remote region where illegal mining is widespread. Mercury is commonly used in illegal mining to process gold despite it being toxic.

The researchers collected hair samples from nearly 300 Yanomami of all ages. They were then examined by doctors, neurologists, psychologists and nurses.