Causes
What is the primary cause of the mercury contamination in Grassy Narrows?
The Dryden pulp and paper mill dumped mercury into the English-Wabigoon River system.
Which staple food for the Grassy Narrows community has been heavily impacted by mercury contamination?
Fish.
Which company was responsible for the initial mercury dumping?
Dryden Fibre Canada (formerly Dryden pulp and paper mill).
In what province is Grassy Narrows located?
Ontario.
What percentage of the Grassy Narrows population is affected by mercury poisoning?
Nearly 90%.
In which decades did the mercury dumping take place?
The 1960s and 70s.
Name two health issues caused by mercury poisoning in Grassy Narrows.
Tremors and memory loss.
From whom has the Grassy Narrows First Nation been advocating for justice?
The federal and Ontario governments.
What river system was contaminated by mercury?
The English-Wabigoon River system.
Besides health issues, what other aspect of life in Grassy Narrows is affected by mercury contamination?
The ecosystem.
Approximately how much mercury was dumped into the river system?
About 9,000 kilograms or 9 tons
What process causes mercury to become more concentrated as it moves up the food chain?
Biomagnification.
What have governmental and corporate entities been criticized for regarding the crisis in Grassy Narrows?
For insufficient action to address the contamination.
What was the original name of the company responsible for the mercury dumping?
Dryden pulp and paper mill.
What ongoing struggle does the Grassy Narrows community face?
The fight for clean water and health equity.