EPA says new rules not needed on ritual use of mercury

September 8, 2006

WASHINGTON (RNS) Mercury used in folk and religious rituals is dangerous but increased regulation is not needed, according to a recent report by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Aug. 31 report was prompted by a request in February 2005 from the Mercury Poisoning Project, a private watchdog group based in Brooklyn, N.Y.

An unnamed representative from the organization approached the EPA's Office of Inspector General with concerns about ritualistic use of mercury and allegations that the agency had falsified earlier studies on the substance for a 1993 report.

The EPA denied the charges in the most recent report.

Members of certain Latino and Afro-Caribbean traditions, including Santeria, Palo, Voodoo and Espiritismo, wear mercury in its liquid form in amulets, sprinkle it on the floor at home, put it in candle or oil lamps and add it to detergent or cosmetics, the report said.

Mercury is believed to attract love, luck or wealth; ward off evil; or initiate spells. Uncontained mercury can evaporate at room temperature and become an invisible, odorless toxic gas, potentially causing severe lung, gastrointestinal and nervous system damage if inhaled.

The report did not suggest any new recommendations, but instead said the EPA's current education outreach and environmental monitoring are sufficient. These programs were started following the 1993 EPA report on ritualistic mercury use.

Increased regulation could drive the practice underground and violate the First Amendment's provision of religious freedom because the mercury is used in religious and folk rituals, the report argued.

-- Kat Glass