The use of
elemental mercury in New York City for magical rituals associated with Afro-Caribbean
and Latin religions such as Santeria and Voodoo has caused concern over its
potential health hazards. Practitioners purchase mercury from botanicas, shops
that sell religious paraphernalia, in nine gram capsules; due to a lack of
adequate labeling, they use mercury in harmful ways such as sprinkling it
in homes and autos, burning it in candles, and bathing with it. Improper disposal
of mercury has led prominent researchers to consider a link between mercury
usage and specific health affects and to call on various government agencies
to assess the dangers of the magical use of mercury.
