The Times of IndiaWorld
Maya red pigment left a toxic mercury legacy
Ancient Maya used mercury-rich cinnabar for red decoration and rituals, leaving nearby lakes and ecosystems contaminated. Researchers say rising mercury levels harmed aquatic life and may have affected people, while similar findings suggest pollution reached many Maya sites.
This card is an AI-assisted summary of reporting published by The Times of India. Read the original report before relying on it for medical, legal, financial, safety, or emergency decisions.