Several national communities residing in 11 districts of Madre de Dios region were harmed by mercury pollution levels above maximum permitted limits.
The announcement was made official by a Supreme Decree published on Monday in El Peruano official gazette.
The said document adds that contamination causes serious, chronic and complex health problems, particularly in children and pregnant women.
Inappropriate practices related to illegal and informal mining activities carried out in the region led to mercury pollution in the air, water, sediments and fish species.
The government declared state of emergency in districts: Tampopata, Inambari, Las Piedras, Laberinto, Fitzcarrald, Manu, Madre de Dios, Huepetuhe, Iñapari, Iberia and Tahuamanu.
(END) TMC/MAO/HMC/MVB
Published: 5/23/2016