Ancient Maya cities used a vivid red pigment in temples and burials; a new study finds the mineral left toxic mercury in lakes for centuries and damaged aquatic life across multiple levels of the food chain

• Image Source: WikiMedia CommonsThere were many practices done back in the day that were harmful for people, without them even realising it.
• But few still continue to cause that harm, even without us doing them today.
• In this case, a striking red pigment used by the ancient Maya to decorate their temples, artefacts and burial chambers may have left behind a rather unpleasant legacy.