The leaders of two First Nations in Ontario are seeking a public inquiry into mercury poisoning on their reserves.

The White Dog First Nation and Grassy Narrows First Nation brought in an international health expert to study mercury levels. A report released this week said at least nine tribal members show symptoms of poisoning.

Canadian health officials dispute the results and say the symptoms could be attributed to other diseases, including diabetes. They say mercury levels have been dropping since the 1970s, when contamination from a pulp mill upstream was linked to birth defects in Native children and other health problems.

Get the Story:
Ontario reserves demand inquiry into mercury poisoning (CBC 9/2)

Ongoing Series:
Mercury Rising: The Poisoning of Grassy Narrows (CBC News)

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Two First Nations want to find out cause of sickness (08/12)