Source: Bradenton Herald
http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/local/11528571.htm
On April 30, 2005 the Bradenton Herald reported, "in Voodoo, Santeria and other faiths with African roots, many practitioners sprinkle the silvery liquid on the floor, carry it with them in pouches, burn it in candles and pour it into bath water. While these practices are intended to bring luck or success in love, federal health officials said they could be making people sick and contaminating their homes.
Although mercury is a legal product, the St. Ange and most other religious supply stores keep it out of sight. When a reporter requested it by its Creole name, vidajan, a clerk went to a room in the back and returned with a plastic bag of mercury capsules. They cost $6 each.
Ribert Mones, the store's owner, whose business card identifies him as a spiritualist able to assist with evil spirits, jinx removal and love problems, said clients mix mercury with a cologne called Florida water and spread it on their bodies for luck... But long-term exposure to low doses of mercury can cause tremors (initially of the eyelids, tongue and fingers), irritability, excessive shyness, nervousness, insomnia, memory loss and a decline in cognitive abilities, according to a 2002 report on the ritualistic use of mercury by the Environmental Protection Agency."