Loading...

International

Tourists hospitalised after swimming in Spanish toxic dump known as ‘Galician Chernobyl’ for Instagram photos as the waters look amazing

23:35, Tuesday, 23 July, 2019
Tourists hospitalised after swimming in Spanish toxic dump known as ‘Galician Chernobyl’ for Instagram photos as the waters look amazing

Monte Neme became a hit with visitors desperate for the perfect Instagram pictures because of what appears to be pristine waters.

But the lake, also known as "Galician Chernobyl", is actually the site of an old tungsten mine dating from World War II and has been abandoned since the 1980s.

The stunning blue of the water comes from chemical contamination and can cause serious health issues.
     Last week, several Instagrammers said they became sick after coming into contact with Monte Neme lake's sparking blue waters.

One of the influencers, known as Uxia, said that she suffered an allergic reaction that lasted two weeks according to Coruna news outlet COPE.

But despite this, the social media fanatic said it was worth it according to the report.

Another said that she experienced vomiting and a skin rash after taking a dip in the water.
     The Instagrammer said that she went into the water because "it was very pretty" and there were no warning signs up according to Publico.

The reports have led to a number of memes surfacing on Instagram, although the health concerns a very real.

Manuel Ferreiro, a doctor at University Hospital of Coruña, told The Local: "Brief exposure will most likely cause eye and skin irritation but a longer time in the water and digestion of the toxins could cause stomach problems, vomiting and diarrhoea."

Now Salvemos Cabana, a local environmental lobby group, are asking lawmakers to inform the public of Monte Neme’s dangers and limit access to the lake.

12913 | 0
Facebook