Ancient Maya red paint may have left mercury in water and food supplies. The detail that it decorated everything from pottery to burials makes this a striking look at the hidden costs of beauty. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-maya-loved-to-use-mercury-rich-red-paint-to-decorate-pottery-temple-walls-and-even-burials-they-may-have-accidentally-poisoned-their-own-water-and-food-supply-in-the-process-180989851/By Maeve O'Connell, Nov 11, 2026. 0 likes, 0 comments.