Mercury is a chemical called heavy metal, which is used in mining activities especially that related to the extraction of gold by people who work in this trade, presented in them affectations in their health by having direct and indirect contact with this chemical. Objective: to identify risk factors for people associated with direct and indirect contact with mercury within the mining activity. Methods: systematic review following the statement PRISMA, is directed with the direct and indirect contact of mercury and its effects on health, was based on data such as Pubmed, Science Direct, Scielo, Cochrane and Lilac. Results: The main findings of the present review showed that most of the factors and outcomes related to exposure (direct and indirect) develop over time and are caused by work in mines or by the environment (surrounding population). Conclusions: the different authors agree that exposure to mercury directly or indirectly has harmful effects on human and environmental health, however, further studies should be conducted to take more significant measures to mitigate the effects of mercury on humans and the environment.Keywords: Mercury, mining workers, effects in the health, factors of risk.Keywords: Mercury, mining workers, effects in the health, factors of risk