Final answer:
Contaminant minerals like lead and mercury enter the food supply mainly through industrial emissions, mining, and poor waste management, accumulating in the environment and the food chain, leading to various health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contaminant minerals, like lead and mercury, impair the body's growth and work capacity. They enter the food supply through various pathways including environmental pollution, such as the emissions from industrial processes, mining activities, and from inadequate waste disposal.
These contaminants can make their way into groundwater, soil, and eventually the food chain. Once ingested, they accumulate in the body's tissues and can lead to health issues. For instance, lead exposure can cause neurological effects and developmental problems, while mercury exposure is particularly concerning due to its ability to bioaccumulate in fish and higher trophic levels, posing risks to humans who consume the affected seafood.