RESUMEN
The intake of water or food with high levels of nitrates produces methemoglobinemia in infants up to 3 months of age. The study reviews factors in the environment and in the host that account for the increased risk in this age group. In order to reduce the prevalence of this problem, health authorities should control nitrate concentrations in drinking water, create adequate water supply systems, implement educational programs aimed at informing parents about preventive measures, and call on physicians to report cases of methemoglobinemia.
Asunto(s)
Metahemoglobinemia/inducido químicamente , Nitratos/efectos adversos , Humanos , Lactante , Recién NacidoRESUMEN
The Environmental Health Program of the Pan American Health Organization has established goals to be able to comply with the resolutions of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. As an integral part of the Environmental Health Program, the Pan American Center for Human Ecology and Health (ECO) must contribute to the achievement of these goals. Generally speaking, there is a scarcity of toxicology professionals in the Region of the Americas. In order to ameliorate this situation, it is suggested that activities in the areas of training professionals, conducting research, dissemination of information, and publishing of educational materials be undertaken. It is proposed that the "Joint Toxicology Network at the Regional Level" be created. The objectives of such a network would be the promotion and encouragement of activities in the area of toxicology; assistance to countries in identifying their needs; encouragement of information exchange, publication and training in toxicology; and support of the Toxicology Information Centers. In order to achieve the Network objectives, it is suggested that activities be undertaken by the national groups belonging to the network.
Asunto(s)
Salud Ambiental , Cooperación Internacional , Organización Panamericana de la Salud/organización & administración , Toxicología/organización & administración , América LatinaAsunto(s)
Accidentes , Brotes de Enfermedades/epidemiología , Contaminación Ambiental/efectos adversos , Intoxicación/epidemiología , Contaminación del Aire/efectos adversos , Contaminación de Alimentos , Salud Global , Historia del Siglo XX , Humanos , Intoxicación/etiología , Contaminantes del Suelo/efectos adversos , Contaminación Química del Agua/efectos adversosRESUMEN
Residues of organochlorine insecticides were determined by gas chromatograph-electron capture detector in two population groups: one (n = 21) formed by persons living in the neighborhood of a technical HCH (hexachlorocyclohexane) factory and the other (n = 21) constituted of individuals from the general population not occupationally exposed to pesticides. No difference was observed in the serum insecticide levels of the two groups. In the 42 samples, alpha-HCH was observed in 42 (means 1.2 micrograms/L), gamma-HCH was observed in 38 (means 0.4 microgram/L), beta-HCH was observed in 42 (means 7.3 micrograms/L), delta-HCH was observed in 4 (means greater than 0.3 micrograms/L), aldrin was observed in 42 (means 1.4 micrograms/L), p, p'DDE was observed in 42 (means 23.9 micrograms/L), o, p' -DDT was observed in 11 (means less than 0.2 micrograms/L), p,p' -DDD was observed in 32 means 2.1 micrograms/L) and p, p' -DDT was observed in 38 (means 2.1 micrograms/L).