RESUMO
The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, and Zn were determined in breast milk of women living in Conceição das Alagoas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The potential relationships between metal levels in samples of breast milk, drinking water, and soils collected in the study area were also established. Metal levels in breast milk, except Cr, were lower in comparison to WHO reference concentrations. Zinc was the predominant element in breast milk and drinking water samples, with a median level of 46.2 and 82.2 µg · L(-1), respectively. Soils presented a different pattern of metal concentrations with respect to those found in breast milk and drinking water, Chromium showed the highest median levels (148 mg · kg(-1)), while a certain predominance of Zn and Cu was also observed (47.0 and 43.0 mg · kg(-1), respectively). Similar profiles were observed when comparing metal concentrations in drinking water and breast milk (chi-square χ(2) = 14.36; p < 0.05). In contrast, breast milk-soil and drinking water-soil metal concentration profiles showed significant differences (χ(2) = 635.05 and χ(2) = 721.78, respectively; p < 0.05). These results indicate that drinking water is an important exposure pathway for metals to newborns through breast milk. Further studies should be aimed at assessing the body burdens of metals in that population and at evaluating the potential relationships in the concentrations in biological and environmental matrices as well as at estimating the contribution of dietary intake of metals. In addition, the presence of other chemical pollutants in breast milk should be also studied in order to assess the combined newborn exposure to other contaminants.
Assuntos
Água Potável/análise , Leite Humano/química , Minerais/análise , Solo/química , Adulto , Brasil , Monitoramento Ambiental , Feminino , Humanos , Recém-Nascido , Exposição Materna , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análiseRESUMO
It is known that Brazil still has a privileged position of water quantity and quality, but water use has not proceeded in a responsible manner and often results in impairment of quality. This study aims to evaluate limnological parameters, parasites and bacteria, and concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Mn, Hg, and Zn) in surface water of Ribeirão Preto Stream. The Ribeirão Preto Stream is located in urban areas under anthropogenic influence. The results showed that the levels of dissolved oxygen values were lower than those established by the National Environmental Council (CONAMA Resolution No 357/2005). The reading of electrical conductivity showed values typical of impacted environments. The parasitological analysis revealed the presence of nematode larvae. The bacteriological analysis showed higher values for total coliform and Escherichia coli than those set by the Brazilian National Environment Council (CONAMA). The heavy metals Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Mn, Hg, and Zn showed concentrations in accordance with the guidelines established by CONAMA. The results provide data on the quality of these waters and showed the necessity to protect the watercourse from point sources of contamination, recommending their continued monitoring.
Assuntos
Monitoramento Ambiental , Rios/química , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Brasil , Metais Pesados/análise , Rios/microbiologia , Rios/parasitologia , Microbiologia da Água , Poluição da Água/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
This study aimed to evaluate the viability of using treated residuary water from the Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant of Ribeirão Preto to grow vegetables, through the characterization and quantification of parasites, coliforms, and heavy metals. Three equal cultivation areas were prepared. The first was irrigated with treated/chlorinated (0.2 mg L(-1)) wastewater, the second one with treated wastewater without chlorination, and the third site with potable water, which was the control group. The presence of Hymenolepis nana, Enterobius vermicularis, nematode larvae, and Entamoeba coli was verified in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) samples. Although nematode larvae were observed in rocket salad (Eruca sativa L.), no significant differences were found between the number of parasites and type of irrigation water used. No significant differences were found between the number of fecal coliforms in vegetables and the different types of irrigation. However, the vegetables irrigated with treated effluent without chlorination showed higher levels of fecal coliforms. The risk of pathogens is reduced with bleach addition to the treated effluent at 0.2 mg/L. Concentration of heavy metals in vegetables does not mean significant risks to human health, according with the parameters recommended by the World Health Organization.
Assuntos
Lactuca , Metais Pesados/análise , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Lactuca/química , Lactuca/microbiologia , Lactuca/parasitologiaRESUMO
The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of aluminum (Al) and other metals in water samples from elderly people's houses and retirement homes. Forty-six duplicate water samples from kitchen taps were collected in Ribeirão Preto/SP, Brazil. Metal levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Aluminum concentration exceeded the maximum allowed values in 26% of samples according to the Decree 518/2004 of the Brazilian Health Ministry. It was noted that 11% of elderly living at monitored houses, as well as 19% living at retirement homes presented Alzheimer disease diagnostic. These results suggest taking into account Al risks among vulnerable elderly population groups.
Assuntos
Alumínio/análise , Habitação para Idosos , Abastecimento de Água/normas , Idoso , Doença de Alzheimer/epidemiologia , Brasil/epidemiologia , Monitoramento Ambiental , Monitoramento Epidemiológico , Humanos , Metais Pesados/análise , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar os casos registrados de intoxicação na infância por agentes químicos no Brasil no ano de 2000. A partir da Estatística Anual dos Casos de Intoxicação e Envenenamento do Sistema de Informações Tóxico-Farmacológicas do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, foram analisados os casos registrados de intoxicação por agrotóxicos, produtos veterinários, raticidas, domissanitários, produtos químicos industriais e metais em crianças de 0 a 14 anos, no Brasil. O número de ocorrências de intoxicação registradas nessa faixa etária atingiu 10.645. Os domissanitários, os produtos químicos industriasis, os raticidas e os agrotóxicos de uso doméstico foram os agentes químicos que acarretaram maior número de casos de intoxicação no país. A faixa etária de 1 a 4 anos apresentou 8.094 casos registrados. Foram discutidos os agravos que a exposição a esses agentes químicos trazem para a saúde infantil e a caracterização dos casos nas diferentes regiões do Brasil. Em virtude da falta de controle do uso dessas substâncias químicas e do desconhecimento da população em geral sobre os riscos e perigos deles decorrentes, considera-se essa situação de suma importância para a saúde pública. Torna-se necessária a adoção de medidas educativas preventivas, voltadas principalmente para o ambiente domiciliar. Essa situação adquire maiores dimensões no contexto da vigilância epidemiológica, pois, segundo a OMS, para cada caso notificado de intoxicação, ter-se-iam cinqüenta outros não notificados, o que multiplicaria bastante o número de casos de intoxicação por agentes químicos no Brasil.