Human mercury exposure and adverse health effects in the Amazon: a review

Cadernos de Saúde Pública

Carlos J. S. Passos²  Donna Mergler¹ 

[1] ,Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto Ribeirão Preto,Brasil

关键词: Mercury Poisoning;    Environmental Exposure;    Amazonian Ecosystem;    Intoxicação por Mercúrio;    Exposição Ambiental;    Ecossistema Amazônico;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S0102-311X2008001600004

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

This paper examines issues of human mercury (Hg) exposure and adverse health effects throughout the Amazon region. An extensive review was conducted using bibliographic indexes as well as secondary sources. There are several sources of Hg (mining, deforestation, reservoirs), and exposure takes place through inhalation or from fish consumption. There is a wide range of exposure, with mean hair-Hg levels above 15µg/g in several Amazonian communities, placing them among the highest reported levels in the world today. Dietary Hg intake has been estimated in the vicinity of 1-2µg/kg/day, considerably higher than the USEPA RfD of 0.1µg/kg/day or the World Health Organization recommendation of 0.23µg/kg/day. Neurobehavioral deficits and, in some cases, clinical signs have been reported both for adults and children in relation to Hg exposure in several Amazonian countries. There is also some evidence of cytogenetic damage, immune alterations, and cardiovascular toxicity. Since fish provide a highly nutritious food source, there is an urgent need to find realistic and feasible solutions that will reduce exposure and toxic risk, while maintaining healthy traditional dietary habits and preserving this unique biodiversity.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
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