Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

HUMAN EXPOSURE TO ORGANOCHLORINE COMPOUNDS AT CIDADE DOS MENINOS, DUQUE DE CAXIAS, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

2003; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 14; Issue: Supplement Linguagem: Inglês

10.1097/00001648-200309001-00268

1531-5487

A Soares Da Silva, Tess BH Carvalho, Galvco LA Cassanha, R. Vilela Mendes, Asmus Cl Froes, Netto G Franco, J Finkelman, Eduardo Lima de Abreu, Mendonca G Azevedoe Silva, Neto J Eluf, Alexandrino Fernandes, Joel A Hernandez Escamilla, E Melo De Ao M Palácios Da Cunha, Gouveia N Da Cruz, Sérgio Koifman, Filho V F Wünsch, Câmara V F De Magalhães, Carvalho W F Andrade,

Environmental Sustainability and Education

This paper, the result of cooperation between PAHO and the Brazilian Ministry of Health, presents conclusions and recommendations of a Technical Advisory Committee to protect public health in the surroundings of a deactivated organochorine factory located in a 19.4 million-m2 area owned by the Brazilian Government. Large amount of residues and leftover products that were used for malaria and other vectorborne diseases control remained in this urban area with some rural characteristics, without any protective measures, for over 30 years. A review of all known information regarding the site provided the basis for deciding on population exposure. á, â, ã and ä–HCH, DDT, DDD and DDE, TCPs, TCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs were considered of interest to public health because they had complete route of exposure for soil, water and locally produced cow milk and eggs, in concentration levels that represent risks to human health. Human exposure information was not population-based but all the samples collected in the area presented higher levels of these compounds than control samples. Dioxin and furans were not analyzed in any of the human studies. HCH totals were found of up to 2.43 mg/Kg in human milk fat and DDT totals of up to 4.78 mg/Kg. Three different exposure groups were identified in the area: (1) 370 families of old employees of the factory or actual employees of public structures in the region; (2)1000 families living in the area, although separated by physical barriers, and (3) 70 families in illegal peripheral occupation. Three other exposure groups are defined but not yet quantified: (4) ex-employees of the factory living elsewhere; (5) exresidents of a youth shelter shut down in the mid 90's and (6) the entire population in the surroundings. Actual information only allows for conclusions for the first group. Removing group (1) from the area and banning farming activities were recommended. New studies are needed for the other exposure groups. Future health studies and other scientific investigations should be linked to an improvement of local health assistance and articulated through specialized reference centers. Population data must be organized and updated to allow for follow-up studies. The use of exposure biomarkers in group (1) for establishing actual levels of exposure and monitoring the effectiveness of the planned actions was indicated. A permanent committee of research institutions and local health services representatives should be established to monitor the process and to promote communication of risks and participation of the involved population in setting priorities and approval of new research projects.