Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

Quantification of three DNA Lesions by Mass Spectrometry and Assessment of Their Levels in Tissues of Mice Exposed to Ambient Fine Particulate Matter
Published on: May 29, 2019
Manioc flour consumption as a risk factor for lead poisoning in the Brazilian Amazon
Maria Fernanda Hornos Carneiro1, Fabio Sidonio de B Evangelista, Fernando Barbosa
1Laboratório de Toxicologia e Essencialidade de Metais, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto-USP, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
Recent studies reported elevated blood lead (Pb) levels in riparian populations of the Amazon. For this reason, the aim of the present study was to assess the risk to riparians in the Brazilian Amazon to Pb exposure due to the intake of contaminated manioc flour. Lead levels were determined in whole blood (n = 74) and in manioc flour samples (n = 30) in three different communities. Mean blood Pb levels were 16.8 μg/dl, with individuals living in Açaituba presenting the highest mean blood Pb level (22.4 μg/dl), followed by Nova Canaã (17.3 μg/dl) and Santa Cruz (9.8 μg/dl). The minimum blood Pb level found was 0.83 μg/dl and the maximum was 44.3 μg/dl. The estimated daily intake (EDI) was calculated and compared to the benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL) for neurotoxicity. Mean Pb in manioc flour was 0.34 μg/g while EDI was 79 μg/d, corresponding to 260% of the BMDL (varying from 168 to 308%). This finding is of great importance since this high EDI may exert adverse effects on the nervous system of this population. Manioc flour intake may thus present considerable risk of Pb exposure in this region. Risk management strategies and further studies on adverse effects in this population are needed.
Related Concept Videos
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
Factors Influencing Bioavailability: First-Pass Elimination
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
Bioavailability: Overview
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
Bioavailability: Influencing Factors

