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Protocol of the Longitudinal Study on Child Health in Brumadinho (MG): "Bruminha Project"
Carmen Ildes Rodrigues Fróes Asmus1, Aline de Souza Espindola Santos1, Renan Duarte Dos Santos Saraiva1
1Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil.
Insights
The Bruminha Project found high metal exposure in children near the Brumadinho dam, with over half exceeding reference values. This exposure is linked to increased risks of developmental issues and respiratory problems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- The Brumadinho dam disaster released significant environmental contaminants.
- Children are particularly vulnerable to the long-term health effects of metal exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the research protocol for the Bruminha Project.
- To describe preliminary findings on metal exposure and health outcomes in children.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of children aged 0-6 years in affected rural communities.
- Collection of sociodemographic, health data, and urinary samples for metal assessment.
- Four-year follow-up period.
Main Results:
- In the first year, 62% of the eligible population was evaluated, with 79% providing valid urine samples.
- All urine samples detected at least one metal; 50.6% exceeded reference values.
- 38% of children showed at-risk neuropsychomotor development; respiratory allergy and bronchitis were more frequent in exposed children.
Conclusions:
- The study protocol is adequate for evaluating outcomes.
- Population selection strategies require adjustments for long-term community engagement.
- Further follow-ups are planned for 2022 and 2023.
Objective:
To present the research protocol and to describe the preliminary results of the Bruminha Project.
Methods:
This project is part of the set of health actions proposed under the Brumadinho Health Project. It is a prospective cohort study with periodic follow-ups for four years. The eligible population was all children aged 0 to 6 years living in four rural communities of the affected municipality. Sociodemographic and health data were collected, as well as urinary samples, for assessment of exposure to metals.
Results:
In the first year of study, we evaluated 62% (217) of the eligible population and collected 172 (79%) valid urine samples. At least one metal was detected in all samples, and in 50.6% (n=87) or them, the metal concentration was higher than the reference value. In 38% (n=82) of the children, neuropsychomotor development was considered at risk. Report of respiratory allergy was four times (4.27) more frequent and of bronchitis 62% higher (1.62) in children living in locations exposed to dust from ore residues, compared to those living more than 10 km away from the site of the dam disaster.
Conclusion:
The study protocol was proven adequate to evaluate the proposed outcomes. The strategy used for population selection required adjustments regarding the long-term community awareness process, with new participants in the upcoming follow-ups (2022 and 2023).
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