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Blood mercury concentrations in preschool children and potential risk factors in São Paulo, Brazil

Fernanda Junqueira Salles1, Elizeu Chiodi Pereira1, Allan Santos de Oliveira2

  • 1Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, SP, Brazil; The Human Exposome Research Group/ Expossoma e Saúde do Trabalhador - eXsat, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, SP, Brazil.

Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|October 13, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Environmental mercury exposure is a concern for preschool children in São Paulo, Brazil. This study found elevated blood mercury levels (BML) linked to specific city zones and fish consumption, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Environmental mercury exposure poses risks to preschool children's health, potentially impacting neurodevelopment.
  • Elevated blood mercury levels (BML) in children are a significant public health concern, particularly in urban environments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine BML in preschool children in São Paulo, Brazil.
  • To identify sociodemographic, dietary, and environmental risk factors associated with elevated BML.
  • To evaluate the spatial distribution of BML and its correlation with air pollution and wind patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Blood samples were collected from 2436 preschool children (age 1-5 years) across 50 daycare centers in São Paulo.
  • Blood mercury levels were measured using Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (CV-AAS).
  • Data on sociodemographics, diet (including fish consumption), and location were collected via questionnaires and georeferenced; statistical analyses included multiple logistic regression and spatial analysis.

Main Results:

  • The geometric mean BML was 1.65 μg L⁻¹ and the 95th percentile was 5.51 μg L⁻¹, exceeding the U.S. 95th percentile by fivefold.
  • Daycare centers in the Northwest and East zones of São Paulo were associated with higher BML.
  • Recent fish consumption (past two days) and proximity to a petrochemical complex (inferred via wind patterns in the East zone) were linked to elevated BML.

Conclusions:

  • Preschool children in São Paulo exhibit elevated BML, associated with both individual (fish consumption) and environmental (geographic zone, potential industrial proximity) factors.
  • The findings underscore the need to identify and mitigate mercury exposure 'hot spots' in urban areas, particularly in vulnerable peripheral zones.
  • Further research in Latin America is crucial to pinpoint urban mercury sources and implement effective public health interventions to protect children's health.

Keywords:
Air pollutionChildrenDaycare centersExposureMercuryRisk factors

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