Human methylmercury exposure/intoxication in the Global South: Insights for prevention/mitigation in the Amazonian...

Mercury is a toxic metal with global consequences for environmental and human health. Global South is home to 3 of the world's 5 largest mercury emitters; besides high emission, such countries are the most affected, especially in regions such as Amazon. Based on the Amazonian context, this review discusses characteristics (such as anthropogenic sources and the presence of traditional populations) and compiles initiatives and proposals of realistic strategies to prevent/mitigate methylmercury exposure and intoxication including recommendations for case reports, initiatives to improve human biomonitoring, proposals for diagnostic tools, and adjuvant strategies with exercise and dietary adjustment interventions. Since similar characteristics (high emissions, presence of traditional populations, geographic isolation, limited access to health assistance, etc.) can also be found in other regions of the Global South, all these recommendations, initiatives, and proposals have the potential for being adapted by other countries, while respecting their unique differences.