Keywords
Children
adolescents
environmental exposure
mercury
biological samples
adolescents
environmental exposure
mercury
biological samples
How to Cite
Palma Parra, R. M., Muñoz Guerrero, M. N., Pacheco García, O. E., Ortiz Gómez, Y., & Diaz Criollo, S. M. (2018). Children and adolescents exposed environmentally to mercury in different municipalities in Colombia. Salud UIS, 51(1), 43–52. https://doi.org/10.18273/revsal.v51n1-2019005
Abstract
Objective: It was proposed to establish the environmental exposure to mercury, to identify the impact on the health of the population of children and adolescents in four departments of Colombia. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out between 2014 - 2015, in eleven municipalities of the departments of Bolívar, Sucre, Antioquia and Córdoba and within this a nested study was carried out with a group of 63 children and 37 adolescents from these municipalities. Results: Average residence time between 6 and 9 years and it was found a high frequency of fish consumption. 6.3% of children and 29.7% of adolescents exceeded the allowable limit of mercury in blood and 50.8% of children and 46.0% of adolescents exceeded the permissible limit on hair. Regarding the symptoms referenced by the participants, there was a statistically significant difference (p> 0.05) between the population of children and that of adolescents in excessive salivation (15.9%), hair loss (18.7%), insomnia (29.0%), nervousness (19.6%), weakness (18.0%) and memory loss (17.3%). Metallic taste in the mouth (8.4%), weight loss (23.4%), tremor (21.5%), concentration problems (17.9%) and chest pain (17.9%) did not show difference between the two groups. Conclusions: children and adolescents who reside in areas of gold exploitation or influenced by gold mining are exposed to mercury, which implies a high risk to their health.
References
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11. Olivero-Verbel J, Duarte D, Echenique M, Guette J, Johnson-Restrepo B, Parsons PJ. Blood lead levels in children aged 5-9 years living in Cartagena, Colombia. Sci Total Environ. 2007; 372(2-3): 707-716. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2006.10.025.
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16. Gustin K, Tofail F, Mehrin F, Levi M, Vahter M, Kippler M. Methylmercury exposure and cognitive abilities and behavior at 10 years of age. Environ Int. 2017;102: 97-105. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.02.004.
17. ATSDR. Reseña Toxicológica del Mercurio. Agencia para Sustancias Tóxicas y el Registro de Enfermedades. 1999.
18. Rogers HS, McCullough J, Kieszak S, Caldwell KL, Jones RL. Exposure assessment of young children living in Chicago communities with historic reports of ritualistic use of mercury. Clin Toxicol. 2007; 45(3): 240-247. doi: 10.1080/15563650601031643.
19. Hudson PJ, Vogt RL, Brondum J, Witherell L, Myers G. Elemental mercury exposure among children of thermometer plant workers. Pediatrics. 1987; 79(6): 935-938.
20. Zheng L, Sanders A, Saland J, Wrighta R, Arora M. Environmental exposures and pediatric kidney function and disease: a systematic review. Environ Res. 2017; 158: 625-648. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.06.029.
21. Grandjean P, Weihe P, Debes F, Choi AL, Budtz-Jørgensen E. Neurotoxicity from prenatal and postnatal exposure to methylmercury. Neurotoxicol Teratol. 2014; 43: 39-44. doi: 10.1016/j.ntt.2014.03.004.
22. Ozuah P. Folk use of elemental mercury: a potential hazard for children? J Natl Med Assoc. 2001; 93(9): 320-323.
23. Ruggieri F, Majorani C, Domanico F, Alimonti A. Mercury in children: current state on exposure through human biomonitoring studies. Int J Env Res Public Health. 2017; 14(5): 519. doi: 10.3390/ijerph14050519.
24. Vargas F. La contaminación ambiental como factor determinante de la salud. Rev Esp Salud Publica. 2005; 79(2): 117-127.
25. OMS. Las consecuencias de la contaminación ambiental: 1,7 millones de defunciones infantiles anuales, según la OMS; 2017.
26. Counter S, Buchanan L, Ortega F. Acoustic stapedius muscle reflex in mercury-exposed Andean children and adults. Acta Otolaryngol. 2012; 132(1): 51-63. doi: 10.3109/00016489.2011.617778.
27. Health Canada Mercury Issues Task Group. Mercury Your health and the environment a resource tool. Canada; 2004 p. 54.
28. OMS, IPCS. Elemental mercury and inorganic mercury compounds: human health aspects. Geneve; 2003.
29. Escobar M, Zabala M. Perfil neuropsicológico de escolares con trastornos específicos del aprendizaje de instituciones educativas de Barranquilla, Colombia. Acta Neurol Colomb. 2008; 24: 63-73.
30. Rosselli M, Ardila A. Predictores neuropsicológicos de la lectura en español. Rev Neurol. 2006; 42: 202-210.
31. United Nations Environment Programme. Towards a pollution-free planet. 3rd session of the United Nations Environment Assembly. Nairobi, Kenya; 2017.
32. Andreoli V, Sprovieri F. Genetic Aspects of Susceptibility to Mercury Toxicity: an Overview. Int J Env Res Public Health. 2017; 14(1): 14-93. doi: 10.3390/ijerph14010093.
33. Pesh P, Wilhelm M, Rostek U, Schmitz N, Weishoff M, Ranft U, et al. Mercury concentration in urine, scalp hair and saliva in children from Germany. J Expo Anal Environ Epydemiol. 2002; 12(4): 252-258. doi:10.1038/sj.jea.7500228.
34. Mc Dowell M, Dillon Ch, Osterloh J, Bolgr M, Pellzzari E, Fernando R, et al. Hair mercury levels in U.S. children and women of childbearing Age: reference range data from NHANES 2999-2000. Environ Health Perspect. 2004;112(111): 1165-1171. doi: 10.1289/ehp.7046.
35. Kim SA, Jeon CK, Paek DM. Hair mercury concentrations of children and mothers in Korea: Implication for exposure and evaluation. Sci Total Environ. 2008; 402(1): 36-42. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.04.010.
36. Kusanagi E, Takamura H, Chen SJ, Adachi M, Hoshi N. Children’s Hair Mercury concentrations and seafood consumption in five regions of Japan. Arch Env Contam Toxicol. 2018; 74(2): 259-272. doi: 10.1007/s00244-017-0502-x.
37. Ou L, Chen C, Chen L, Wang H, Yang T, Xie H, et al. Lowlevel prenatal mercury exposure in north china: an exploratory study of anthropometric effects. Env Sci Technol. 2015; 49(11): 6899-6908. doi: 10.1021/es5055868.
38. Castoldi AF, Coccini T, Ceccatelli S. Neurotoxicity and molecular effects of methylmercury. Brain Res Bull. 2001; 55(2): 197-203. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0361-9230 (01)00458-0.
39. Ekino S, Susa M, Ninomiya T, Imamura K, Kitamura T. Minamata disease revisited: An update on the acute and chronic manifestations of methyl mercury poisoning. J Neurol Sci. 2007; 262(1-2): 131-44. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2007.06.036.
40. UNEP. Global Mercury Assessment. Switzerland: United Nations Environment Programme; 2013. (Sources, Emissions, Releases and Environmental Transport).
41. Calao C, Marrugo JL. Efectos genotóxicos asociados a metales pesados en una población humana de la región de La Mojana, Colombia, 2013. Biomédica. 2015; 35(Supl 2): 139-151. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.7705/biomedica.v35i0.2392.
42. Vargas B, ML, Quiroz P, CM. Alteraciones neuropsicológicas en escolares de un municipio con niveles elevados de vapor de mercurio medioambiental, Colombia, 2008-2009. Rev Fac Nac Salud Pública. 2011; 29(4): 461-468.
43. WHO, UNEP, DTIE CHEMICALS BRANCH. Guidance for identifying populations at risk from mercury exposure. Geneva, Switzerland; 2008.
44. Gracia L, Marrugo JL, Alvis E. Mercury contamination in humans and fishes in the municipality of Ayapel, Córdoba, Colombia, 2009. Rev Fac Nac Salud Pública. 2010; 28: 118-124. doi: 10.17533/udea.rfnsp.
45. Bose-O’Reilly S, Lettmeier B, Matteucci M, Gothe R, Beinhoff C, Siebert U, et al. Mercury as a serious health hazard for children in gold mining areas. Environ Res. 2008; 107(1): 89-97. doi: 10.1289/ehp.1307864.
46. OMS. Mercurio: evaluando la carga de la enfermedad a nivel nacional y local. Serie sobre carga ambiental de enfermedades. Ginebra; 2008. Report No. 16.
47. Abdul Samad N, Md Isa Z, Hod R. Mercury hair concentration among primary school children in Malaysia. Child Basel. 2017; 4(12). doi: 10.3390/children4120109.
48. Interdonato M, Bitto A, Pizzino G, Irrera N, Pallio G, Mecchio A, et al. Levels of Heavy Metals in Adolescents Living in the Industrialised Area of Milazzo-Valle del Mela (Northern Sicily). J Environ Public Health. 2014; 1:1-9. doi: 10.1155/2014/326845.
2. Basri, Sakakibara M, Sera K. Current mercury exposure from artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Bombana, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia-Future Significant Health Risks. Toxics. 2017; 5(7): 1-10. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics5010007.
3. Defensoría de Pueblo. La Minería de Hecho en Colombia. Bogotá, Colombia; 2010. (Defensoría Delegada para los Derechos Colectivos y del Ambiente).
4. Prieto J, González C, Román A, Prieto F. Contaminación y fitotoxicidad en plantas por metales pesados provenientes de suelos y agua. Trop Subtrop Agroecosystems. 2009; 10(1): 29-44.
5. Gibb H, O’Leary KG. Mercury exposure and health impacts among individuals in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining community: a comprehensive review. Env Health Perspect. 2014; 122: 667-672. doi: 10.1289/ehp.1307864.
6. PNUMA. Informe relativo a la información sobre sistemas armonizados para medir la carga de mercurio. Chiba (Japón); 2010. Report No.: UNEP(DTIE)/Hg/INC.2/6.
7. Gilbert S. A small dose of toxicology. The health effects of common chemicals. CRC Press LLC. A small dose of mercury or An introduction to the health effects of mercury. 2004. 259 p.
8. Marinho JS, Lima MO, de Oliveira Santos EC, de Jesus IM, da Conceição N Pinheiro M, Alves CN, et al. Mercury Speciation in hair of children in three communities of the Amazon, Brazil. Biomed Res Int. 2014; (945963). doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/945963.
9. Molina CF, Arango C, Serna M. Mercurio: implicaciones en la salud y el medio ambiente. Retel. 2010; 7-19.
10. Khatoon-Abadi A, Sheikh Hoseini A, Khalili B. Effect of mercury on the human healthand environment: an overview. Int J Food Saf Nutr Public Health. 2008; 1(1): 33-50. doi: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJFSNPH.2008.018854.
11. Olivero-Verbel J, Duarte D, Echenique M, Guette J, Johnson-Restrepo B, Parsons PJ. Blood lead levels in children aged 5-9 years living in Cartagena, Colombia. Sci Total Environ. 2007; 372(2-3): 707-716. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2006.10.025.
12. Poulin J, Gibb H. Mercurio: Evaluación de la carga de morbilidad ambiental a nivel nacional y local. Organización Mundial de la Salud. Ginebra: Prüss-Üstün A; 2008. (Carga de Morbilidad Ambiental).
13. Banco de la Republica. La Mojana: riqueza natural y potencial económico. Documento de Trabajo sobre economía regional. Colombia; 2004.
14. Du B, Li P, Feng X, Qiu G, Zhou J, Maurice L. Mercury exposure in children of the Wanshan mercury mining area, Guizhou, China. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2016; 13(11). doi: 10.3390/ijerph13111107.
15. Choi J, Chang J, Hong J, Shin S, Park J, Oh S. Low-Level toxic metal exposure in healthy weaning-age infants: association with growth, dietary intake, and iron deficiency. Int J Env Res Public Health. 2017; 14(4): 388. doi: 10.3390/ijerph14040388.
16. Gustin K, Tofail F, Mehrin F, Levi M, Vahter M, Kippler M. Methylmercury exposure and cognitive abilities and behavior at 10 years of age. Environ Int. 2017;102: 97-105. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.02.004.
17. ATSDR. Reseña Toxicológica del Mercurio. Agencia para Sustancias Tóxicas y el Registro de Enfermedades. 1999.
18. Rogers HS, McCullough J, Kieszak S, Caldwell KL, Jones RL. Exposure assessment of young children living in Chicago communities with historic reports of ritualistic use of mercury. Clin Toxicol. 2007; 45(3): 240-247. doi: 10.1080/15563650601031643.
19. Hudson PJ, Vogt RL, Brondum J, Witherell L, Myers G. Elemental mercury exposure among children of thermometer plant workers. Pediatrics. 1987; 79(6): 935-938.
20. Zheng L, Sanders A, Saland J, Wrighta R, Arora M. Environmental exposures and pediatric kidney function and disease: a systematic review. Environ Res. 2017; 158: 625-648. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.06.029.
21. Grandjean P, Weihe P, Debes F, Choi AL, Budtz-Jørgensen E. Neurotoxicity from prenatal and postnatal exposure to methylmercury. Neurotoxicol Teratol. 2014; 43: 39-44. doi: 10.1016/j.ntt.2014.03.004.
22. Ozuah P. Folk use of elemental mercury: a potential hazard for children? J Natl Med Assoc. 2001; 93(9): 320-323.
23. Ruggieri F, Majorani C, Domanico F, Alimonti A. Mercury in children: current state on exposure through human biomonitoring studies. Int J Env Res Public Health. 2017; 14(5): 519. doi: 10.3390/ijerph14050519.
24. Vargas F. La contaminación ambiental como factor determinante de la salud. Rev Esp Salud Publica. 2005; 79(2): 117-127.
25. OMS. Las consecuencias de la contaminación ambiental: 1,7 millones de defunciones infantiles anuales, según la OMS; 2017.
26. Counter S, Buchanan L, Ortega F. Acoustic stapedius muscle reflex in mercury-exposed Andean children and adults. Acta Otolaryngol. 2012; 132(1): 51-63. doi: 10.3109/00016489.2011.617778.
27. Health Canada Mercury Issues Task Group. Mercury Your health and the environment a resource tool. Canada; 2004 p. 54.
28. OMS, IPCS. Elemental mercury and inorganic mercury compounds: human health aspects. Geneve; 2003.
29. Escobar M, Zabala M. Perfil neuropsicológico de escolares con trastornos específicos del aprendizaje de instituciones educativas de Barranquilla, Colombia. Acta Neurol Colomb. 2008; 24: 63-73.
30. Rosselli M, Ardila A. Predictores neuropsicológicos de la lectura en español. Rev Neurol. 2006; 42: 202-210.
31. United Nations Environment Programme. Towards a pollution-free planet. 3rd session of the United Nations Environment Assembly. Nairobi, Kenya; 2017.
32. Andreoli V, Sprovieri F. Genetic Aspects of Susceptibility to Mercury Toxicity: an Overview. Int J Env Res Public Health. 2017; 14(1): 14-93. doi: 10.3390/ijerph14010093.
33. Pesh P, Wilhelm M, Rostek U, Schmitz N, Weishoff M, Ranft U, et al. Mercury concentration in urine, scalp hair and saliva in children from Germany. J Expo Anal Environ Epydemiol. 2002; 12(4): 252-258. doi:10.1038/sj.jea.7500228.
34. Mc Dowell M, Dillon Ch, Osterloh J, Bolgr M, Pellzzari E, Fernando R, et al. Hair mercury levels in U.S. children and women of childbearing Age: reference range data from NHANES 2999-2000. Environ Health Perspect. 2004;112(111): 1165-1171. doi: 10.1289/ehp.7046.
35. Kim SA, Jeon CK, Paek DM. Hair mercury concentrations of children and mothers in Korea: Implication for exposure and evaluation. Sci Total Environ. 2008; 402(1): 36-42. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.04.010.
36. Kusanagi E, Takamura H, Chen SJ, Adachi M, Hoshi N. Children’s Hair Mercury concentrations and seafood consumption in five regions of Japan. Arch Env Contam Toxicol. 2018; 74(2): 259-272. doi: 10.1007/s00244-017-0502-x.
37. Ou L, Chen C, Chen L, Wang H, Yang T, Xie H, et al. Lowlevel prenatal mercury exposure in north china: an exploratory study of anthropometric effects. Env Sci Technol. 2015; 49(11): 6899-6908. doi: 10.1021/es5055868.
38. Castoldi AF, Coccini T, Ceccatelli S. Neurotoxicity and molecular effects of methylmercury. Brain Res Bull. 2001; 55(2): 197-203. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0361-9230 (01)00458-0.
39. Ekino S, Susa M, Ninomiya T, Imamura K, Kitamura T. Minamata disease revisited: An update on the acute and chronic manifestations of methyl mercury poisoning. J Neurol Sci. 2007; 262(1-2): 131-44. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2007.06.036.
40. UNEP. Global Mercury Assessment. Switzerland: United Nations Environment Programme; 2013. (Sources, Emissions, Releases and Environmental Transport).
41. Calao C, Marrugo JL. Efectos genotóxicos asociados a metales pesados en una población humana de la región de La Mojana, Colombia, 2013. Biomédica. 2015; 35(Supl 2): 139-151. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.7705/biomedica.v35i0.2392.
42. Vargas B, ML, Quiroz P, CM. Alteraciones neuropsicológicas en escolares de un municipio con niveles elevados de vapor de mercurio medioambiental, Colombia, 2008-2009. Rev Fac Nac Salud Pública. 2011; 29(4): 461-468.
43. WHO, UNEP, DTIE CHEMICALS BRANCH. Guidance for identifying populations at risk from mercury exposure. Geneva, Switzerland; 2008.
44. Gracia L, Marrugo JL, Alvis E. Mercury contamination in humans and fishes in the municipality of Ayapel, Córdoba, Colombia, 2009. Rev Fac Nac Salud Pública. 2010; 28: 118-124. doi: 10.17533/udea.rfnsp.
45. Bose-O’Reilly S, Lettmeier B, Matteucci M, Gothe R, Beinhoff C, Siebert U, et al. Mercury as a serious health hazard for children in gold mining areas. Environ Res. 2008; 107(1): 89-97. doi: 10.1289/ehp.1307864.
46. OMS. Mercurio: evaluando la carga de la enfermedad a nivel nacional y local. Serie sobre carga ambiental de enfermedades. Ginebra; 2008. Report No. 16.
47. Abdul Samad N, Md Isa Z, Hod R. Mercury hair concentration among primary school children in Malaysia. Child Basel. 2017; 4(12). doi: 10.3390/children4120109.
48. Interdonato M, Bitto A, Pizzino G, Irrera N, Pallio G, Mecchio A, et al. Levels of Heavy Metals in Adolescents Living in the Industrialised Area of Milazzo-Valle del Mela (Northern Sicily). J Environ Public Health. 2014; 1:1-9. doi: 10.1155/2014/326845.
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