Mercury exposure and risk among women of childbearing age in urban communities of Madre de Dios, Peru
Type of Session
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Mercury pollution associated with artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Madre de Dios, Peru, poses a threat to human health in the region. Previous studies have found elevated levels of mercury exposure in the population in Madre de Dios, including residents of mining communities and the regional capital of Puerto Maldonado. This study examines mercury exposure and risk factors among women of childbearing age living in three cities in Madre de Dios. Women of childbearing age are a population of high concern because mothers exposed to mercury may pass it on to their children during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Hair samples were collected for total mercury analysis from 170 individuals. Study participants were selected randomly. All study participants were women between the ages of 18 and 49 who had lived in their respective communities for a minimum of 6 months. Each study participant also took part in a qualitative interview, with questions relating to basic personal information, mercury-related symptoms, and risk factors including frequency of fish consumption, level of education, and occupation. Study participants were also asked about their level of knowledge of the health effects of mercury and their level of concern regarding mercury contamination.
The average level of mercury exposure for all study participants was 1.97 ppm (range: 0.01 ppm to 8.11 ppm), nearly two times the WHO reference limit of 1 ppm. Some 78.31% of study participants were above the reference limit. The highest levels of exposure were found in Iberia, a small city outside the mining zone with an average of 2.37 ppm. This presentation will consider the effects of risk factors including diet, education and occupation. The majority of study participants expressed some or high levels of concern regarding mercury contamination in the region. However, many study participants had limited understanding or misconceptions about the health risks associated with mercury exposure. The results indicate that an immediate response is needed to reduce mercury exposure among women of childbearing age in Madre de Dios, Peru.
Primary Contact
David J.X. Gonzalez, Yale University, School of Forestry & Environmental Studies
Presenters
David J.X. Gonzalez, Yale University, School of Forestry & Environmental Studies
E-mail address (preferred) or phone number
Title of paper
Mercury exposure and risk among women of childbearing age in urban communities of Madre de Dios, Peru