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Díaz SM, Palma RM, Gamboa EM, Idrovo ÁJ. Selenium-rich food potentially useful to control mercury levels among Afro-Colombians: Towards an intercultural intervention. Biomedica 2023; 43:427-437. [PMID: 38109141 PMCID: PMC10768523 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.6981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diet-based interventions may be a culturally acceptable option to decrease mercury levels and thus prevent the adverse effects of this metal on population health. Selenium is an element present in Colombian geology that can act as a chelator, decreasing mercury concentrations in the human body. OBJECTIVE To identify potentially useful selenium-rich foods to control the effects of mercury exposure among Afro-Colombians. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out with 320 individuals from five municipalities of Chocó. They were asked about the frequency of consumption of selenium-rich foods, and their association with mercury concentrations in hair was estimated with multiple robust regression. RESULTS Guava, whole wheat flour, strawberries, cow liver, spinach and yeast extract were the foods with higher consumption. Walnuts, whole wheat flour, and yeast extract were identified in multiple robust regression as foods to consider in future interventions. CONCLUSION It is proposed that the banana juice, the pineapple colada, the borojó (Borojoa patinoi) sorbet, the cucas, and the enyucado are basic elements for a culturally acceptable intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia M Díaz
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia.
| | - Ruth Marién Palma
- Grupo de Salud Ambiental y Laboral, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia.
| | - Edna M Gamboa
- Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia.
| | - Álvaro J Idrovo
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia.
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Pastor-Sierra K, Espitia-Pérez L, Espitia-Pérez P, Peñata-Taborda A, Brango H, Galeano-Páez C, Bru-Cordero OE, Palma-Parra M, Díaz SM, Trillos C, Briceño L, Idrovo ÁJ, Miranda-Pacheco J, Téllez E, Jiménez-Vidal L, Coneo-Pretelt A, Álvarez AH, Arteaga-Arroyo G, Ricardo-Caldera D, Salcedo-Arteaga S, Porras-Ramírez A, Varona-Uribe M. Micronuclei frequency and exposure to chemical mixtures in three Colombian mining populations. Sci Total Environ 2023; 901:165789. [PMID: 37499817 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The Colombian mining industry has witnessed significant growth. Depending on the scale and mineral extracted, complex chemical mixtures are generated, impacting the health of occupationally exposed populations and communities near mining projects. Increasing evidence suggests that chromosomal instability (CIN) is an important link between the development of certain diseases and exposure to complex mixtures. To better understand the effects of exposure to complex mixtures we performed a biomonitoring study on 407 healthy individuals from four areas: three located in municipalities exploiting different-scale mining systems and a reference area with no mining activity. Large, medium, and small-scale mining systems were analyzed in Montelibano (Córdoba), artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM) in Nechí (Antioquia), and a closed mining system in Aranzazu (Caldas). The reference area with no mining activity was established in Montería (Córdoba). ICP-MS measured multi-elemental exposure in hair, and CIN was evaluated using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus technique (MNBN). Exposure to mixtures of chemical elements was comparable in workers and residents of the mining areas but significantly higher compared to reference individuals. In Montelibano, increased MNBN frequencies were associated with combined exposure to Se, Hg, Mn, Pb, and Mg. This distinct pattern significantly differed from other areas. Specifically, in Nechí, Cr, Ni, Hg, Se, and Mg emerged as the primary contributors to elevated frequencies of MNBN. In contrast, a combination of Hg and Ni played a role in increasing MNBN in Aranzazu. Interestingly, Se consistently correlated with increased MNBN frequencies across all active mining areas. Chemical elements in Montelibano exhibit a broader range compared to other mining zones, reflecting the characteristics of the high-impact and large-scale mining in the area. This research provides valuable insights into the effects of exposure to chemical mixtures, underscoring the importance of employing this approach in the risk assessment of communities, especially those from residential areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Pastor-Sierra
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia; Programa de doctorado en Salud Pública, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Lyda Espitia-Pérez
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia.
| | - Pedro Espitia-Pérez
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Ana Peñata-Taborda
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Hugo Brango
- Departamento de Matemáticas y Estadística, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Claudia Galeano-Páez
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | | | - Marien Palma-Parra
- Dirección de Investigación en Salud Pública, Grupo de Salud Ambiental y Laboral, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sonia M Díaz
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carlos Trillos
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Leonardo Briceño
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Álvaro J Idrovo
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Juan Miranda-Pacheco
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Eliana Téllez
- Dirección de Investigación en Salud Pública, Grupo de Salud Ambiental y Laboral, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luisa Jiménez-Vidal
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Andrés Coneo-Pretelt
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Alicia Humanez Álvarez
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Gean Arteaga-Arroyo
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Dina Ricardo-Caldera
- Grupo de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales y Resistencia Bacteriana, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | - Shirley Salcedo-Arteaga
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería, Córdoba, Colombia
| | | | - Marcela Varona-Uribe
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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Varona-Uribe ME, Díaz SM, Palma RM, Briceño-Ayala L, Trillos-Peña C, Téllez-Avila EM, Espitia-Pérez L, Pastor-Sierra K, Espitia-Pérez PJ, Idrovo AJ. Micronuclei, Pesticides, and Element Mixtures in Mining Contexts: The Hormetic Effect of Selenium. Toxics 2023; 11:821. [PMID: 37888671 PMCID: PMC10611081 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11100821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The contexts where there are mining and agriculture activities are potential sources of risk to human health due to contamination by chemical mixtures. These contexts are frequent in several Colombian regions. This study explored the potential association between the frequency of micronuclei and pesticides and elements in regions with ferronickel (Montelibano, Córdoba) and gold (Nechí, Antioquia) mining, and a closed native mercury mine (Aranzazu, Caldas), with an emphasis in the potential effect of selenium as a potential chelator. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 247 individuals. Sociodemographic, occupational, and toxicological variables were ascertained. Blood and urine samples were taken for pesticide analysis (5 organophosphates, 4 organochlorines, and 3 carbamates), 68 elements were quantified in hair, and micronuclei were quantified in lymphocytes. The mixtures of elements were grouped through principal component analysis. Prevalence ratios were estimated with robust variance Poisson regressions to explore associations. Interactions of selenium with toxic elements were explored. The highest concentrations of elements were in the active mines. The potentially most toxic chemical mixture was observed in the ferronickel mine. Pesticides were detected in a low proportion of participants (<2.5%), except paraoxon-methyl in blood (27.55%) in Montelibano and paraoxon-ethyl in blood (18.81%) in Aranzazu. The frequency of micronuclei was similar in the three mining contexts, with means between 4 to 7 (p = 0.1298). There was great heterogeneity in the exposure to pesticides and elements. The "hormetic effect" of selenium was described, in which, at low doses, it acts as a chelator in Montelibano and Aranzazu, and at high doses, it can enhance the toxic effects of other elements, maybe as in Nechí. Selenium can serve as a protective agent, but it requires adaptation to the available concentrations in each region to avoid its toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela E. Varona-Uribe
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá D.C. 111221, Colombia; (M.E.V.-U.); (S.M.D.); (L.B.-A.); (C.T.-P.)
| | - Sonia M. Díaz
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá D.C. 111221, Colombia; (M.E.V.-U.); (S.M.D.); (L.B.-A.); (C.T.-P.)
| | - Ruth-Marien Palma
- Environmental and Occupational Health Group, National Institute of Health, Bogotá D.C. 111321, Colombia; (R.-M.P.); (E.M.T.-A.)
| | - Leonardo Briceño-Ayala
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá D.C. 111221, Colombia; (M.E.V.-U.); (S.M.D.); (L.B.-A.); (C.T.-P.)
| | - Carlos Trillos-Peña
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá D.C. 111221, Colombia; (M.E.V.-U.); (S.M.D.); (L.B.-A.); (C.T.-P.)
| | - Eliana M. Téllez-Avila
- Environmental and Occupational Health Group, National Institute of Health, Bogotá D.C. 111321, Colombia; (R.-M.P.); (E.M.T.-A.)
| | - Lyda Espitia-Pérez
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédicas y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería 230001, Colombia; (L.E.-P.); (K.P.-S.); (P.J.E.-P.)
| | - Karina Pastor-Sierra
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédicas y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería 230001, Colombia; (L.E.-P.); (K.P.-S.); (P.J.E.-P.)
| | - Pedro Juan Espitia-Pérez
- Grupo de Investigación Biomédicas y Biología Molecular, Universidad del Sinú, Montería 230001, Colombia; (L.E.-P.); (K.P.-S.); (P.J.E.-P.)
| | - Alvaro J. Idrovo
- Public Health Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga 680002, Colombia
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Díaz SM, Varona-Uribe ME, Sánchez-Infante CI, Idrovo AJ. [Lead and mercury exposure in populations on the banks of the Bogotá River: a multi-method study]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 21:1-8. [PMID: 33206915 DOI: 10.15446/rsap.v21n1.72700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study sought to understand the health problems associated with the presence of lead and mercury in the water of the Bogotá River. MATERIALS AND METHODS A mixed methods study was conducted using interviews, surveys and measurements of zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) and mercury in blood from 172 individuals. Variables associated with the highest concentrations were identified, as well as the attributes of the cases with increased exposure by means of a qualitative comparative analysis. RESULTS Interviews reported that river pollution is associated with diseases, although direct exposure to water is rare. River water is widely used for irrigation of crops that are sold in other municipalities. Communities with greater exposure to river water are Tocaima and Girardot. The highest levels of ZPP were observed among those living in these municipalities, did activities at home and performed non-work activities using metals. Increased ZPP levels were associated with depression, nasal bleeding and loss of appetite. The highest concentrations of mercury were found in the inhabitants of Girardot, and were associated with sweating, disorientation, nausea and diarrhea. CONCLUSION Low levels of lead and mercury were observed in the study population, although there are specific cases with high social vulnerability that require special attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia M Díaz
- SD: Microbióloga. Especialista en Epidemiología, Epidemióloga de Campo (FETP). Grupo de Salud Ambiental y Laboral, Instituto Nacional de Salud. Bogotá, DC, Colombia.
| | - Marcela E Varona-Uribe
- MV: MD. Especialista en Toxicología. Especialista en Medicina del Trabajo. M. Sc. Epidemiología, Ph.D. Ciencias Biológicas. Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario. Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Clara I Sánchez-Infante
- CS: Enf. Especialista en Gerencia de Proyectos. M. Sc. Educación. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Cundinamarca. Girardot, Colombia.
| | - Alvaro J Idrovo
- AI: MD. Especialista en Higiene y Salud Ocupacional, M. Sc. Salud Pública. M. Sc. Salud Ambiental, Ph.D. Epidemiología. Departamento de Salud Pública, Universidad Industrial de Santander. Bucaramanga, Colombia.
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Varona ME, Díaz SM, Briceño L, Sánchez-Infante CI, Torres CH, Palma RM, Groot H, Idrovo AJ. [Determining social factors related to pesticide poisoning among rice farmers in Colombia]. Rev Salud Publica (Bogota) 2017; 18:617-629. [PMID: 28453066 DOI: 10.15446/rsap.v18n4.52617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Large quantities of pesticides are used in rice crops. The aim of this study is to characterize how farmers are exposed to pesticides and subsequent poisoning. Materials and Methods A multilevel (individual and community) multi-method study, which included ethnographic and survey methods, as well as measurement of pesticides in water and human samples, was performed. Results The production process is described and the main risk factors are presented. Pesticides are considered the greatest danger at work and at their homes. Workers have poor working conditions and are not protected by the system of occupational risks. Azinphos-methyl, endosulfan, β-BHC, bromophos-methyl, bromophos-ethyl and 2,4- DDT were found in water samples. The survey included 381 workers with mild (12.86 %), moderate (67.98 %) and severe (5.51 %) poisonings respectively. Severe cases presented lower levels of education, lower levels of health care access to the contributory regimen of the Colombian social security system and higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, herpes or other viral infections. Conclusion There are precarious working conditions that favor exposure to pesticides correlated to the exclusion of farmers from the occupational risk system, to poverty and to poor education. It is urgent to include these workers to the system of occupational risk system and to improve their living conditions, thus reducing unsafe practices when handling pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alvaro J Idrovo
- Universidad Manuela Beltrán, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
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Varona ME, Torres CH, Díaz SM, Palma RM, Checa DM, Conde JV. [State of supply services for industrial hygiene and safety in Colombia]. Biomedica 2012; 32:60-70. [PMID: 23235788 DOI: 10.1590/s0120-41572012000100008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Accepted: 04/20/2011] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Institutions that supply occupational health services must offer services that are reliable and of high quality across the spectrum of industrial hygiene and safety needs. OBJECTIVE Services for occupational health were identified at several institutions, and the technical quality and reliability of these services were compared in different regions of Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS This descriptive study identified the services available for industrial hygiene and safety in 15 cities of Colombia. A survey was conducted in 192 institutions offering such services and a statistical analysis of these results was undertaken. This sample was taken from a nationwide list of institutions purportedly licensed for this activity. RESULTS Thirty-two percent (61) of the evaluated institutions provided hygiene services, and 48% (93) provided safety services. The range of health services was provided on a subcontract basis both for professional personnel and the equipment. Six institutions in the area of industrial hygiene and 1 in the area of industrial security were supplying services with pending or suspended institutional licenses. CONCLUSION Deficiencies in the quality, infrastructure and levels of automation were identified at institutions that supply services of hygiene and industrial security. The resulting recommendatios are that the Ministry of the Social Protection fortifies mechanisms for (1) the evaluation and control of the supplied services, and (2) verify that the institutional activity is in accordance with current and valid licensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela E Varona
- Grupo de Salud Ambiental y Laboral, Subdirección de Investigación, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia.
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Ríos E, Dal Borgo P, Riveros A, Díaz SM. [Familial lead poisoning]. Rev Med Chil 1989; 117:671-6. [PMID: 2519417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A 1 year and 9 month old patient was admitted with ataxia. CBC showed a microcytic, hypocromic anemia with intense basophilic sttipling of erythrocytes. Lead poisoning was suspected and confirmed with a blood lead level of 167 micrograms/dl. The patient was treated with EDTA and BAL. It was discovered that family burned old car batteries for food cooking. Four members were intoxicated, with blood lead levels at or above 50 micrograms/dl.
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