Mercury exposure and anemia in children and adolescents from six riverside communities of Brazilian Amazon

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic substance, and fish consumption is one of the main sources of exposure for the population. This article aims to evaluate the association between exposure to Hg and anemia among children and adolescents from six riverside communities in the Brazilian Amazon. Secondary data analysis from cross-sectional studies, including 1,318 individuals, divided into two groups according to gold mining exposure (group A under the influence, and group B without it). Multivariate analysis methods were performed to assess the association between exposure to Hg (hair Hg) and anemia, stratifying by groups. Three hundred and forty-eight anemia cases were observed (27.1%), with 206 from group B and 142 out of group A. There was a difference in the median of Hg levels between groups (A = 12.8 mu g/g and B= 4.3 mu g/g, p = 0.01). An association was observed between hair Hg levels >= 6.0 mu g/g and anemia (OR = 1.38; 95%CI = 1.021.87), a fact that was magnified for group A, when stratification was performed (OR = 2.23; 95%CI = 1.28-3.90). This study showed high Hg levels, especially in group A and this substance might be a possible risk factor for anemia. Also, geographical areas seemed to modify this effect, pointing to the influence of other factors, which should be better evaluated.

Automated summary

This study aims to evaluate the association between exposure to mercury and anemia among children and adolescents in the Brazilian Amazon. The results showed that high mercury levels may be a risk factor for anemia, and this effect may be influenced by geographical areas.