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1.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38985527

ABSTRACT

Lead exposure is a severe public health issue that can adversely affect children's neurocognitive development. A semi-urban community in Mexico has been exposed to lead from food cooked in glazed clay pots. A cognitive intervention was conducted from 2015 to 2016 to minimize this negative impact. This intervention aimed to improve the neurocognitive development of the affected children. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study with a control group was conducted in children aged 7 to 12 years from 2 communities in Morelos, Mexico. Blood lead levels were determined, and the neurocognitive function was assessed pre- and postintervention with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and Children's Auditory Verbal Learning Test-2. A cognitive intervention was conducted at the school. The difference-in-differences method adjusted for variables known as priori and evaluated the impact of cognitive intervention. RESULTS: The differences-in-differences models indicated a significant average increase in scores on the Verbal Comprehension Index (9.58 points), Processing Speed Index (5.33 points), intelligence quotient (5.63 points) level of learning (7.66 points), interference trial (10.12 points), immediate memory span (7.98 points), and recognition accuracy (1.18 points) subtests after the cognitive intervention. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that cognitive intervention improves neurocognitive development in schoolchildren exposed to Pb.

2.
Glob Health Promot ; 30(3): 39-48, 2023 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37067026

ABSTRACT

Long-term research has identified significant water contamination and associated poor health outcomes in the indigenous community of Alpuyeca, located in south-central Mexico. We set out to develop a popular education initiative in this community to improve water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) knowledge and practices. In order to avoid recreating hierarchical power dynamics in this vulnerable community, a participatory action research (PAR) design was used, wherein the community took leadership and facilitation roles in each stage of the research process. In qualitative interviews and design sessions, community members identified unsatisfied WaSH needs in households and community institutions and articulated a clear worldview of the spiritual role of water, which guided the development of a series of popular education-based workshops and discussions. The popular education initiative process was documented with a mixed methods framework, using before-and-after surveys, semi-structured interviews and participatory observation. Increases in knowledge and practices related to water purification, water consumption and hand hygiene were noted in the community. The community identified locally installed and managed ecotechnologies as a key opportunity for sustainable development, community participation and the adoption of water and sanitation systems, compatible with public imaginaries of the role of water.


Subject(s)
Hygiene , Water Quality , Humans , Mexico , Sanitation , Educational Status , Water Supply
3.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34770007

ABSTRACT

Water fluoride levels above the World Health Organization's guideline (1.5 mg/L), common in overexploited aquifers, represent a health hazard. Our objective was to assess the health risks posed by exposure to fluoride in different drinking water sources in a contaminated basin in Mexico. Fluoride was measured in mutual drinking water sources and in the urine of 39 children and women. Risks were estimated through hazard quotient (HQ) by drinking water source. Dental fluorosis was assessed in the children. Mean fluoride water concentrations (mg/L) were: well, 4.2; waterhole, 2.7; bottled, 2.1; rainwater, 0.4. The mean urinary fluoride concentrations (specific gravity adjusted) were 2.1 mg/L and 3.2 mg/L in children and women, respectively. Our multiple linear regression model showed children's urinary fluoride concentrations increased 0.96 mg/L for every 1 mg/L increase in water fluoride (p < 0.001). Dental fluorosis was diagnosed in 82% of the children, and their HQ according to drinking water source was: well, 1.5; waterhole, 1.1; bottled, 0.8; harvested rainwater, 0.3. The pervasive dental fluorosis indicates a toxic past fluoride exposure; urinary fluoride levels and HQs indicate high exposure and current health risks for most children. Drinking harvested rainwater will likely prevent most of the local fluoride exposure.


Subject(s)
Drinking Water , Fluorosis, Dental , Child , Drinking Water/analysis , Female , Fluorides/adverse effects , Fluorides/analysis , Fluorosis, Dental/epidemiology , Fluorosis, Dental/etiology , Humans , Mexico/epidemiology , Risk Assessment
4.
Salud pública Méx ; 63(4): 471-477, jul.-ago. 2021. tab
Article in Spanish | LILACS-Express | LILACS | ID: biblio-1432280

ABSTRACT

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre la exposición crónica a contaminantes atmosféricos y la tasa de mortalidad por Covid-19 en ciudades mexicanas. Material y métodos: Estudio ecológico en 25 ciudades mexicanas utilizando el reporte de casos diarios de muertes por Covid-19 (febrero a junio 2020) y datos validados de contaminantes atmosféricos, considerando concentraciones promedio en cada ciudad en el último año. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión Poisson, con modelos aditivos generalizados y variables de ajuste. Resultados: Se encontró un incremento significativo de 3.5% (IC95% 2.3-4.7) en la tasa de mortalidad por Covid-19 por incremento de 1µg/m3 de NO2. La asociación con PM2.5 fue no significativa, con un incremento de 1.8% por cada µg/m3. Conclusiones: Los resultados sugieren una asociación entre la mortalidad por Covid-19 y la exposición a NO2. Esta primera aproximación del riesgo asociado con la contaminación del aire requiere de análisis más precisos, pero es consistente con estudios de otras regiones.


Abstract Objective: To analyze the relationship between chronic exposures to air pollution with Covid-19 death rate in Mexican cities. Materials and methods: Ecological study in 25 Mexican cities using the report of daily Covid-19 deaths (from February to June 2020) and validated data of air pollutants, considering average concentrations in each city for the last year. Poisson regression models using generalized additive models with adjustment variables (GAM) were used. Results: A significant increase of 3.5% (95% CI 2.3-4.7) was found in Covid-19 death rate for each 1µg/m3 in annual concentration of NO2. The association with PM2.5 was not significant, with an increase of 1.8% for each 1µg/m3. Conclusions: Results suggest an association between Covid-19 mortality and chronic exposure to NO2. This first approximation of the risk associated with air pollution requires a more precise analysis, but is consistent with what was observed in other studies.

5.
Salud Publica Mex ; : 1-8, 2021 May 19.
Article in Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34098592

ABSTRACT

Objetivo. Analizar la asociación entre la exposición crónica a contaminantes atmosféricos y la tasa de mortalidad por Covid-19 en ciudades mexicanas. Material y métodos. Estudio ecológico en 25 ciudades mexicanas utilizando el reporte de casos diarios de muertes por Covid-19 (febrero a junio 2020) y datos validados de contaminantes atmosféricos, considerando concentraciones promedio en cada ciudad en el último año. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión Poisson, con modelos aditivos generalizados y variables de ajuste. Resultados. Se encontró un incremento significativo de 3.5% (IC95% 2.3-4.7) en la tasa de mortalidad por Covid-19 por incremento de 1µg/m3 de NO2. La asociación con PM2.5 fue no significativa, con un incremento de 1.8% por cada µg/ m3. Conclusiones. Los resultados sugieren una asociación entre la mortalidad por Covid-19 y la exposición a NO2. Esta primera aproximación del riesgo asociado con la contami-nación del aire requiere de análisis más precisos, pero es consistente con estudios de otras regiones.

6.
Salud Publica Mex ; 63(4): 470-477, 2021 06 18.
Article in Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35077101

ABSTRACT

Objective. To analyze the relationship between chronic exposures to air pollution with Covid-19 death rate in Mexican cities. Materials and methods. Ecological study in 25 Mexican cities using the report of daily Covid-19 deaths (from February to June 2020) and validated data of air pollutants, considering average concentrations in each city for the last year. Poisson regression models using generalized additive models with adjustment variables (GAM) were used. Results. A significant increase of 3.5% (95% CI 2.3-4.7) was found in Covid-19 death rate for each 1µg/m3 in annual concentration of NO2. The association with PM2.5 was not significant, with an increase of 1.8% for each 1µg/m3. Conclusions. Results suggest an association between Covid-19 mortality and chronic exposure to NO2. This first approximation of the risk associated with air pollution requires a more precise analysis, but is consistent with what was observed in other studies.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants , Air Pollution , COVID-19 , Air Pollutants/analysis , Air Pollutants/toxicity , Air Pollution/statistics & numerical data , Cities/epidemiology , Environmental Exposure/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Mortality , Particulate Matter/analysis , Particulate Matter/toxicity , SARS-CoV-2
7.
Ecohealth ; 16(2): 317-329, 2019 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30953243

ABSTRACT

Entangled in complex ecological, sociocultural, and economic systems, current environmental health problems require integrated participatory approaches. Alpuyeca, a semi-urban, highly marginalized community in South-Central Mexico burdened by lead and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination, dengue fever, and intestinal diseases, illustrates this. Its residents are distinctive, however, for their concerted actions in the face of environmental problems and the presence of defenders of a prehispanic worldview based on the protection of nature. This article addresses the health impacts of an integrated environmental health promotion strategy implemented through a participatory action research intervention based on qualitative and quantitative methods. Different actors, sectors, dimensions, and knowledge types were harmonized in a collaborative space created specifically for our interdisciplinary research team, community residents and local authorities. Reflections, plans and actions were developed collectively in this space with the view of finding solutions anchored in the local culture. Results included sharp reductions in blood-lead concentrations among children, in entomological indices, and in PCB contamination, as well as capacity strengthening. Medium-level community participation was achieved. This work contributes evidence that participatory environmental health research can be effective in analyzing and reducing problems in communities with multiple environmental health concerns. It complements ecohealth and environmental health literacy approaches.


Subject(s)
Environmental Health/methods , Environmental Pollution , Health Promotion , Child , Community Participation , Dengue/epidemiology , Dengue/prevention & control , Environmental Exposure/analysis , Environmental Exposure/prevention & control , Environmental Health/organization & administration , Health Promotion/methods , Health Promotion/organization & administration , Humans , Lead Poisoning/blood , Lead Poisoning/diagnosis , Mexico/epidemiology , Polychlorinated Biphenyls/toxicity
8.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30678166

ABSTRACT

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the link between housing and children´s respiratory symptoms, through the construction of an index (HSHI) based on the definition of healthy-sustainable housing criteria, in a semi-urban community from Morelos, Mexico. A general and household questionnaire, and respiratory symptoms diary were applied in 60 households to gather information about schoolchildren, respiratory health, housing and lifestyle characteristics. HSHI was constructed using principal component analysis. The association between HSHI and the presence and duration of respiratory symptoms was assessed using logistic and Poisson regression models. HSHI had five components, which accounted for 63% of variance, and were classified into poor and sufficient quality. It was observed that schoolchildren who inhabit a sufficient-quality house, showed a reduction in nose irritation duration and in the allergic symptoms probability regarding component 1 (ventilation, lighting and cloth washing) and presented three times less duration of common cold by component 2 (construction material, painted walls inside the house and type of bathroom) compared to poor-quality house inhabitants. Our results suggest that living in a sufficient-quality house, as described by the HSHI, reduced the prevalence of wheezing episodes and the probability of ear pain, providing evidence about the positive association of a healthy-sustainable housing on the respiratory health of schoolchildren.


Subject(s)
Housing/standards , Life Style , Respiration Disorders/epidemiology , Child , Construction Materials , Environment , Female , Humans , Hypersensitivity/epidemiology , Lighting , Male , Mexico , Pilot Projects , Principal Component Analysis , Public Health , Respiratory Sounds , Ventilation
9.
Environ Monit Assess ; 187(12): 752, 2015 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26573689

ABSTRACT

Airborne manganese (Mn) is considered the most hazardous route of exposure since Mn particles can enter into the body through the lung and may access the brain directly through olfactory uptake, thereby bypassing homeostatic excretory mechanisms. Environmental indoor and outdoor manganese concentrations in PM2.5 were monitored in ten rural households from two communities of Hidalgo, Mexico, from 2006 to 2007. Indoor and outdoor air samples of PM2.5 were collected using MiniVol samplers, and Mn concentrations in the filters were measured using proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE). An adjusted generalized linear mixed model was applied and then used for estimating indoor concentrations in non-monitored households. Our monitoring results showed a higher daily average concentration of indoor PM2.5 vs. outdoor PM2.5 (46.4 vs. 36.2 µg/m(3), respectively); however, manganese concentration in PM2.5 indoor and outdoor was 0.09 µg/m(3) in both sceneries. Predictor variables of indoor Mn concentration were outdoor Mn concentration (64.5% increase per 0.1 µg/m(3) change in Mn) and keeping the windows open (4.2% increase). Using these predictors, the average estimated indoor Mn concentration in PM2.5 was 0.07 µg/m(3) (SD = 0.05). Our results confirm the direct effect of outdoor Mn levels, opening house windows, and the distance to the mining chimney in indoor Mn levels in houses.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/analysis , Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Manganese/analysis , Models, Chemical , Family Characteristics , Humans , Ions , Linear Models , Mexico , Mining , Rural Population
11.
Int J Environ Res Public Health ; 11(12): 12668-82, 2014 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25493390

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Lead is a pervasive pollutant, associated at low levels to many adverse health effects. OBJECTIVE: To investigate lead levels, exposure pathways and intervention possibilities in school children from Alpuyeca, in Morelos, Mexico. METHODS: Blood lead concentrations (BPb) were measured in 226 children in 2011. Exposure pathways were assessed through a questionnaire, lead measurements in different environmental matrices and spatial aggregation analysis of lead concentrations. RESULTS: BPb ranged from 1.5 to 36.5 ìg/dL, with a mean (SD) of 7.23 (4.9) ìg/dL. Sixty-four and 18% of the children had BPb > 5 ìg/dL and > 10 ìg/dL, respectively. The use of lead glazed ceramics was reported in almost half of the households; it was the main BPb determinant and it was associated with an increased risk of having BPb > 5 g/dL by 2.7 times (p = 0.001). Environmental samples were within US EPA's lead recommended limits, and blood lead levels were randomly distributed in the community. CONCLUSIONS: Lead remains a public health problem in Alpuyeca, Mexico. Unlike other local pollutant lead exposure prevention can be achieved inexpensively and in a short term. Interventions should make mothers aware of lead's health effects and empower them to safeguard their children's health by avoiding the culturally ingrained use of lead glazed pottery.


Subject(s)
Environmental Exposure , Environmental Pollutants/blood , Lead/blood , Adolescent , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Environmental Monitoring , Female , Humans , Male , Mexico , Spectrophotometry, Atomic , Students , Surveys and Questionnaires
12.
Salud pública Méx ; 56(6): 579-591, nov.-dic. 2014. ilus, tab
Article in English | LILACS | ID: lil-733352

ABSTRACT

Objective. To conduct a health impact assessment (HIA) to quantify health benefits for several PM and O3 air pollution reduction scenarios in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA). Results from this HIA will contribute to the scientific support of the MCMA air quality management plan (PROAIRE) for the period 2011-2020. Materials and methods. The HIA methodology consisted of four steps: 1) selection of the air pollution reduction scenarios, 2) identification of the at-risk population and health outcomes for the 2005 baseline scenario, 3) selection of concentration-response functions and 4) estimation of health impacts. Results. Reductions of PM10 levels to 20 μg/m³ and O3 levels to 0.050ppm (98 µg/m³) would prevent 2300 and 400 annual deaths respectively. The greatest health impact was seen in the over-65 age group and in mortality due to cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular disease. Conclusion. Improved air quality in the MCMA could provide significant health benefits through focusing interventions by exposure zones.


Objetivo. Realizar una evaluación de impacto en salud (EIS) que documente los beneficios en salud ante diversos escenarios de reducción de PM10 y O3 en el aire de la Zona Metropolitana del Valle de México (ZMVM). Los resultados contribuyen al sustento científico del plan de gestión de calidad del aire (PROAIRE 2011-2020). Material y métodos. La metodología de EIS comprende cuatro pasos: 1) selección de los escenarios de reducción, 2) identificación de la población en riesgo y de los eventos en salud para el año basal 2005, 3) selección de las funciones de concentración-respuesta y 4) estimación del impacto en la salud. Resultados. Reducciones de PM10 a 20μg/m³ y de O3 a 0.050ppm (98 µg/m³) evitarían, respectivamente, cerca de 2 300 y 400 muertes por año. El mayor impacto se observa en el grupo de más de 65 años y en la mortalidad por causas cardiopulmonares y cardiovasculares. Conclusiones. Mejorar la calidad del aire en la ZMVM podría reflejar importantes beneficios para la salud focalizados por zonas o áreas de exposición.


Subject(s)
Pseudomonas putida/metabolism , Styrenes/metabolism , Aldehyde Oxidoreductases/metabolism , Biodegradation, Environmental , Epoxy Compounds/metabolism , Escherichia coli Proteins , Glutamic Acid/metabolism , Isomerases/metabolism , Oxidation-Reduction , Oxygen Consumption , Phenylacetates/metabolism , Pseudomonas putida/enzymology , Pseudomonas putida/growth & development , Styrene , Succinates/metabolism , Succinic Acid
14.
Salud Publica Mex ; 56(6): 579-91, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25604409

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a health impact assessment (HIA) to quantify health benefits for several PM and O3 air pollution reduction scenarios in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA). Results from this HIA will contribute to the scientific support of the MCMA air quality management plan (PROAIRE) for the period 2011-2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The HIA methodology consisted of four steps: 1) selection of the air pollution reduction scenarios, 2) identification of the at-risk population and health outcomes for the 2005 baseline scenario, 3) selection of concentration-response functions and 4) estimation of health impacts. RESULTS: Reductions of PM10 levels to 20 µg/m³ and O3 levels to 0.050ppm (98 µg/m³) would prevent 2300 and 400 annual deaths respectively. The greatest health impact was seen in the over-65 age group and in mortality due to cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: Improved air quality in the MCMA could provide significant health benefits through focusing interventions by exposure zones.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/analysis , Air Pollution/prevention & control , Health Impact Assessment , Ozone/analysis , Particulate Matter/analysis , Urban Health , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Air Pollutants/adverse effects , Air Pollution/adverse effects , Cardiovascular Diseases/mortality , Environmental Exposure , Environmental Monitoring , Female , Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Male , Mexico , Ozone/adverse effects , Particle Size , Particulate Matter/adverse effects , Respiratory Tract Diseases/mortality
15.
Environ Health ; 11 Suppl 1: S5, 2012 Jun 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22759505

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Organophosphate pesticides are widely used on food crops grown in the EU. While they have been banned from indoor use in the US for a decade due to adverse health effects, they are still the most prevalent pesticides in the EU, with Chlorpyrifos (CPF) being the most commonly applied. It has been suggested CPF affects neurodevelopment even at levels below toxicity guidelines. Younger individuals may be more susceptible than adults due to biological factors and exposure settings. METHODS: A literature review was undertaken to assess the evidence for CPF contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders in infants and children. Other literature was consulted in order to formulate a causal chain diagram showing the origins, uptake, and neurological effects of animal and human exposure to CPF.The causal chain diagram and a questionnaire were distributed online to scientific experts who had published in relevant areas of research. They were asked to assess their confidence levels on whether CPF does in fact contribute to adverse neurodevelopment outcomes and rate their confidence in the scientific evidence. A second questionnaire queried experts as to which kind of policy action they consider justifiable based on current knowledge. In a special workshop session at the EuroTox congress in Dresden in 2009 the results of both questionnaires were further discussed with invited experts, as a basis for a policy brief with main messages for policy makers and stakeholders. RESULTS: Most experts who responded to the first questionnaire felt that there was already enough evidence to support a ban on indoor uses of CPF in the EU. However, most felt additional research is still required in several areas. The responses from the first questionnaire were used to formulate the second questionnaire addressing the feasibility of government action. In turn, these expert participants were invited to attend a special session at the EuroTox congress in Dresden in 2009. CONCLUSIONS: Some of the evidence that CPF contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders is still disputed among experts, and the overall sense is that further research and public awareness are warranted. There have been campaigns in North America making the potential exposure concerns known, but such information is not widely known in the EU. The ability of government action to produce change is strongly felt in some quarters while others believe better knowledge of consumer use trends would have a greater impact.


Subject(s)
Chlorpyrifos/toxicity , Environmental Exposure , Expert Testimony , Health Policy , Insecticides/toxicity , Nervous System/drug effects , Child , Child Development/drug effects , Chlorpyrifos/metabolism , Environmental Health , European Union , Female , Humans , Insecticides/metabolism , Male , Pregnancy , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/chemically induced , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/epidemiology
16.
In. Galvão, Luiz Augusto C; Finkelman, Jacobo; Henao, Samuel. Determinantes ambientais e sociais da saúde. Rio de Janeiro, Opas; Editora Fiocruz, 2011. p.475-495, tab, graf.
Monography in Portuguese | LILACS | ID: lil-756802
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