ABSTRACT
The presence of heavy metals in milk is a public health problem that negatively effects human health, especially infant health. This study evaluated the concentration levels of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in blood and its transfer to the milk of 20 cows in production in a rural community near the La Oroya Metallurgical Complex in Peru, which has emitted fine particulate matter for more than 90 years. Validated protocols were used for sample collection. The samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results of the analysis indicated that the levels, in mg/kg, of Pb in blood and milk were 0.38 ± 0.041 and 0.58 ± 0.018, respectively; Pb in milk was 54% higher than that in blood (P < 0.01). Cd levels, in mg/kg, in blood and milk were 0.016 ± 0.002 and 0.02 ± 0.007, respectively; milk had 28% more Cd than did blood (P < 0.05). The results for Pb in milk were compared with the Codex Alimentarius standard (0.002 mg/kg); the mean concentration of Pb in milk was 29 times higher than the acceptable limit, and the mean concentration of Cd was 2 times higher than the acceptable limit of the Romanian standard (0.01 mg/kg). The result could be attributed to the impact of environmental pollution by mining waste. In Peru, there are no norms for maximum Pb and Cd values, and the establishment of maximum value norms for these metals in milk is suggested.
ABSTRACT
FUNDAMENTOS: La anemia infantil es un problema crítico en zonas altoandinas del Perú por su asociación con la morbi-mortalidad materno infantil e impacto negativo en el desarrollo emocional, cognitivo y motor de los niños. Se ha realizado un estudio para determinar la prevalencia de anemia en la población infantil del distrito de Tunanmarca y establecer su relación con factores socioeconómicos y productivos. MÉTODOS: Se encuestó a 48 familias campesinas del distrito de Tunanmarca. Se midió el contenido de hemoglobina de sus hijos menores de 5 años, previo consentimiento informado. Las asociaciones entre variables se determinaron con pruebas de Chi cuadrado y Rde Spearman, con un p<0,05 en el SPSS 23. RESULTADOS:La prevalencia de anemia infantil fue 86%, distribuidos en 34,9% de anemia leve, 46,5% de anemia moderada y 4,7% de anemia severa. Las prevalencias de enfermedades diarreicas y respiratorias agudas fueron 16,7 y 25%. La anemia infantil se asocia con algunas variables socioeconómicas y productivas. CONCLUSIONES: En la comunidad altoandina de Tunanmarca, Jauja-Perú se observó una alta prevalencia de anemia infantil, asociada inversamente con la educación materna, hogares adecuadamente constituidos, propietarios de la vivienda, mayor frecuencia de consumo de pescado, habas y crianza de animales domésticos
BACKGROUND: Infantile anemia is a critical problem in high Andean areas of Peru due to its association with maternal and infant morbidity and mortality and negative impact on the emotional, cognitive and motor development of children. A study was carried out to determine the prevalence of anemia in the child population of the Tunanmarca district and establish its relationship with socioeconomic and productive factors. METHODS: A survey to 48 peasant families of Tunanmarca district was applied, and the hemoglobin content of their children under 5 years old was measured, with prior informed consent. Associations between the variables were determined with Chi square tests and Spearman's R, with a p <0.05 in the SPSS 23. RESULTS:Infant anemia prevalence was 86%, distributed in 34.9% mild anemia, 46.5% moderate anemia and 4.7% severe anemia. Prevalence of diarrheal and acute respiratory diseases were 16.7 and 25%. Infant anemia prevalence is associated with some socioeconomic and productive variables. CONCLUSIONS: In the high Andean community of Tunanmarca, Jauja-Peru a high prevalence of childhood anemia was observed, inversely associated with maternal education, adequately constituted households, owning the home, with the highest frequency of consumption of fish, beans and the raising of domestic animals
