BLOOD LEAD AND MERCURY LEVELS IN CHILDBEARING-AGED WOMEN IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA OF SAO PAULO

摘要

Background and aims: Exposure to methyl mercury and lead is a risk factor for neurodevelopment toxicity as these contaminants can cross the placenta. We assessed blood mercury and lead levels in childbearivccng-aged women and explored possible associations with socioeconomic characteristics and lifestyle factors. Methods: We analyzed data from a cross-sectional study conducted in the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo (MASP) in 2009. Results: 126 women, aged 18 - 49 years old (mean 31.5) were included in this study. The geometric means (μg/L) of mercury and lead were 1.44 and 17.57, respectively. Blood mercury levels ＞ 5.0 μg/L was found in 12.7% of women. Results of multiple linear regression analyses for mercury revealed that fish consumption frequency significantly contributed to mercury blood levels in these women. Women who consumed fish one or more times per month present 80% higher blood mercury level than women who didn't consume fish or consumed less than once a month. Blood lead levels ≥ 50.0 μg/L was found in 1.6% of women. Factors associated with higher blood lead levels in en included income (women with income lower than BRL$ 1550 exhibited approximately 31% more lead) and smoke habit (smokers presented approximately 24% higher lead in their blood than nonsmokers). Conclusion: Overall, women of childbearing age in MASP present low lead concentration in blood and relatively higher mercury levels. Higher blood lead concentration is associated with socioeconomic factors. Fish consumption frequency is the main determinant to high levels of mercury in blood. Further studies are necessary to assess the risk of consumption of different species of fish by women of childbearing age and pregnant women.