Environmental pollution challenges public health surveillance: the case of mercury exposure and intoxication in Brazil.

ABSTRACT: Pollution, causing millions of deaths annually, disproportionally affects low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Mercury ranks among the three main chemicals of major public health concern, and even low levels can cause cardiovascular and nervous outcomes, with children and indigenous populations being especially vulnerable. Nearly 80% of all emissions in South America originate from the Amazon. Brazil, the fifth-largest contributor to global mercury emissions, exemplifies the challenges faced by LMICs in effectively monitoring and addressing mercury exposure/intoxication. Despite having powerful tools such as SINAN (a digital platform for compulsory disease reporting), and Community Health Agents, data reveals significant underreporting, especially in the Amazon. Furthermore, SINAN has

SUBMITTER: Crespo-Lopez ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11402532 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature