Abstract

DA ROCHA, Julio Cesar; MAIOR, Rafael S.  and  TOMAZ, Carlos. Mercury pollution and congenital malformations detected at birth in Porto Velho, Brazil, from 1997 to 2007. Rev. Univ. Ind. Santander. Salud [online]. 2011, vol.43, n.3, pp.237-240. ISSN 0121-0807.

The possible negative impacts of mercury contamination in the Madeira river, State of Rondonia, Brazil, on newborn babies health were evaluated. The incidence of congenital malformations was surveyed from the records of newborns in the main hospital of Porto Velho, Rondonia, from 1997 to 2007. The type of malformations between local population and cases transferred from other areas in Rondonia were compared. Neurological related malformations were found in 45% of the cases. The proportion of neurological defects in the local population was slightly higher than in transferred cases. Non-neurological malformations represented 43% of the sample and, 11.4% were unspecified. The incidence of general (including non-neurological) congenital malformations was similar to the region's average. This is indicative of Hg contamination during pregnancy. Salud UIS 2011; 43 (3): 237-240

Keywords : Newborn; congenital malformation; environmental factor; mercury.

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