The First Report of Environmental Exposure to Barium in 10 Localities Close to Industrial Areas and Ports in the Amazon

Brenda Rodrigues Chagas (), Volney de Magalhães Câmara, Karytta Sousa Naka, Thaís Karolina Lisboa de Queiroz, Lorena de Cássia dos Santos Mendes, Iracina Maura de Jesus, Marcelo de Oliveira Lima and Armando Meyer
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Brenda Rodrigues Chagas: Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IESC/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
Volney de Magalhães Câmara: Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IESC/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
Karytta Sousa Naka: Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IESC/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
Thaís Karolina Lisboa de Queiroz: Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IESC/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
Lorena de Cássia dos Santos Mendes: Seção de Meio Ambiente (SAAMB), Instituto Evandro Chagas, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde e Ambiente, Ministério da Saúde (IEC/SVSA/MS), Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil
Iracina Maura de Jesus: Seção de Meio Ambiente (SAAMB), Instituto Evandro Chagas, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde e Ambiente, Ministério da Saúde (IEC/SVSA/MS), Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil
Marcelo de Oliveira Lima: Associação Brasileira de Saúde Coletiva (ABRASCO), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
Armando Meyer: Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IESC/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 1, 1-19

Abstract: Environmental exposure to metallic contaminants such as barium (Ba) is a worldwide concern, as these metals can even be toxic to the human body. Data on different sources of exposure to Ba and possible routes of entry are important for preventing adverse health effects. Blood Ba levels were evaluated in 10 localities in the cities of Barcarena and Abaetetuba in the Amazon. Ba levels were quantified using induced coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the data were stratified per epidemiological variables and lifestyle habits. The localities were divided into two groups: Group 1, localities wherein individuals had the lowest median levels (0.299–1.330 µg·L −1 ), and Group 2, localities wherein individuals had the highest median levels (8740–37,300 µg·L −1 ). Factors such as duration of residency, sex, age, smoking status, and alcohol consumption significantly contributed to the increase in exposure. The highest concentrations were associated with drinking water sources such as underground wells and local rivers, as well as the consumption of fish. This is the first study to record Ba exposure in individuals living in localities close to the industrial areas in the Amazon. These findings may facilitate the development of new health surveillance policies and the implementation of preventive measures.

Keywords: barium; Barcarena; environmental exposure; Amazon (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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