Mercury persistence in indoor environments in the Amazon region, Brazil.
Environ Res
; 96(2): 235-8, 2004 Oct.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-15325884
ABSTRACT
We evaluated the indoor atmospheric Hg contamination in gold trade shops in two Brazilian cities of the Legal Amazon area using the Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides, Bromeliaceae) as a sentinel species. Plants inside plastic cages were exposed to a controlled atmosphere to evaluate the rate of Hg retention over time and then distributed in several stores with different characteristics to enable a relative comparison. Hg concentrations were determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Plants exposed in active stores with good air circulation exhibited lower levels. Ex-gold trade shops that were kept closed for long periods exhibited higher values. Stores that have been restored before being transformed into new businesses exhibited lower values than nonrestored ones. Direct measurements suggest that indoor Hg air concentrations were below the threshold limit recommended by the World Health Organization to occupational exposure; nevertheless, restoring ex-gold trade shops could ensure a healthier working environment.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Contexto em Saúde:
2_ODS3
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Poluição do Ar em Ambientes Fechados
/
Mercúrio
/
Intoxicação por Mercúrio
País/Região como assunto:
America do sul
/
Brasil
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Environ Res
Ano de publicação:
2004
Tipo de documento:
Article