Developing exposure biomarkers for environment health impacts assessment to apply Ecohealth and Medical Geology approach in Uruguay

Environmental and public health studies with Ecohealth and/or Medical Geology approach require the contributions of environmental and pubic health research areas with integration of stakeholders, in order to address regional... [ view full abstract ]

Environmental and public health studies with Ecohealth and/or Medical Geology approach require the contributions of environmental and pubic health research areas with integration of stakeholders, in order to address regional transdisciplinary actions with a global perspective. However, local capabilities and resources not always are sufficiently developed for global strategies´ national implementation.

Human biomonitoring data in public health risk assessment play an important role establishing relationships between specific human health adverse effects and environmental chemicals exposure.

This study highlights the importance of developing locally available analytical tools for appropriate biomarkers to asses human chemicals exposure risks. The focus is on the integration of multidisciplinary knowledge and transdisciplinary thinking towards the benefit of community heath, ecosystems and Uruguayan society.

Lead is an example of a well known environmental toxic chemical pollutant that can be absorbed and cause adverse health effects on susceptible living organisms. Blood lead level (B-Pb) is the main biomarker of exposure. However, in Uruguay this environmental problem became of public concern recently. Uruguayan human populations (infants, children, adults, workers) lead studies were conducted to show the incidence of different variables on B-Pb. Then, health benefits of medical intervention, nutrition, regulations and environmental education were demonstrated by a statistically significant decrease of their B-Pb.

Ongoing multidisciplinary projects in Uruguay, with locally developed biomarkers for other metals (arsenic, zinc, mercury, chromium, cadmium) used in health impacts assessment studies, are also described to show the relevance of this practice for the consolidation of Medical Geology and Ecohealth approach at a local level.