Protocol of the Longitudinal Study on Child Health in Brumadinho (MG): "Bruminha Project"

• Main Authors: Carmen Ildes Rodrigues Fróes Asmus (Author), Aline de Souza Espindola Santos (Author), Renan Duarte dos Santos Saraiva (Author), Ana Paula Natividade de Oliveira (Author), Ivisson Carneiro Medeiros da Silva (Author), Maíra Lopes Mazoto (Author), Michele Alves Costa (Author), Volney de Magalhães Câmara (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Associação Brasileira de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, 2022-10-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 1980-5497; 10.1590/1980-549720220003.supl.2
• Keywords: Environmental disasters; Cohort studies; Metals; Child health; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia, Vol 25, Iss suppl 2 (2022)

ABSTRACT: Objective: To present the research protocol and to describe the preliminary results of the Bruminha Project. Methods: This project is part of the set of health actions proposed under the Brumadinho Health Project. It is a prospective cohort study with periodic follow-ups for four years. The eligible population was all children aged 0 to 6 years living in four rural communities of the affected municipality. Sociodemographic and health data were collected, as well as urinary samples, for assessment of exposure to metals. Results: In the first year of study, we evaluated 62% (217) of the eligible population and collected 172 (79%) valid urine samples. At least one metal was detected in all samples, and in 50.6% (n=87) or them, the metal concentration was higher than the reference value. In 38% (n=82) of the children, neuropsychomotor development was considered at risk. Report of respiratory allergy was four times (4.27) more frequent and of bronchitis 62% higher (1.62) in children living in locations exposed to dust from ore residues, compared to those living more than 10 km away from the site of the dam disaster. Conclusion: The study protocol was proven adequate to evaluate the proposed outcomes. The strategy used for population selection required adjustments regarding the long-term community awareness process, with new participants in the upcoming follow-ups (2022 and 2023).