Socio-Demographic and Epidemiological Profile of the Population Exposed to Mercury, Lead and Cadmium, located in Vereda Manuel Sur, Municipality of Ricaurte, and the Neighborhoods Brisas del Bogota and La Victoria, Municipality of Girardot, Cundinamarca,
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This article gives account of the socio-demographic and epidemiological profile of the population located in Vereda Manuel Sur (Municipality of Ricaurte) and the neighborhoods Brisas del Bogota and La Victoria (Municipality of Girardot, Cundinamarca, Colombia), exposed to contamination by toxic-heavy metals from the waters of the Bogota River. The article is part of the results of the first phase of a four stage study —planned for execution from 2008 to 2010— for the implementation of promotional strategies in health that contribute to the generation of healthy lifestyles in the population located on the low alluvial plain of the Bogota River, which is exposed to contamination by mercury, lead and cadmium.
An instrument for data gathering containing social, demographical and epidemiological variables was administered to 1,040 inhabitants whereof 440 live in Vereda Manuel Sur, 237 live in the neighborhood La Victoria, and 363 live in the neighborhood Brisas del Bogota. It was found that prevalence is given by immunological, digestive and respiratory diseases.
Among them, the incidence of respiratory and digestive diseases can be caused by environmental problems, weather changes, air contamination or untreated water consumption.