RESUMO
The benefits of improved biomass cookstoves (ICS) depends on their adoption and sustained use. Few studies have documented if and how they are used more than five years after being introduced. We conducted a 9-year prospective cohort study among young rural women in the highlands of Michoacan, Mexico. Participants had received a Patsari ICS during a community trial either in 2005 or 2006. With retrospective information collected in 2012-13, we studied the households' energy use, ICS survival, and cooking practices during the follow-up period. Using an exposure model constructed with personal PM2.5 measurements in a subsample of homes at the time of the initial trial in 2005, we estimated the exposure associated with different energy use patterns during the follow-up period. The ICS had a mean lifespan of 4â¯years, after which more than half of the stoves were not in use; therefore, the use of open fire increased, particularly among the indigenous communities. ICS use peak was achieved two years after the initial trial, either exclusively or combined with open fire. Yearly household energy use and other variables were used to estimate chronic air pollution exposure. Mean PM2.5 exposure during the follow-up period ranged from 51 to 319⯵g/m3; the median was 102 and 146⯵g/m3 for mainly ICS and mainly open fire use, respectively. The ICS has a useful period after which it needs maintenance, repair, or replacement. Unfortunately, many programs have not afforded a follow-up component. Exposure to biomass smoke air pollutants can be reduced by using an ICS instead of the traditional open fire. Household energy strategies should ensure equitable access to clean energy options adapted to local needs and preferences with culturally appropriate technology implemented on a sustainable perspective.
Assuntos
Material Particulado/análise , Poluentes Atmosféricos , Poluição do Ar , Culinária , Características da Família , Feminino , Incêndios , Humanos , México , Estudos Prospectivos , FumaçaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the factors enabling/limiting the use of improved cookstoves among rural fuel wood users from one mestizo and two indigenous communities eight years after an intervention in the state of Michoacan, in Mexico. METHODS: A qualitative study with an ethnographic perspective was conducted in 2013/2014 based on 62 interviews with women who had participated in an improved firewood cookstove program in 2005. Thematic qualitative content analysis was performed. RESULTS: Very few women from the indigenous communities were using the improved cookstove at the time of the study; the majority had dismantled or had ceased using it; whereas most of those from the mestizo community were using it for all of their cooking activities. In the indigenous communities, characterized by extended families, uptake of new technology was limited by traditional routine practices, rearrangement of rooms in the house, attachment to the traditional stove, a low- or non-risk perception of woodsmoke; gender relations, insufficient training, non-compliance with program recommendations and design-related aspects. Conversely, in the mestizo community, the uptake of the improved cookstove was favored by routine cooking practices in a nuclear family, a previous use of a raised cookstove and social representations on the health-disease-death effects of woodsmoke vs. the health benefits of cooking with improved stoves. The sociocultural dimension of communities and the cookstove design are aspects that either favor or limit the use of improved cookstoves in indigenous and mestizo populations. CONCLUSIONS: Effective cookstove programs must take these elements into account from their early planning stages, and blend them into implementation and follow-up. Project communication, training and differentiated follow-up activities ensuring the operation and maintenance of the cookstove, should be designed according to the specific needs and traditions of each community; they should be based on the preferences and needs of the users.
Assuntos
Utensílios de Alimentação e Culinária , Culinária/instrumentação , Planejamento Social , Humanos , MéxicoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: In the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, is found the largest second deposit of Manganese (Mn) in Latin America. Various studies on the sources of emission, exposure, and the effects on the health of children and adults have been conducted utilizing an ecosystem approach. Given the findings of Mn levels in air and the neurocognitive effects, an Environmental Management Program (EMP) was designed and implemented with the purpose of reducing exposure to Mn of the population, including various actions for reducing Mn emissions into the atmosphere. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the EMP on the concentrations of Mn in air, as well as the modification of exposure to Mn in the blood and hair of adult residents of the communities intervened. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in five rural communities, in which Mn concentrations were evaluated in air and in blood in the years 2002 and 2007, pre-intervention, and in 2013, postintervention. In 2003, the concentration of hair Mn among the communities was evaluated. Measurements were carried out of Particulate Matter (PM) of >10 and 2.5µm (PM10 and PM2.5), and Mn in PM10 and PM2.5 were measured using proton-induced X-ray emissions (PIXE). The method of Difference in Differences (DID) was applied to estimate the impact of EMP on Mn concentrations in particulate matter via linear regression through multilevel models. To evaluate the effect of Mn concentrations in air over Mn concentrations in blood in both study periods in the mining communities per year (2002 and 2013), a linear regression model for each year was employed. RESULTS: We estimated that the EMP contributed to reducing the average daily concentrations of Mn in PM10 and PM2.5 by 92 and 85%, respectively. The adjusted model did not show an effect of Mn concentrations in air over Mn concentrations in blood in both study periods. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the measures implemented to reduce Mn emissions in air exerted a significant impact on the reduction of inhaled exposure in adult population.
Assuntos
Poluentes Atmosféricos/análise , Exposição Ambiental , Monitoramento Ambiental , Manganês/análise , Feminino , Cabelo/química , Humanos , Masculino , Manganês/metabolismo , México , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , MineraçãoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Analyze how gender inequity manifests in contexts of poverty in different environmental risk scenarios in Mexico. METHODS: Qualitative design based on six discussion groups and 54 in-depth interviews with women from six exposed communities: two to environmental manganese in a mining district, two in an industrial corridor, and two bordering a sanitary landfill. A document review of environmental and health studies in each area was done to relate them to the women's perspective on the problem. RESULTS: In the three case studies, by gender roles, women stay at home and do housework and, therefore, are subject to intense environmental exposure when carrying out their daily tasks, such as house cleaning. Interview and discussion group results were found to be related to epidemiological study results. In the case of the mining district, women's perceptions are consistent with study comments on adverse cognitive effects of manganese exposure. In all three cases, there are serious limitations on women's political participation in environmental risk management. CONCLUSIONS: Due to conditions of inequity, women are highly exposed to environmental health risks and their social participation in solving environmental problems is quite limited. These results have social and environmental policy implications in the areas studied, especially with regard to risk assessment, management, and communication.
Assuntos
Exposição Ambiental , Poluentes Ambientais/toxicidade , Identidade de Gênero , Indústrias , Mineração , Fatores Sexuais , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Instalações de Eliminação de Resíduos , Feminino , Grupos Focais , Humanos , Entrevistas como Assunto , Masculino , Manganês/toxicidade , México , Pobreza , Poder Psicológico , Gestão de Riscos , Participação SocialRESUMO
Objetivo. Analizar cómo se manifiesta la inequidad de género en contextos de pobreza en diferentes escenarios de riesgo ambiental en México. Métodos. Diseño cualitativo basado en seis grupos de discusión y 54 entrevistas en profundidad con mujeres de seis comunidades expuestas, dos al manganeso ambiental en un distrito minero, dos en un corredor industrial y dos aledañas a un relleno sanitario. Se llevó a cabo una revisión documental de los estudios ambientales y de salud realizados en cada zona para relacionarlos con la visión que las mujeres tienen del problema. Resultados. En los tres casos de estudio, por los papeles de género, las mujeres permanecen en el hogar y realizan el trabajo doméstico y, como consecuencia, su exposición ambiental es intensa cuando llevan a cabo sus tareas cotidianas, como la limpieza de la vivienda. Se comprobó que los resultados de las entrevistas y de los grupos de discusión guardan relación con los de los estudios epidemiológicos. En el caso del distrito minero, lo que perciben las mujeres concuerda con lo que se señala en los estudios sobre los efectos cognitivos adversos por exposición al manganeso. En los tres casos, las mujeres tienen serias limitaciones de participación política en la gestión del riesgo ambiental. Conclusiones. Por las condiciones de inequidad, las mujeres están muy expuestas a los riesgos ambientales para la salud y su participación social en la solución de los problemas ambientales es muy limitada. Estos resultados tienen implicaciones para las políticas sociales y ambientales en las zonas estudiadas, especialmente respecto a la evaluación, gestión y comunicación de los riesgos.
Assuntos
Riscos Ambientais , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Mulheres , Participação Social , México , Saúde Ambiental , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Participação Social , MulheresRESUMO
OBJETIVO: Analizar cómo se manifiesta la inequidad de género en contextos de pobreza en diferentes escenarios de riesgo ambiental en México. MÉTODOS: Diseño cualitativo basado en seis grupos de discusión y 54 entrevistas en profundidad con mujeres de seis comunidades expuestas, dos al manganeso ambiental en un distrito minero, dos en un corredor industrial y dos aledañas a un relleno sanitario. Se llevó a cabo una revisión documental de los estudios ambientales y de salud realizados en cada zona para relacionarlos con la visión que las mujeres tienen del problema. RESULTADOS: En los tres casos de estudio, por los papeles de género, las mujeres permanecen en el hogar y realizan el trabajo doméstico y, como consecuencia, su exposición ambiental es intensa cuando llevan a cabo sus tareas cotidianas, como la limpieza de la vivienda. Se comprobó que los resultados de las entrevistas y de los grupos de discusión guardan relación con los de los estudios epidemiológicos. En el caso del distrito minero, lo que perciben las mujeres concuerda con lo que se señala en los estudios sobre los efectos cognitivos adversos por exposición al manganeso. En los tres casos, las mujeres tienen serias limitaciones de participación política en la gestión del riesgo ambiental. CONCLUSIONES: Por las condiciones de inequidad, las mujeres están muy expuestas a los riesgos ambientales para la salud y su participación social en la solución de los problemas ambientales es muy limitada. Estos resultados tienen implicaciones para las políticas sociales y ambientales en las zonas estudiadas, especialmente respecto a la evaluación, gestión y comunicación de los riesgos.
OBJECTIVE: Analyze how gender inequity manifests in contexts of poverty in different environmental risk scenarios in Mexico. METHODS: Qualitative design based on six discussion groups and 54 in-depth interviews with women from six exposed communities: two to environmental manganese in a mining district, two in an industrial corridor, and two bordering a sanitary landfill. A document review of environmental and health studies in each area was done to relate them to the women's perspective on the problem. RESULTS: In the three case studies, by gender roles, women stay at home and do housework and, therefore, are subject to intense environmental exposure when carrying out their daily tasks, such as house cleaning. Interview and discussion group results were found to be related to epidemiological study results. In the case of the mining district, women's perceptions are consistent with study comments on adverse cognitive effects of manganese exposure. In all three cases, there are serious limitations on women's political participation in environmental risk management. Conclusions. Due to conditions of inequity, women are highly exposed to environmental health risks and their social participation in solving environmental problems is quite limited. These results have social and environmental policy implications in the areas studied, especially with regard to risk assessment, management, and communication.
Assuntos
Saúde Ambiental , MéxicoRESUMO
Previous studies have shown high levels of manganese exposure and neurocognitive damage in the population living in the mining zone in Molango, Mexico. One of the objectives of the Intersectoral Group on Environmental Management for the mining district has been to provide public participation in the risk management plan. To achieve this, it is important to know how the different social actors represent the mining activity. The objectives of this study were to characterize the social representations of the mining activity by different social actors. A qualitative design was used based on in-depth interviews of residents, public officials, and a mining company representative. The analysis was conducted according to themes for each group of actors. Essentially, distinct social representations of the different mining activities were identified. Residents viewed mining activities as synonymous with contamination and, therefore, as having affected all areas of their environment, health, and daily life. These activities were seen as a collective risk. The public officials and the mining company held that there was no evidence of harm and saw mining activities as a generator of regional development. Harm to health and the environment were seen as a stance taken by the communities in order to obtain economic benefits from the company. These images of the "other" are shaped by social, political, and cultural factors. They make it difficult for the actors to reach cooperative agreements and thereby affect progress on the risk management plan. Decisionmakers need to take these differences into account when promoting social participation.
Assuntos
Manganês/toxicidade , Mineração , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Participação da Comunidade , Exposição Ambiental/efeitos adversos , Poluição Ambiental , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , México , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Ativismo Político , Gestão de Riscos , Adulto JovemRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the importance attributed to manganese (Mn) in the health-disease-death process and possibilities for participation in risk management of women from two communities who live near the plant in the Molango mining district. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Qualitative study based on 6 focus groups with women of different ages. Audio recordings were made of the sessions, after verbal informed consent, and were transcribed with a word processor. The analysis was conducted according to theme, taking into account the age group and community to which the women belonged, using the Atlas-ti (v.5.0) program. RESULTS: The youngest women from Chiconcoac attribute the cause of headaches and chest pain to manganese, while women from the Tolago community believe it exacerbates disease in general. Women between 31 and 40 years old from Chiconcoac attribute the cause of "brain" pain, burning eyes and coughs to manganese, and those in Tolago report that it causes memory problems. The oldest women in Tolago believe Mn causes learning difficulties and affects children's growth and development. The women of all ages in Tolago believe that Mn has decreased the production of fruit and vegetables in the region. Some of the obstacles to participation in risk management are: women are not allowed to attend meetings at which men discuss the Mn problem and they perceive the mine as a source of employment for the community. CONCLUSIONS: The women perceive Mn to have serious effects on health and the local environment and have fewer opportunities than men to participate in risk management. Some of the health consequences attributed to Mn are consistent with those reported by neurological studies, nevertheless, other risks are overestimated. Spaces for communication need to be created to listen to the women's interests and concerns and empower them to participate in the risk management plan.
Assuntos
Atitude Frente a Saúde , Exposição Ambiental , Manganês/toxicidade , Mineração , Medição de Risco , Participação Social , Fatores Etários , Feminino , Grupos Focais , Humanos , MéxicoRESUMO
A series of investigations, using an ecosystem approach to human health, have been conducted in the Molango Mining District in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. Given that risk perception plays a key role in the public response to environmental exposures, it is important to recognize the perceived health risks of manganese (Mn). The aim of this study was to analyse the Mn risk perception by describing the attitudes of adult residents toward their communities, assessing the importance they give to environmental problems, including Mn, and their recognition of the links established between Mn and health-illness-death. A quantitative study based on interviewer-administered questionnaires was conducted. A sample of 402 residents was randomly selected from six communities at different distances from the mines and/or Mn processing plants. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to identify Mn risk perception predictors. The results show that roughly 30% of the residents identified mining activities and the resultant pollution as their most important concern. This proportion is greater in communities that have processing plants within them. More than 70% perceive a high Mn pollution regionally, but this proportion decreases when the residents attribute the pollution to their home area. More than 20% of the adults interviewed associated Mn exposure with their own illness, mainly "lungs" and "sight." Factors influencing Mn risk perception are community of residence, age group (41-60), and the report of having a chronic illness. The risk management plan for the mining district must take into account these differences to have a greater local impact.
Assuntos
Exposição Ambiental , Mineração , Medição de Risco , Adolescente , Adulto , Atitude , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , México , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Analyze the relations established between air pollution and health-disease-death in a sample of students in Mexico City. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Survey of 1274 students from 14 secondary schools in five areas in Mexico City was conducted between March and April of 2003. We used a multi-stage sampling, based in a basic geostatistical areas (AGEB). RESULTS: A total of 84.4% believed that Mexico City has a high, or very high air pollution; that valuation decreases as it approaches the most immediate place in which the students live. The health risks range from effects on respiratory health, 66.9%, to other effects on daily life, 2.2%. The predictors that air pollution is perceived as serious/very serious are: 1) that they associate it with the possibility of causing death (OR= 1.35, 95% CI=1.02-1.77), and 2) that they attend schools located in the La Merced zone, (OR= 2.23, 95% CI= 1.56-3.21). CONCLUSIONS: Determinants of perception, such as gender, zone where the school is located and the differences in air quality perceived in the city/area/schools, suggest that focalizing components must be involved in environmental policies, in order to make environmental programs more effective at the local level.