Children in Mining Regions: Elevated Urinary Manganese (Mn) Levels in Brazil’s Largest Coalfield

Abstract

Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element involved in several physiological functions. However, excessive exposure, especiallyduring childhood, can lead to neurotoxic and other adverse health efects. In Brazil’s largest coal mining region, the municipalityof Candiota, environmental pollution from metals is a persistent public health problem. Epidemiological studies have reportedelevated urinary levels of selenium (Se) and lead (Pb) in local children, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to metal con-tamination. Nevertheless, little information is available on Mn exposure in this population. Tis study aimed to determine urinaryMn concentrations in school-age children living in Candiota and neighboring communities and to investigate associated factors.A cross-sectional study was conducted with 92 children, randomly selected from public schools. Urinary Mn levels were measuredby graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and demographic, socioeconomic, and residential data were collectedthrough a structured questionnaire. Te spatial distribution of Mn concentrations was assessed using interpolation techniques inR software. Urinary Mn levels ranged from 0 to 5.4 μg/g creatinine, with a geometric mean of 0.79 μg/g creatinine. Although mostvalues were within international reference ranges, some children presented concentrations exceeding the upper limit. Multiplelinear regression identifed greater distances from coal pollution sources (p � 0.02) and lower family income (p � 0.05) assignifcant predictors of higher Mn concentrations. Spatial analysis revealed a heterogeneous exposure pattern, with elevatedurinary Mn levels both near and far from major coal mining sites. Tese fndings suggest that Mn exposure in the region is notprimarily associated with coal exploitation but likely originates from other environmental sources. Te study highlights theexistence of multiple pollution sources in environmentally vulnerable areas, reinforcing the need for continuous environmentalhealth surveillance and targeted public policies to reduce cumulative metal exposure risks in these territories.