The Ministry of Health published technical note with guidelines for populations living near the Tocantins River, where the Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira Bridge, located between Aguiarnópolis (TO) and Estreito (MA), Ruiu.
In the collapse, trucks carrying pesticides and sulfuric acid also fell into the river. According to the folder, so far, there is no evidence of water contamination.
“THE informative note Contains strategies for mitigating possible impacts on human, animal and environmental health of the region, as well as guiding local health services teams for any cases of poisoning by exposure to chemicals. ”
“The goal is to minimize confusion and panic, establishing confidence, reducing uncertainties and guiding the public about preventive measures and safe actions,” said the statement.
Water quality
According to the ministry, a technical team continues to monitor the case, “since chemical materials are still deposited in the riverbed and represent potential risk of leakage.”
A possible contamination of water, according to the folder, could affect the multiple uses of the river and the subsistence of traditional, indigenous, riverside and quilombola communities, as well as residents of the region.
“Weekly, representatives of the health sector of the states of Maranhão and Tocantins gather to update the picture. Accompanying the situation through the folder the Secretariats of Health and Environment Surveillance, specialized health care, indigenous health and primary health care. ”
Recommendations:
To local health surveillance health professionals, the portfolio guides, in articulation with other surveillances, to evaluate the risks to public health through:
- identification of potential risk areas for water contamination;
- Issuance of alerts about the need to restrict the use of water in affected regions;
- of monitoring of pesticide waste in water for human consumption, according to guidelines for the monitoring of pesticides in water for human consumption;
- From the development of risk communication strategies for the exposed or potentially exposed population (for example, taking advantage of communication channels used by primary health care in community health agents, indigenous health agents and indigenous sanitation agents, such as groups of WhatsApp and the like).
To health care professionals in the health care network, recommendations include initial assessment of people who seek local health services with complaints or presenting the following signs and symptoms:
- Ingestion or contact of the water with the mouth;
- water contact with the skin;
- contact of water with eyes;
- pain and burning in the mouth and throat;
- headache, agitation, mental confusion;
- nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea;
- muscle weakness, cramps, muscles tremors, muscle pain, muscle contractions, reflex reduction and loss of balance;
- Respiratory stress, accelerated breathing, lung edema;
- Pupils smaller than normal and involuntary eye movement;
- Low pressure, increased heartbeat, slow breathing, heart changes;
- Changes in the central nervous system, coordination problems, mental confusion;
- fever (without infection), changes in the function of the kidneys, liver and blood;
- Skin irritation;
- Burns;
- eye irritation;
- Eye discomfort;
- decreased vision;
- Light -sensitive eyes;
For the general population, in case of contamination confirmed by the responsible bodies, the portfolio guides:
- Avoid direct contact with Tocantins River water;
- Avoid using water or leisure activities in the Tocantins River until the authorities ensure safety;
- Follow guidance from the authorities from the official communications of the environmental and sanitary agencies for safety updates in the region;
- Seek the nearest health unit if you have contact with chemicals, even if there are no immediate symptoms. In cases of urgency, trigger Samu 192;
- In the event of ingestion of contaminated water, not induce vomiting.
