Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of aluminum (Al) and other metals in water samples from elderly people’s houses and retirement homes. Forty-six duplicate water samples from kitchen taps were collected in Ribeirão Preto/SP, Brazil. Metal levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Aluminum concentration exceeded the maximum allowed values in 26% of samples according to the Decree 518/2004 of the Brazilian Health Ministry. It was noted that 11% of elderly living at monitored houses, as well as 19% living at retirement homes presented Alzheimer disease diagnostic. These results suggest taking into account Al risks among vulnerable elderly population groups.
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Acknowledgments
This study was financially supported by FAPESP (The State of São Paulo Research Foundation) through Grant (Process N° 06/55788-8) and CNPq (National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development) through scientific initiation grant CNPq/PIBIC (Process N° 111339/2004-9).
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Ferreira, P.C., de Abreu Tonani, K.A., Julião, F.C. et al. Aluminum Concentrations in Water of Elderly People’s Houses and Retirement Homes and Its Relation with Elderly Health. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 83, 565–569 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-009-9791-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-009-9791-8