Fish Consumption in an Area with High Incidence of Birth Defects in Cali, Colombia

Abstract

ISEE-0628 Background: Clustering of rare birth defects (BD) in a poor area of Cali, Colombia, are reported since 2004, when a hospital-based registry was implemented (ECLAMC). Cases cluster in a poor and large “comuna” of the city (7.2%), near to a polluted river (Cauca river) and the municipal dump site. Objective: To characterize fish consumption in a group of childbearing age women, 15–34 years of age, in a community with clustering of BD. Methods: We developed a descriptive study of knowledge and practices about fish consumption. A multistage sampling strategy was used to select women with local health promoters. We applied a questionnaire to 380 non-pregnant women living >6 months in the community, and asked for consumption frequency and seasonality, fish types and origin, and perceived health effects. Additionally, we characterized chicken, meat and pork consumption, water use and local crop related practices. Fish species reported by women were analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry methods to determine metals. Results: Women included were young (75% < 28 years) and most of them had no affiliation to social security (45%). They reported a high frequency of fish consumption: 43.7% at least weekly, 79.5% at least once in a year. Consumption is higher (67.8%) in April (Easter), and 11.4% reported consumption of Cauca river fishes. Women reported that fish may only cause short term gastrointestinal effects. Water for consumption comes exclusively from the municipal distribution network and practices related to crops were infrequent. We analyzed two types of fish species: fishes that eat sediment and predator fishes. In both species we found Cd, Hg and Pb, with Pb levels above FAO recommendations. Conclusions: Consumption of local fish is a potential route of exposure to pollutants during pregnancy, mainly Pb. Other exposures routes/pathways may interact with fish consumption.