No 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.

RESUMO Em Ribeirão Preto, há em funcionamento desde 1989, um aterro sanitário (AS) para resíduos domiciliares e um sistema de tratamento de resíduos de serviços de saúde (Sistema de Microondas). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os níveis de metais em amostras de água subterrânea do lençol freático coletadas dos poços à montante e à jusante do Aterro Sanitário de Ribeirão Preto (ASRP). Foi avaliada a presença