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2015, Number 1

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Revista Cubana de Salud y Trabajo 2015; 16 (1)

An occupational health problem still not solved, particularly in the Third World: mercury as a pollutant of the work environment

del Castillo MNP, Ibarra FVEJ, Alonso TA, Sepúlveda MDL

Language: Spanish
References: 24
Page: 49-54
PDF size: 216.82 Kb.


ABSTRACT

A brief but updated view on the issue of mercury and its compounds, their actual presence in the work environment and potential toxic effects that lead to occupational diseases among workers exposed is provided. The most relevant aspects of this group of substances in their current use in the industry and the technological, economic and social development, and their high toxicity on the exposure conditions in their respective work environments are outlined in brief . We conclude that it is entirely possible and feasible , even for poorly developed countries, developing and implementing public policies in order to be gradually reduced , if not completely eliminating , the use of mercury and its compounds. The main conditions for achieving this are political will , sufficient knowledge, rationality and efficient planning.


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