title: Aluminum concentrations in water of elderly people's houses and retirement homes and its relation with elderly health.
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.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Parasitology, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, CEP:14040-902, Brazil.
authors.forename: Pricilla Costa
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.forename: Karina A de Abreu
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Tonani
authors.forename: Fabiana C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Julião
authors.forename: Palmira
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cupo
authors.forename: José L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Domingo
authors.forename: Susana Inés
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Segura-Muñoz
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000535:Aluminum / Q000032:analysis*; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000453:epidemiology; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D016852:Housing for the Elderly; D006801:Humans; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis; D008875:Middle Aged; D014881:Water Supply / Q000592:standards*
chemical_list: D019216:Metals, Heavy; D000535:Aluminum