Bananas Near Brazil’s Mining Site May Be a Health Hazard for Kids

Scientists have found that bananas grown close to the Doce River estuary in Brazil could be risky for children under six. The danger comes from metals left over after a 2015 dam collapse that released mining waste into the area. Researchers from Brazil and Spain tested bananas, cassava, and cocoa pulp that were cultivated on soil affected by the disaster. The waste from the dam carried dangerous metals such as lead, cadmium, copper, chromium and nickel. The team first collected samples a week after the accident and quickly saw that plants, soil, water and fish were contaminated. They then asked whether this contamination could harm people who eat the local produce. Their tests showed that bananas absorbed more lead and cadmium than cassava or cocoa. When they calculated how much metal a child might ingest from eating bananas, the numbers exceeded safe limits for young children. Adults were less at risk because they eat less fruit and have larger bodies. Cassava kept most of the metals in its roots, while cocoa plants stored more in their stems, leaves and pulp. In cocoa pulp, copper and lead were above the limits set by the United Nations food agency. The researchers explained that while these metals naturally exist in the environment, a disaster can raise exposure levels enough to require extra caution.

The study’s risk index for bananas was above 1 for kids, meaning there is a potential concern. Lead was the biggest contributor. Long‑term exposure to even small amounts of lead can damage a child’s brain, affecting learning and behavior. The scientists also warned that over a lifetime in Brazil—about 75 years—a child could face cancer risks from DNA damage caused by these metals. Lead author Amanda Duim highlighted how iron oxide, the main component of the mining waste, moves from soil to water and then into plants. She said that understanding this pathway is vital for protecting both the environment and human health. The researchers also identified native plant species that can clean up contaminated soils, offering a possible solution for future remediation. Overall, the study stresses that where crops are grown matters a lot, especially after industrial disasters. Children are more vulnerable because they grow quickly and eat proportionally more food than adults.

Actions