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Decree published by the Salvador City Hall recognizes emergency situation after identification of iron, copper, and zinc in marine organisms collected in São Tomé de Paripe
The Salvador City Hall declared an environmental emergency in the region of São Tomé de Paripe, in the Subúrbio Ferroviário, after the identification of chemical contamination in the coastal area of the locality. The measure was made official through Decree No. 41,834, published on Monday (8), and will initially be valid for 90 days.
According to the document, the problem was caused by the spillage of chemical products in lacustrine, fluvial, marine, and aquifer environments. Thus, the case has been treated as an environmental disaster. Additionally, the affected area was delineated by the Salvador Civil Defense (Codesal).
Technical reports from the Institute of Environment and Water Resources (Inema) identified elevated levels of heavy metals in marine organisms collected in the region. Among the substances found are iron, copper, and zinc.
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The highest levels were recorded in bivalve mollusks, a group that includes oysters and mussels. In contrast, crustaceans showed lower concentrations during the analyses conducted by the technicians.
Heavy metal contamination leads municipality to adopt emergency measures
According to the municipal decree, the contamination is associated with activities carried out by the companies Gerdau and Intermarítima. According to the document, the impacts reached the entire coastal area of São Tomé de Paripe.
The decision considers the environmental, social, and economic damage caused to the local population. Among the main issues pointed out are the losses to fishing activities and the health risks to residents.
Even before the publication of the decree, the Public Prosecutor’s Office had already recommended the adoption of emergency measures to minimize the impacts of the contamination.
With the recognition of the emergency situation, the city hall is authorized to mobilize all municipal bodies for response actions, assistance to affected people, and recovery of the affected areas.
Additionally, the measure paves the way for possible federal recognition of the emergency. With this, the municipality may request resources from the Union for humanitarian support and execution of environmental recovery works.
The city hall informed that it will continue to monitor the situation. Likewise, new measures may be adopted as the scenario evolves.
Fishermen seek alternative income sources after impact on fishing activity
The effects of contamination have also directly affected workers who depend on fishing and shellfishing for income.
In an interview with g1 in May this year, the president of the Association of Fishermen and Shellfish Gatherers of the Suburb, Reinaldo Jorge Cirne, stated that many professionals have started looking for other means of livelihood.
According to him, about 1,200 workers are part of the entity. Faced with the difficulties caused by the situation, some fishermen have started collecting cans, cardboard, and recyclable materials to survive.
“This toxic product destroys everything, some fishermen are collecting cans, cardboard, doing recycling to survive,” declared Reinaldo Jorge Cirne.
Municipal Health Department reinforces guidance for residents and workers
According to experts, the chemical substances found in the region pose health risks to the population. At the same time, residents of nearby communities report little guidance and a lack of signage on the beach, which was not closed off after the contamination.
Analyses by the Municipal Health Department (SMS) indicate that the chemicals found can cause dermatological problems, including skin irritations, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms.
In a statement, the department informed that Health Surveillance teams are working in the region and monitoring new cases related to exposure to the chemicals.
Suspected cases of intoxication have already been reported and are being monitored by the department. Meanwhile, specialized teams are conducting in-person actions to guide residents and workers about the existing risks.
Until the completion of technical analyses, the SMS recommends that the population avoid:
- Consuming fish and shellfish caught in the investigated area;
- Coming into direct contact with the sea water in the region;
- Take a bath or fish in the monitored location;
- Ignore symptoms such as skin spots, itching, nausea, or respiratory difficulties after exposure to the contaminated area.
In these cases, the recommendation is to seek medical assistance immediately for proper evaluation and follow-up.
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