Oil Spill in the Brazilian northeast and its impact on human health Thaís Monsores Silveira Introvigne, André Vieira Kuhn, Sheila de Melo Borges, Patrícia Gorisch

Abstract

The oil spill that occurred in 2019 in the Brazilian Northeast had direct impacts on the population's health. The toxins from crude oil affect health through direct skin contact, indirect ingestion via contaminated food and water, and inhalation, resulting in both immediate and long-term effects such as chronic respiratory and neurological disorders. Therefore, a narrative review analyzed the impact of the oil spill in the Brazilian Northeast on human health, and based on specified criteria in the article, it was classified as a public health emergency. Furthermore, it is concluded that the timing and type of exposure, age, and individual health condition all contribute to the effects, making it essential to evaluate and monitor each person.