Intoxicações de mercúrio e chumbo com maior prevalência em crianças e trabalhadores no Paraná.

Background: Exogenous intoxication is an important public health problem in Brazil. Objective: Analyze cases of metal poisoning in the population of Paraná state and estimate the prevalence rate, as well as the associated factors. Method: A descriptive study based on intoxications that were reported from 2007 to 2015 was performed. Results: 117 cases of metal poisoning were identified and a prevalence rate of 1.2 cases per million inhabitants was estimated, with a predominance of cases on the northern health macro-regional complex. With respect to toxic agents, mercury (41%) and lead (40.2%) were confirmed as the most frequent ones. Among these cases, there was a predominance of males (57.3%), aged between 20 and 59 years old (55.6%), followed by the age group from 1 to 4 years old (28.2%). In addition, the residence and work place were highlighted as places of greatest exposure, being reported as accidental one in 70.1% of the cases, of which 41.9% required hospital cares, 91% evolved to cure and there was one death. Conclusion: The metal poisoning has affected mainly children and workers, suggesting educational and preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]