City Hall of SP conducts study to investigate relationship between oil company and thyroid inflammation

The City of São Paulo is carrying out a study to investigate the supposed relationship between the development of Hashimoto’s thyroid and the emission of pollutants by the Capuava Petrochemical Complex (PPC). The idea of ​​the research is to interview about 4,500 residents to find out whether or not pollution is directly related to cases of the disease.

The PPC is not installed in the capital of São Paulo, but in the neighboring municipalities of Santo André and Mauá. However, it borders the regions of São Rafael, São Mateus and Sapopemba, in the east zone of São Paulo. It is in these three locations that cases of Hashimoto’s thyroid will be studied to see if they are related to the petrochemical complex.

The condition involves a disorder in the immune system that uses antibodies to attack thyroid cells, an important organ for regulating hormones. So, the thyroid faces inflammation and cannot perform properly. In Brazil, Hashimoto’s thyroid is one of the main causes of hypothyroidism, characterized by a drop in the production of hormones in the body. Drowsiness and lack of energy are some of the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.

To find out if the cases of Hashimoto’s thyroid in regions close to the PPC are related to pollutants, the investigation involves interviews to see if the person has thyroid disease or another endocrinological problem. Symptoms such as sore throat, hoarseness, weight gain or hair loss will also be observed.

Those individuals who have at least three factors associated with a thyroid problem will be referred to UBSs (Basic Health Units) in order to receive care and have a possible collection of exams. After that, patients who actually showed results indicative of the disease will be referred for medical follow-up.

The areas that will participate in the study involve the coverage of four UBSs: Jardim Colorado, Parque São Rafael, Jardim São Francisco and Rio Claro. In addition to these, other interviewees from regions far from the PPC will participate in the survey to compare with residents living close to the petrochemical complex. The City Hall of São Paulo hopes that the actions will last until January 27th.

THE Sheet got in touch with Petrobras, which is responsible for the petrochemical, but had not received a response until the publication of the report.