Changes in dietary and water use habits after the Doce River contamination with mining tailings

Abstract The Fundão dam burst polluted watercourses with mining tailings and harmed cities bathed by Doce River, that might have changed eating habits. This study evaluated changes in dietary habits and water use in Araújos Island, Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, after contamination of the Doce River with mining tailings. Data were collected in residences through interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. Seventeen months after disaster, 73% of habitants changed water use habits, mainly for cooking (53%). Public supply water (PSW) was partially replaced for other sources, mainly mineral water. Additionally, 54% changed their dietary habits by reduction or interruption of the consumption of freshwater fish (50%), fruit (28%), vegetables (27%) and food made outside the home (40%). Most of them (96%) perceived an addition risk to food production after disaster. Financial (69%) and psychological (55%) damages as well as health risk (39%) were the negative effects most frequently mentioned. Only 13% positively evaluated the quality of PSW while 77% believe PWS may cause some type of damage in foods. Part (59%) did not believe in information regarding potability of PSW. These changes would be associated with healthier lifestyle habits, health risk perception about water quality and safety and lack of confidence about water potability.