Abstract This article analyzes the context of a public elementary school located in a highly marginalized area in Mexico, which has benefited from the construction of ecotechnics, and presents a formal educational proposal which foments a more complex understanding of reality and correlates the contents of the environment and sustainability (E&S) dimension of textbooks. The research followed a qualitative approach. For teachers and managers we analyzed level of knowledge and degree of incorporation of the environment and sustainability (E&S) dimension in the curriculum. Information was obtained through focus groups, interviews, and questionnaires. With children, we used drawing and applied a diagnostic questionnaire on knowledge and perceptions of E&S topics. The results were used to design an educational proposal tailored to the school’s needs, focused on the appropriation and use of ecotechnics.

Resumen Este trabajo analiza el contexto de una escuela primaria pública ubicada en una zona de alta marginación en México que ha sido beneficiada con la construcción de ecotecnias; y presenta una propuesta educativa formal que propicia una comprensión compleja de la realidad y correlaciona los contenidos de la dimensión ambiental y de sustentabilidad (AyS) de los libros de texto. La investigación siguió un enfoque cualitativo mediante grupos focales, entrevistas y cuestionarios. Para los maestros y directivos se analizó el nivel de conocimientos y el grado de incorporación de la dimensión ambiental y de sustentabilidad (AyS) en el currículo. Con los niños se utilizó el dibujo y se aplicó un cuestionario diagnóstico de conocimientos y percepciones sobre temas de AyS. Los resultados se utilizaron para diseñar una propuesta educativa acorde a las necesidades de la escuela, orientada a la apropiación y el aprovechamiento de ecotecnias.

Abstract: Calea urticifolia is recognized for its value in the treatment of diseases associated with inflammatory processes; however, despite the scientific corroboration of its traditional effect, there is no evidence of toxicological studies of the species widely used in traditional medicine Xi’iuy of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. This study considered to assess the acute toxicity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the leaves of Calea urticifolia. Both sexes of Wistar rats were used to determine the LD50 using the alternative oral acute toxic class method. The fixed doses evaluated in this study were 50, 100, 300, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 mg/kg. We evaluated changes in body weight gain and parameters of renal and liver functionality. The results showed a LD50 > 1,000 mg/kg for the ethanolic extract and > 5,000 mg/kg for the aqueous extract, without signs and symptoms of acute toxicity, in addition no alterations in body weight gain were detected. The serum concentration of urea, creatinine and serum transaminase levels showed no significant changes compared with the control group. Based in these results, the species is classified in the category 4 in its ethanolic extract and as category 5 in the aqueous extract, accordint to GHS (Globally Harmonized Classification System).

Resumen: Calea urticifolia es reconocida por su valía en el tratamiento de enfermedades relacionadas con procesos anti-inflamatorios. Sin embargo, a pesar de la corroboración científica de su efecto tradicional, no existe evidencia de estudios toxicológicos de la especie de amplio uso en la medicina tradicional Xi´iuy del estado de San Luis Potosí, México. Este trabajo consideró valorar la toxicidad aguda de los extractos etanólico y acuoso de las hojas de Calea urticifolia. Se utilizaron ratas Wistar de ambos sexos, para determinar la DL50 mediante el Método Alternativo de Clases por vía oral. Las dosis fijas evaluadas fueron 50, 100, 300, 1,000, 2,000 y 5,000 mg/kg. Se evaluó cambios en la ganancia de peso corporal y parámetros de funcionalidad renal y hepática. Los resultados mostraron una DL50 > 1,000 mg/kg para el extracto etanólico y > 5,000 mg/kg para el extracto acuoso, sin signos y síntomas de toxicidad aguda, además no presentó alteraciones en la ganancia de peso corporal. La concentración sérica de urea, creatinina y transaminasas (TGP y TGO) no mostró cambios significativos con respecto al grupo control. Por lo anterior se clasifica a la especie como una sustancia de categoría 4 en su extracto etanólico y 5 en el extracto acuoso, de acuerdo GHS (Globally Harmonized Classification System).

ABSTRACT Objective To carry out a diagnosis of children’s environmental health and an analysis of risk perception in indigenous communities of the Huasteca Sur region of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, in order to design an intervention strategy in line with their needs. Methods The study used mixed methods research, carried out in two phases. It was conducted in three indigenous communities of Tancanhuitz municipality from January 2005 to June 2006. In the adult population, risk perception was analyzed through focus groups, in-depth interviews, and questionnaires. In the child population, analysis of children’s drawings was used to study perception. An assessment of health risks was carried out through biological monitoring and environmental monitoring of water and soil. Results The three communities face critical problems that reveal their vulnerability. When the results were triangulated and integrated, it was found that the principal problems relate to exposure to pathogenic microorganisms in water and soil, exposure to indoor wood smoke, exposure to smoke from the burning of refuse, use of insecticides, exposure to lead from the use of glazed ceramics, and alcoholism. Conclusions To ensure that the intervention strategy is adapted to the target population, it is essential to incorporate risk perception analysis and to promote the participation of community members. The proposed intervention strategy to address the detected problems is based on the principles of risk communication, community participation, and interinstitutional linkage.

RESUMEN Objetivo Realizar un diagnóstico de salud ambiental infantil y un análisis de percepción de riesgos en comunidades indígenas de la Región Huasteca Sur de San Luis Potosí, México, para diseñar una estrategia de intervención acorde a sus necesidades. Métodos La investigación siguió un enfoque mixto realizado en dos fases de estudio. Se desarrolló en tres comunidades indígenas del municipio de Tancanhuitz, desde enero de 2005 hasta junio de 2006. En la población adulta, se analizó la percepción de riesgos mediante grupos focales, entrevistas a profundidad y cédulas de entrevistas. En la población infantil, para el análisis de percepción se utilizó la técnica de dibujo. Se realizó una evaluación de riesgos a la salud a través de un monitoreo biológico y un monitoreo ambiental de agua y suelo. Resultados Las tres comunidades enfrentan problemas críticos que hacen evidente su vulnerabilidad. Al realizar la triangulación e integración de resultados, se halló que las principales problemáticas se relacionan con la exposición a microorganismos patógenos en el agua y el suelo, la exposición a humo de leña en interiores, la exposición al humo por quema de basura, el uso de insecticidas, la exposición a plomo por uso de barro vidriado y el alcoholismo. Conclusiones Para que la estrategia de intervención sea acorde a la población que será intervenida, es fundamental incorporar el análisis de percepción de riesgos y fomentar la participación de sus integrantes. La estrategia de intervención que se propone para atender las problemáticas detectadas se basa en los principios de comunicación de riesgo, la participación comunitaria y la vinculación interinstitucional.

Abstract: In the state of San Luis Potosí, Mexico in 2004 water samples were taken in 157 communities, in 28.5 % of them elevated levels of Fluoride (F) exceeding the maximum threshold were found. Consequently, the state government installed water purification plants in some communities with high levels of F. The first plant that became operational was located in El Fuerte. However, we considered our responsibility as researchers to inform the community about the problem. Hence, the aims of this study were to design, implement and evaluate a Risk Communication Program (RCP) as an intervention strategy to reduce F exposure in drinking water (2.91 mg/L). An assessment of risk perception, knowledge related to water pollution and habits of water consumption was conducted in 175 children and 68 parents. Additionally, in 41 children urine F levels (UFL) were measured. Based on the diagnosis, a RCP was designed, implemented and evaluated. After the intervention it was found that most participants had integrated knowledge, perceived F as a risk and used purified water for cooking and drinking. Furthermore, UFL had decreased in 21 children (51 %). Nevertheless, in 35 children (85.36 %) UFL were still above acceptable levels, implying a health risk. These findings may be due to the improper maintenance of the treatment plant and the lack of resources for the residents to purchase commercially purified water.

Resumen: En el estado de San Luis Potosí, México durante 2004 se encontró que en muestras de agua de 157 comunidades, el 28.5 % sobrepasaron el límite máximo permisible para Flúor (F), por lo que el gobierno estatal inició la instalación de plantas purificadoras en las comunidades con los niveles más altos. La primera que entró en funcionamiento fue en El Fuerte, no obstante los autores consideraron como su responsabilidad informar a la población sobre dicha problemática. Por lo tanto, los objetivos de este estudio fueron diseñar, implementar y evaluar un Programa de Comunicación de Riesgos (PCR) como estrategia de intervención simultánea para disminuir la exposición a F en el agua de consumo (2.91 mg/L). Se realizó un diagnóstico sobre percepción de riesgos y conocimientos relacionados con la contaminación del agua, así como de hábitos de consumo de agua. En este diagnóstico participaron 175 niños y 68 padres de familia. Se determinaron además los niveles de F en orina (NFO) en 41 niños y niñas. Con base en el diagnóstico se diseñó, implementó y evaluó el PCR. Después de la intervención se encontró que la mayoría de los participantes integraron conocimientos, percibieron al F como un riesgo y refirieron beber y cocinar con agua purificada, además se disminuyeron los NFO en 21 niños (51 %). Sin embargo en 35 niños (85.36 %) los NFO se encontraron altos, lo que implica un riesgo a la salud. Este hallazgo puedo deberse al mantenimiento inadecuado de la planta purificadora y a la falta de recursos de los pobladores para la compra de agua purificada comercial.

<sec><title>Objetivos:</title><p> Analisar as percepções dos adolescentes mexicanos em relação aos riscos na saúde ambiental em áreas urbanas contaminadas, e testar a técnica da fotografia ambiental da comunidade sobre a percepção de risco local.</p></sec><sec><title>Métodos:</title><p> O estudo foi realizado com 74 adolescentes de duas comunidades na cidade de San Luis Potosi, no México. Os participantes receberam câmeras descartáveis e foram convidados a tirar fotografias de elementos e/ou situações em que acreditavam estar afetando sua saúde pessoal dentro ou fora de casa. Solicitou-se também aos participantes a descrição de cada fotografia por escrito. As fotografias e as explicações passaram pela análise de conteúdo quantitativa e qualitativa. Conhecer a percepção de risco dos adolescentes desempenha papel crucial no desenvolvimento de programas de comunicação de risco para a melhoria da saúde da comunidade. A técnica de fotografia é promissora para a pesquisa qualitativa em saúde ambiental por oferecer uma impressão realista e concisa das percepções de risco. Os adolescentes em ambas comunidades perceberam uma ampla gama de riscos de saúde ambientais prejudiciais ao seu bem-estar, por exemplo, resíduos, poluição do ar e falta de higiene. No entanto, ainda existem algumas de conhecimento que devem ser abordados.</p></sec>

<p>The objective of this study was to explore Mexican adolescents' perceptions of environmental health risks in contaminated urban areas, and to test the environmental photography technique as a research tool for engaging adolescents in community-based health research. The study was conducted with 74 adolescents from two communities in the city of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Participants were provided with disposable cameras and asked to take photographs of elements and situations which they believed affected their personal health both at home and outside their homes. They were also asked to describe each photograph in writing. Photographs and written explanations were analyzed by using quantitative and qualitative content analysis. Risk perception plays a crucial role in the development of Risk Communication Programs (RCPs) aimed at the improvement of community health. The photography technique opens up a promising field for environmental health research since it affords a realistic and concise impression of the perceived risks. Adolescents in both communities perceived different environmental health risks as detrimental to their well-being, e.g. waste, air pollution, and lack of hygiene. Yet, some knowledge gaps remain which need to be addressed.</p>

Objetivos: Analisar as percepções dos adolescentes mexicanos em relação aos riscos na saúde ambiental em áreas urbanas contaminadas, e testar a técnica da fotografia ambiental da comunidade sobre a percepção de risco local.Métodos: O estudo foi realizado com 74 adolescentes de duas comunidades na cidade de San Luis Potosi, no México. Os participantes receberam câmeras descartáveis e foram convidados a tirar fotografias de elementos e/ou situações em que acreditavam estar afetando sua saúde pessoal dentro ou fora de casa. Solicitou-se também aos participantes a descrição de cada fotografia por escrito. As fotografias e as explicações passaram pela análise de conteúdo quantitativa e qualitativa. Conhecer a percepção de risco dos adolescentes desempenha papel crucial no desenvolvimento de programas de comunicação de risco para a melhoria da saúde da comunidade. A técnica de fotografia é promissora para a pesquisa qualitativa em saúde ambiental por oferecer uma impressão realista e concisa das percepções de risco. Os adolescentes em ambas comunidades perceberam uma ampla gama de riscos de saúde ambientais prejudiciais ao seu bem-estar, por exemplo, resíduos, poluição do ar e falta de higiene. No entanto, ainda existem algumas de conhecimento que devem ser abordados.

The objective of this study was to explore Mexican adolescents' perceptions of environmental health risks in contaminated urban areas, and to test the environmental photography technique as a research tool for engaging adolescents in community-based health research. The study was conducted with 74 adolescents from two communities in the city of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Participants were provided with disposable cameras and asked to take photographs of elements and situations which they believed affected their personal health both at home and outside their homes. They were also asked to describe each photograph in writing. Photographs and written explanations were analyzed by using quantitative and qualitative content analysis. Risk perception plays a crucial role in the development of Risk Communication Programs (RCPs) aimed at the improvement of community health. The photography technique opens up a promising field for environmental health research since it affords a realistic and concise impression of the perceived risks. Adolescents in both communities perceived different environmental health risks as detrimental to their well-being, e.g. waste, air pollution, and lack of hygiene. Yet, some knowledge gaps remain which need to be addressed.

A risk communication program (RC) focused on children exposed to Pb and As in the mining area of Villa de la Paz-Matehuala, was designed, implemented and evaluated. The RC program was designed and applied to 142 children (5 to 12 years) of the mining area. The evaluation was done by using drawings, questionnaires and biological monitoring of lead in blood (PbB) and urinary arsenic (AsU). The drawings and questionnaires applied to the children and their parents showed learning and change in perception of risk and behavior with regard to contamination. There was a statistical significant decrease in the levels of PbB in most children (p < 0.001), but not in levels of AsU. The program partially reduced Pb exposure change and the people's perception to contamination was changed. This work establishes basis for using this kind of programs in contaminated sites.

Se diseñó, implementó y evaluó un programa de comunicación de riesgos (CR) para disminuir la exposición infantil a plomo y arsénico en la zona minera de Villa de la Paz-Matehuala. Se diseñó el programa y se aplicó a 142 niños (5 a 12 años de edad) de la zona. La evaluación se realizó mediante análisis de dibujos, cuestionarios y monitoreo biológico para determinar los niveles de plomo en sangre (PbS) y arsénico en orina (AsO). Los dibujos y cuestionarios aplicados a los niños y padres de familia indicaron un aprendizaje, cambio en la percepción de riesgos y en conductas relacionadas con la contaminación. Los niveles de PbS en la mayoría de los niños disminuyeron (p < 0.0001), no así los niveles de AsO. Se logró disminuir la exposición al Pb y cambió la percepción hacia la contaminación de la zona. El presente trabajo establece las bases para el uso de este tipo de programas en sitios contaminados.

A metallurgical industry in San Luis Potosí city, México, has contaminated the zone by lead (Pb) and arsenic (As). Since 1989 were reported by our group high concentrations of Pb in blood (PbB) and As in urine (AsU) in the local children. In present work, a Risk Communication Program (RCP) was generated to inform the children about the environmental risks of the site where they live, and to change conducts to diminish the exposure to Pb and As. We worked with 170 children (5 to 7 years) of the zone. The RCP was applied and the evaluation was realized by means of analysis of drawings, questionnaires and biological monitoring. In drawings of the children appeared toxic elements such as Pb, contaminated soil, cigarettes, among others. In the questionnaires applied to the children and family parents it was possible to estimate a change in the knowledge and in some conducts with regard to the pollutants, their effects and their exposure. There was not a decrease in the levels of PbB and in the levels of AsU. These were due probably because the principal route of exposure is not only the soil that had been contemplated previously.

Una industria metalúrgica en la ciudad de San Luis Potosí, México ha contaminado el sitio con plomo (Pb) y arsénico (As) principalmente. Desde 1989 se han reportado por nuestro grupo altas concentraciones de Pb en sangre (PbS) y As en orina (AsO) en los niños del lugar. En el presente estudio se generó un Programa de Comunicación Riesgos (PCR) para informar a los niños sobre los riesgos ambientales del sitio donde viven y que cambiaran conductas para disminuir la exposición al Pb y al As. Se trabajó con 170 niños (5 a 7 años) de la zona. Se aplicó el PCR y se realizó la evaluación mediante análisis de dibujos, cuestionarios y monitoreo biológico. En los dibujos de los niños se encontraron elementos tóxicos tales como el Pb, la tierra contaminada, entre otros. En los cuestionarios aplicados a los niños y a los padres de familia se pudo apreciar un cambio en los conocimientos y en algunas conductas respecto a los contaminantes, sus efectos y su exposición. No se encontró una disminución en los niveles de PbS ni de AsO. Esto quizás porque la principal ruta de exposición no es únicamente el suelo, como se había contemplado anteriormente.

A metallurgical industry in San Luis Potosí city, México, has contaminated the zone by lead (Pb) and arsenic (As). Since 1989 were reported by our group high concentrations of Pb in blood (PbB) and As in urine (AsU) in the local children. In present work, a Risk Communication Program (RCP) was generated to inform the children about the environmental risks of the site where they live, and to change conducts to diminish the exposure to Pb and As. We worked with 170 children (5 to 7 years) of the zone. The RCP was applied and the evaluation was realized by means of analysis of drawings, questionnaires and biological monitoring. In drawings of the children appeared toxic elements such as Pb, contaminated soil, cigarettes, among others. In the questionnaires applied to the children and family parents it was possible to estimate a change in the knowledge and in some conducts with regard to the pollutants, their effects and their exposure. There was not a decrease in the levels of PbB and in the levels of AsU. These were due probably because the principal route of exposure is not only the soil that had been contemplated previously.

Una industria metalúrgica en la ciudad de San Luis Potosí, México ha contaminado el sitio con plomo (Pb) y arsénico (As) principalmente. Desde 1989 se han reportado por nuestro grupo altas concentraciones de Pb en sangre (PbS) y As en orina (AsO) en los niños del lugar. En el presente estudio se generó un Programa de Comunicación Riesgos (PCR) para informar a los niños sobre los riesgos ambientales del sitio donde viven y que cambiaran conductas para disminuir la exposición al Pb y al As. Se trabajó con 170 niños (5 a 7 años) de la zona. Se aplicó el PCR y se realizó la evaluación mediante análisis de dibujos, cuestionarios y monitoreo biológico. En los dibujos de los niños se encontraron elementos tóxicos tales como el Pb, la tierra contaminada, entre otros. En los cuestionarios aplicados a los niños y a los padres de familia se pudo apreciar un cambio en los conocimientos y en algunas conductas respecto a los contaminantes, sus efectos y su exposición. No se encontró una disminución en los niveles de PbS ni de AsO. Esto quizás porque la principal ruta de exposición no es únicamente el suelo, como se había contemplado anteriormente.

The exposure to environmental pollutants implies a risk for health, mainly for the children population. A strategy of preventive intervention may be a Risks Communication Program (RCP). In order for a RCP to be carried out in an effective form, it is necessary to know the perception of the community about the exposure to environmental risks. Knowing children perception is essential for designing PCR to be implemented in each community. In this work the drawing was used as a tool to understand the perception of the children from a rural-indigenous community and from a marginalized urban community. The activity consisted on the formulation of two questions, which children answered sketching a drawing. The questions were formulated to know their perception in two sceneries: inside and outside their home. The obtained results indicated that the children perceive most of the environmental issues previously detected by our group and there were some differences between communities. In addition, it was found that some children perceived problems that had not been identified by the researchers.

La exposición a contaminantes ambientales implica un riesgo para la salud, principalmente para la población infantil. Una estrategia de intervención puede ser un Programa de Comunicación de Riesgos (PCR). Para que un PCR sea efectivo es necesario conocer la percepción de la comunidad sobre la exposición a riesgos ambientales. El conocer la percepción de los niños es fundamental para el diseño de los PCR que serán implementados en cada comunidad. En este trabajo se utilizó el dibujo como una herramienta para conocer la percepción de los niños de una comunidad rural-indígena y de niños de una comunidad urbano-marginada. La actividad consistió en la formulación de dos preguntas, las cuales respondieron los niños por medio de la elaboración de un dibujo. Las preguntas se formularon para conocer la percepción en los escenarios dentro y fuera de la casa. Los resultados obtenidos indicaron que los niños perciben la mayoría de las problemáticas ambientales detectadas con anterioridad por nuestro grupo y se encontraron diferencias por comunidad. Además se encontró que algunos niños percibieron problemáticas que no habían sido detectadas por los investigadores.

The exposure to environmental pollutants implies a risk for health, mainly for the children population. A strategy of preventive intervention may be a Risks Communication Program (RCP). In order for a RCP to be carried out in an effective form, it is necessary to know the perception of the community about the exposure to environmental risks. Knowing children perception is essential for designing PCR to be implemented in each community. In this work the drawing was used as a tool to understand the perception of the children from a rural-indigenous community and from a marginalized urban community. The activity consisted on the formulation of two questions, which children answered sketching a drawing. The questions were formulated to know their perception in two sceneries: inside and outside their home. The obtained results indicated that the children perceive most of the environmental issues previously detected by our group and there were some differences between communities. In addition, it was found that some children perceived problems that had not been identified by the researchers.

La exposición a contaminantes ambientales implica un riesgo para la salud, principalmente para la población infantil. Una estrategia de intervención puede ser un Programa de Comunicación de Riesgos (PCR). Para que un PCR sea efectivo es necesario conocer la percepción de la comunidad sobre la exposición a riesgos ambientales. El conocer la percepción de los niños es fundamental para el diseño de los PCR que serán implementados en cada comunidad. En este trabajo se utilizó el dibujo como una herramienta para conocer la percepción de los niños de una comunidad rural-indígena y de niños de una comunidad urbano-marginada. La actividad consistió en la formulación de dos preguntas, las cuales respondieron los niños por medio de la elaboración de un dibujo. Las preguntas se formularon para conocer la percepción en los escenarios dentro y fuera de la casa. Los resultados obtenidos indicaron que los niños perciben la mayoría de las problemáticas ambientales detectadas con anterioridad por nuestro grupo y se encontraron diferencias por comunidad. Además se encontró que algunos niños percibieron problemáticas que no habían sido detectadas por los investigadores.