Selenium (Se) is necessary for several physiological functions in the human body; however, high concentrations of this element in coal mining areas raise the possibility of Se-related health risks. Children are much more vulnerable and at risk to environmental hazards than adults. The largest coal mining area of Brazil is located in the city of Candiota, where previous studies point to significant urinary Se concentrations among children. Food intake is the main Se source. The study aimed to evaluate dietary Se intake, as well as urinary Se excretion and classic symptoms of Se intoxication among children from Candiota and a control city in the same region. A cross-sectional study was carried out, with participation from 242 children between 6 and 12 years old in two cities in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Socioeconomic variables, dietary intake, and Se toxicity symptoms were evaluated through a structured questionnaire, and urinary Se levels were measured. Children from both cities had normal levels of Se intake and urinary excretion; however, children from Candiota had significantly higher levels of Se in both parameters in relation to the control city, especially for Se urinary excretion. There was low prevalence of Se toxicity symptoms. We conclude that coal mining activities may increase Se intake in children and consequently its urinary excretion.

硒对于人体的多种生理功能是必不可少的。然而，在煤矿区这种元素的高浓度增加了与硒有关的健康风险的可能性。与成年人相比，儿童更容易受到环境危害的威胁。巴西最大的煤矿开采区位于坎迪奥塔市，此前的研究表明，儿童中尿中硒的含量很高。食物摄入是硒的主要来源。该研究旨在评估来自同一地区Candiota和一个对照城市的儿童的饮食中Se的摄入量，尿中Se的排泄和Se中毒的典型症状。进行了一项横断面研究，来自巴西南里奥格兰德州两个城市的242名6至12岁的儿童参加了研究。社会经济变量，饮食摄入量，通过结构化问卷评估硒和硒的毒性症状，并测定尿中硒的含量。两个城市的儿童的硒摄入量和尿排泄水平均正常；但是，来自Candiota的儿童在两个参数上的硒水平都比对照城市高得多，尤其是对于Se尿排泄。硒毒性症状的患病率较低。我们得出的结论是，煤矿开采活动可能会增加儿童的硒摄入量，从而增加其尿排泄量。特别是对于Se尿排泄。硒毒性症状的患病率较低。我们得出的结论是，煤矿开采活动可能会增加儿童的硒摄入量，从而增加其尿排泄量。特别是对于Se尿排泄。硒毒性症状的患病率较低。我们得出的结论是，煤矿开采活动可能会增加儿童的硒摄入量，从而增加其尿排泄量。