Residents report skin problems after leak at a fertilizer company in São Luís Residents of a community with around 70 families, in the Vila Maranhão neighborhood, in São Luís, report itching, burns and red spots on their skin. According to them, the symptoms began after the installation of a fertilizer company and began to be noticed mainly after a chemical leak, recorded in February this year. The company Valen Fertilizers disputes the relationship between the episode and health problems and points to other possible causes. Among the cases is that of Margarida, aged 78, who was hospitalized with seborrheic dermatitis and skin inflammation. The daughter claims that her mother did not have the problems previously. "My mother didn't have anything on her skin, she had clean skin. And nowadays, my mother, so suddenly, my mother found herself in a difficult situation", he said. ? Click here and subscribe to the g1 Maranhão channel on WhatsApp The grandmother of another resident, Josiane, also has itching and burns. According to the family, she received different diagnoses during the consultations: psoriasis, erysipelas and scabies. Valenfert began operating in July 2023. The company, licensed by the state environmental agency, works with storage and mixing of fertilizers. According to manager Alfredo Gonçalves, the February leak was the only one recorded since the start of operations. How the leak occurred Residents report skin problems after a leak at a fertilizer company in São Luís Reproduction/TV Mirante According to Valenfert's general manager, Alfredo Gonçalves, the leak occurred after fertilizer residue stuck to a machine was carried by the rain towards the community. "We bought another piece of machinery that came from a company in São Paulo and we placed it at the back of the factory because it was a time when it wasn't raining yet, but the rains started and then it dissolved some of the fertilizer that was stuck to these machines and ran off into the community," said general manager Alfredo Gonçalves. Geographer Marcelino Farias explained, in an interview with TV Mirante, how nitrogen-based fertilizers can react when they come into contact with water. "The fertilizers mentioned are sources of nitrogen. Nitrogen, coming into contact with water, undergoes modifications and becomes nitrate and nitrite, which are toxic substances, either when consumed or when they come into contact with human skin or airways." explained the geographer. A dermatologist interviewed by the report explained that exposure to ammonia can cause itching, burning and burns. She highlighted, however, that the assessment depends on the level of exposure and the characteristics of the injuries. Exams, water and emergency measures At the request of the Public Ministry of Maranhão (MP-MA), the Court ordered Valenfert to remove families from the area and adopt emergency measures. Among them was the monitoring of the situation by technical teams from the State and the municipality. The company stated that it carried out three medical actions in the community, one of them with the Civil Defense, and took health professionals to the location. Clínica da Gente, hired by the company, reported that it provided 71 consultations. According to the unit, the results did not indicate ammonia contamination. Residents, however, claim that not everyone was tested and that some people did not receive the results. There are also disagreements about water quality. An analysis by Health Surveillance did not identify fertilizer contamination in groundwater. Despite this, residents say they were advised not to consume water from wells. The company began supplying gallons of mineral water to the community. According to a resident, the water from the wells is only used for bathing and washing clothes. “We use the water here for bathing, just for bathing and washing clothes”, he reported. Interdiction and legal dispute The community demands medical assistance, access to exams and a definitive solution. Reproduction/TV Mirante São Luís City Hall notified the company of environmental risk and banned its activities in February. The measure was adopted after a fertilizer spill was recorded, which occurred on February 4, 2026. In the process, the MP states that the spill caused damage to the community and calls for the company to be condemned. Valenfert denies that the health problems were caused by its activities. The company states that other companies operating in the region may also be related to the reported damage. The case awaits a new hearing, which should define the dates of the expert examination and witness statements. According to the judge responsible, it is still not possible to determine which of the versions corresponds to the facts. The conclusion will depend on the analysis of the process. While the case is being processed in court, the community demands medical care, access to test results and a definitive solution. “There are people who were born and raised here, understand?” said a resident. What the authorities say In a statement, the Municipal Health Department (Semus) reported that it is monitoring the situation in Vila Maranhão through the Primary Care and Health Surveillance teams. According to the ministry, the Vila Maranhão Health Center offers consultations, clinical monitoring, home visits and guidance to residents. Community agents also carry out active searches and accompany families. Read the note in full below. "The Municipal Health Department (SEMUS) informs that it is continuously monitoring the situation in Vila Maranhão, through integrated action between Primary Health Care and Health Surveillance teams. Since the occurrence, the Vila Maranhão Health Center has continued to provide assistance to residents, with medical consultations, clinical monitoring, home visits, health guidance and monitoring of cases treated. Community Health Agents continue to actively search and monitor families, reinforcing the measures