In the present study we described mercury (Hg) exposure evolution in two riverside communities of Tapajos River Basin, Brazilian Amazon. These communities are exposed to this metal by the consumption of fishes that they fishing from the contaminated river. The contamination is due to a process that occurs mainly due to the weathering of soil in the area (which is naturally rich in Hg) and gold mining, that uses mercury to isolate the gold. The analysis used a dosimetric database containing values of mercury, wich was generated from hair samples of the riversides from Tapajos. The data collection was conducted for 17 years (1998-2014) and totaled 1.502 (one thousand, five hundred two) samples, which were divided into four groups: adult male, adult female, male child and female child. The results reveled the group with the highest risk of exposure: the adults males. After all the years of study, the adult male group was the group with the highest average Hg levels (14,41 μg/g ± 10 μg/g). On the other hand, all groups showed a trendy to decrease these levels, with the men took more time to start this process of reduction rates. Their levels dropped from 16,61 μg/g in 2007 to 11,23 μg/g in 2013. Women's group reduced from 13,92 μg/g in 2004 to 7,04 μg/g in 2013. Children had more significant reduction, wherein the girls dropped from 15.42 μg/g in 2001 to 3.83 μg/g in 2014, and the boys from 12.96 μg/g to 5.95 μg/g in the same years. The problematic situation involving the adult male group may indicate a more traditional lifestyle (based on a high fish consumption), less contact with professionals and researchers who instruct the population about the risks of poisoning, and more restrict nutrition, without red meat, tropical fruits, etc. In this sense, it is evident the need for greater awareness of this group in particular (adults males), and must the public health policies aimed specifically, must be enhanced in the region.
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