Collective Protective Measures Research Articles

Did the prolonged residual efficacy of clothianidin products lead to a greater reduction in vector populations and subsequent malaria transmission compared to the shorter residual efficacy of pirimiphos-methyl?

BackgroundThe residual activity of a clothianidin + deltamethrin mixture and clothianidin alone in IRS covered more than the period of malaria transmission in northern Benin. The aim of this study was to show whether the prolonged residual efficacy of clothianidin-based products resulted in a greater reduction in vector populations and subsequent malaria transmission compared with the shorter residual efficacy of pirimiphos-methyl.MethodsHuman bait mosquito collections by local volunteers and pyrethrum spray collections were used in 6 communes under IRS monitoring and evaluation from 2019 to 2021. ELISA/CSP and species PCR tests were performed on Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) to determine the infectivity rate and subspecies by commune and year. The decrease in biting rate, entomological inoculation rate, incidence, inhibition of blood feeding, resting density of An. gambiae s.l. were studied and compared between insecticides per commune.ResultsThe An. gambiae complex was the major vector throughout the study area, acounting for 98.71% (19,660/19,917) of all Anopheles mosquitoes collected. Anopheles gambiae s.l. collected was lower inside treated houses (45.19%: 4,630/10,245) than outside (54.73%: 5,607/10,245) after IRS (p < 0.001). A significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the biting rate was observed after IRS in all departments except Donga in 2021 after IRS with clothianidin 50 WG. The impact of insecticides on EIR reduction was most noticeable with pirimiphos-methyl 300 CS, followed by the clothianidin + deltamethrin mixture and finally clothianidin 50 WG. A reduction in new cases of malaria was observed in 2020, the year of mass distribution of LLINs and IRS, as well as individual and collective protection measures linked to COVID-19. Anopheles gambiae s.l. blood-feeding rates and parous were high and similar for all insecticides in treated houses.ConclusionTo achieve the goal of zero malaria, the optimal choice of vector control tools plays an important role. Compared with pirimiphos-methyl, clothianidin-based insecticides induced a lower reductions in entomological indicators of malaria transmission.

Risk assessment and toxicity effects of materials used during additive manufacturing with FDM technology

This paper discusses the potential of additive printing, the risks it poses to users' health (including 3D printer operators) and the effects of chemical substances released during the printing based on the available in vitro and in vivo studies. It was shown that substances emitted during printing with the commonly used acrylonitrile butadiene styrene filament in additive manufacturing might have carcinogenic, hepatotoxic and teratogenic effects, as well as toxic effect on the respiratory system. The latest research on the mechanism of formation of particles and volatile organic compounds during 3D printing, the parameters affecting their potential emission, and trends in reducing these hazards are indicated. The need for the design of more environmentally friendly and less emissive printing materials, as well as strategies for prevention and individual and collective protection measures are emphasized. Users of 3D printers should be familiar with all possible aspects of the threats associated with the printing process. Insufficient data on direct exposure to chemicals and particles released during the use of filaments makes it difficult to build awareness of safe working practices. Of particular concern is the health impact of emitted chemicals and particles from thermally treated materials in one of the most popular technologies for 3D printing, i.e., fused deposition modelling. Exposure of the users to, e.g., plasticizers added to filaments occurs through a variety of routes, by absorption through the skin, by inhalation or ingestion. Available epidemiological data, as well as current experimental works, indicate that such exposure is a high risk of cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis in adults, and cardiac problems and metabolic disorders in children. This review, by identifying potential risk factors, may contribute to reducing the health loss of printer users and improving working conditions and safety, especially in enterprises where additive manufacturing technology is used. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(2):159-171.

Smart City and the digital measurement of solar ultraviolet radiation in Outdoor workers in the City of Lisbon

Abstract The growing incidence of skin cancer over the years has made it a significant public health problem. However, technology can be used to tackle the skin cancer which is highly preventable, mainly through reduced exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Digital services can be used to promote individual and collective protective measures and interventions. Specifically, there is an opportunity when the exposure is intermittent or continuous, and occurs in an occupational or leisure setting. We are using a digital platform to contribute to raising public and policy awareness on solar UVR-inflicted occupational skin cancers in the municipality of Lisbon. The digital platform is performing direct measurements of the solar UVR dose received by outdoor workers. Results will likely contribute to further understanding the risk estimates for keratinocyte cancer estimations in this population. The digital platform integrates a personal electronic dosimeter (GENESIS-UV system) to assess occupational solar UVR doses of gardeners, masons, and gravediggers of the municipality of Lisbon. Two hundred and ten outdoor workers were selected to wear the dosimeter for 1 month each, between April and October during their daily working hours. The digital platform that offers private access to information through dashboard visualization provided information for the outdoor workers and facilitate communication with the participants. Study data provides the outdoor workers with information on their personal solar UVR exposure during their working hours and an estimate of their risk of developing skin cancer. The results prospectively should flow into the design of adequate prevention campaigns for skin cancer in outdoor workers.

Collective protection measures - methods to ensure clean air

The review article deals with the current issue of collective protection, including collective protection against contamination. The division of collective protection means by purpose and basic equipment for use under conditions of contamination is presented. Based on NATO documents, functional and operational recommendations were formulated. Methods of protecting facilities from the penetration of contaminated air by sealing, dilution in vestibules and the creation of positive pressure support were characterized. Methods of ventilating facilities with respect to changing the composition and properties of air in confined spaces are presented, including determining the necessary amount of air to ventilate rooms to remove excess CO2, water vapor, heat and oxygen deficiency. Methods of supplying clean air to the facility by means of air filtration and regeneration are characterized.

Cancro da Laringe associado ao Trabalho

Introduction/framework/objectives Evidence that Laryngeal Cancer may originate at work or be influenced by behaviors carried out in the workplace has been increasing, although this relationship is still undervalued by health professionals. In this sense, the aim of this study is to identify occupational risk factors for laryngeal cancer, so that occupational health professionals can have information available to facilitate workers’ health promotion and disease prevention tasks or, at the limit, suspect the problem earlier. Methodology This is a Bibliographic Review, initiated through a search carried out in January 2022, in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”. Content Laryngeal Cancer is the most prevalent at the aerodigestive level; that is, about 130.000 new cases per year worldwide in males and 21.000 in females, although with some differences between countries. Although the main risk factors are alcohol and tobacco consumption, which contribute synergistically to the problem, there are activities, mainly in the primary and secondary sectors, which, due to their exposure to physical and chemical agents (such as silica, asbestos, asbestos, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals and other components of paints and cement, for example). Discussion and Conclusions There are some risk factors with suspected or proven association with the etiology of Laryngeal Cancer. It is essential that professionals in the sector acquire a minimum of knowledge regarding what the bibliography describes, to be able to take collective and individual protection measures that can mitigate the risk. It is essential that professionals in the sector acquire a minimum of knowledge regarding what the bibliography describes, to be able to implement collective and individual protection measures that manage to mitigate the risk. It would also be desirable for occupational health teams, with workers exposed to these working conditions, to be able to investigate the topic, releasing innovative and/or more complete data to the bibliography than what is currently published, including giving a perspective of the state of the art in our country.

Cancro Testicular associado ao Trabalho

Introduction/framework/objectives Testicular Cancer usually appears at earlier ages than other oncological pathologies, therefore, it is more likely to be diagnosed in the active population. It is suspected that part of the cases may have an occupational etiology, so it will be relevant to develop efforts for its early diagnosis and prevention. In this sense, this review intends to highlight the most relevant publications on the subject, to facilitate the work of occupational health teams. Methodology The research and bibliographic review were carried out in January 2022, in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”. Content It is most frequent in developed countries; corresponds to 1% of all cancers diagnosed in men, considering all age groups. Incidences have been increasing to nearly double over the last four decades in most countries, possibly due to some occupational and/or environmental exposures. Discussion and Conclusions Occupational issues that seem to be more related to this cancer are contact with some chemical agents (namely pesticides, asbestos, solvents and heavy metals); as well as ionizing radiation. Thus, some of the most relevant sectors will be agriculture, civil construction, demolitions, industry with the production of chemical agentes, paper and plastics, laundries and firefighters. It would be relevant for some Occupational Health and Safety teams to dedicate some time to investigating these issues, enhancing global scientific knowledge on this topic and, in particular, deepening the national level (global incidence, more relevant sectors/professions/tasks, as well as collective and individual protection measures most used and effective). KEYWORDS: testicular cancer, asbestos, pesticides, occupational health, occupational medicine, occupational safety.

Cancro do Pulmão associado ao Trabalho

Introduction/framework/objectives Lung Cancer is fairly common and usually very lethal. Part of the cases seems to have an occupational etiology, so it will be relevant for professionals in the area to have some notions on the subject. The aim of this review was to summarize what was most recent and pertinent published on this subject. Methodology This is a Bibliographic Review, initiated through a search carried out in January 2022, in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”. Content It is the deadliest cancer worldwide; it is the most frequent in males and the third most prevalent in females. Some researchers consider that it is possible that some hormonal issues can boost the number of cases in females. In this last ones, the most frequent is adenocarcinoma, less associated with tobacco. It is believed that the occupational origin can explain almost a third of the cases. In this context, asbestos are the most relevant factor (responsible for 55 to 85% of cases with occupational etiology), according to some authors. Discussion and Conclusions In the literature, there is reasonable evidence that Lung Cancer is more likely to occur in situations where there is exposure to Radon, Asbestos/Silica, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Fiberglass, Diesel, Aluminum, Sulfur Dioxide and/or Particulate Matter. Thus, some of the professional sectors highlighted in this context will be Construction (General and Naval), Foundries and Mines. Despite this, there is little available literature that demonstrates the study of this phenomenon in national companies, so it would be relevant for some Occupational Health and Safety teams to dedicate some time to investigating these issues, enhancing global scientific knowledge on this topic and, in particular, epidemiologically characterizing the national panorama (incidence, most affected sectors/professions/tasks, as well as most used and/or effective collective and individual protection measures). Keywords: lung cancer, asbestos, silica, radon, occupational health, occupational medicine and occupational security.

Cancro Hematopoiético associado ao Trabalho

Introduction/framework/objectives Hematopoietic oncological pathologies may be associated with some work conditions. The bibliography on the subject is not very exhaustive and, therefore, the associated knowledge is not very developed among professionals in the area and/or workers/managers/employers. The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent and relevant publications on the subject. Methodology This is a Bibliographic Review, initiated through a search carried out in January 2022 in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”. Content In the work environment, the most relevant chemical agents in relation to leukemia are benzene, tetrachlorethylene, styrene, chlorophenols, aromatic amines, creosote, chromium, arsenic, ethylene oxide, asbestos, antineoplastic agents and pesticides. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has identified more than one hundred chemical carcinogens and, of these, about a quarter increase the risk of leukemia and lymphoma. This entity classifies butadiene and formaldehyde (used in the plastic, rubber and textile production industry, for example) as included in group 1, that is, carcinogenic to humans; she further published that benzene, ethylene oxide, some pesticides and formaldehyde as probably linked to leukemia (group 2a); as well as some types of radiation. This institution highlighted the existence of a greater hematopoietic risk related to professional activities associated with shipbuilding, footwear and rubber production, although the conclusions are not consensual among researchers. In turn, chimney sweeping work has been shown to be associated with all types of hematopoietic cancer. Discussion and Conclusions There are some risk factors with suspected or proven association with the etiology of some hematopoietic oncological pathologies. It is essential that professionals in the sector acquire a minimum of knowledge regarding what the scarce bibliography describes, so that it is possible to plan collective and individual protection measures that manage to mitigate the risk. It would also be interesting if some occupational health and safety teams, working in institutions with workers exposed to these working conditions, were able to investigate the topic, releasing innovative and/or more complete data to the bibliography than what is currently published. KEYWORDS: hematopoietic cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, occupational health and occupational medicine.

Cancro do Pulmão associado ao Trabalho

Introduction/framework/objectives Lung Cancer is fairly common and usually very lethal. Part of the cases seems to have an occupational etiology, so it will be relevant for professionals in the area to have some notions on the subject. The aim of this review was to summarize what was most recent and pertinent published on this subject. Methodology This is a Bibliographic Review, initiated through a search carried out in January 2022, in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”. Content It is the deadliest cancer worldwide; it is the most frequent in males and the third most prevalent in females. Some researchers consider that it is possible that some hormonal issues can boost the number of cases in females. In this last ones, the most frequent is adenocarcinoma, less associated with tobacco. It is believed that the occupational origin can explain almost a third of the cases. In this context, asbestos are the most relevant factor (responsible for 55 to 85% of cases with occupational etiology), according to some authors. Discussion and Conclusions In the literature, there is reasonable evidence that Lung Cancer is more likely to occur in situations where there is exposure to Radon, Asbestos/Silica, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Fiberglass, Diesel, Aluminum, Sulfur Dioxide and/or Particulate Matter. Thus, some of the professional sectors highlighted in this context will be Construction (General and Naval), Foundries and Mines. Despite this, there is little available literature that demonstrates the study of this phenomenon in national companies, so it would be relevant for some Occupational Health and Safety teams to dedicate some time to investigating these issues, enhancing global scientific knowledge on this topic and, in particular, epidemiologically characterizing the national panorama (incidence, most affected sectors/professions/tasks, as well as most used and/or effective collective and individual protection measures). Keywords: lung cancer, asbestos, silica, radon, occupational health, occupational medicine and occupational security.

Cancro da Bexiga associado ao Trabalho

Introduction/framework/objectives Bladder cancer is reasonably prevalent, and in some cases it may be related to work characteristics. It would be relevant for most professionals to have some knowledge of what is published on this topic. Methodology This is a bibliographic review, initiated through a search carried out in January 2022 in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”. Content Bladder Cancer is the most frequent or the second most prevalent among genito-urinary neoplasms and the second most deadly in that context. Considering all oncological pathologies, it is estimated that it is the 7th or 9th most prevalent. By sex, it is two to four times more frequent in males. It arises from the interaction between genetic and environmental factors, namely occupational. Some researchers argue that, in developed countries, occupational exposure is the main cause, followed by smoking; however, most studies claim the opposite. The most relevant chemical agents are aromatic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides; as well as combustion products/diesel emissions and heavy metals. Discussion and Conclusions There are some risk factors with suspected or proven association with the etiology of Bladder Cancer. It is important to disclose these, so that occupational health and safety teams can take collective and individual protection measures to mitigate this. It would also be interesting for these companies to carry out more research on the subject, adding evidence to what has already been published or providing an overview of the state of the art in Portugal. Keywords: bladder cancer, occupational health, occupational medicine and safety at work.

Результаты клинического исследования пациентов с инородными телами переднего отдела глаза

The eye is a very complex and delicate organ, but under adverse conditions and without appropriate preventive measures, it is susceptible to damage that can lead to a sharp decrease in vision, partial or complete blindness. In 2021–2022, 197,773 patients with injuries of the organ of vision were diagnosed in the Republic of Uzbekistan, of which 117,605 patients were diagnosed with foreign bodies of the cornea and conjunctiva, which amounted to 59.46%. Clinical analysis of the condition of these patients is important in the prevention of injuries of the organ of vision. Purpose. Determine the main risk factors for non-penetrating eye injuries with foreign bodies. Material and methods. In 2021–2022, 823 patients turned to the Republican Clinical Ophthalmological Hospital with foreign bodies in the cornea and conjunctiva while working with an angle grinder, or “grinder”. Results. 99.51% of patients were male. Of these, 325 were between the ages of 19 and 30, reflecting the medical, social and economic significance of the problem. In the majority of patients with foreign bodies of the cornea and conjunctiva, the contributing factors to the occurrence of damage were the non-use of goggles by workers during work and poor control by workers of the rules of individual and collective eye protection measures. Conclusion. It can be seen from the results of the analysis that the majority of patients with foreign bodies of the anterior part of the eye are people of working age who use an angle grinder. Metal shavings got into the eyes due to non-compliance with technical safety rules. In order to prevent such injuries, it is necessary to create safe working conditions and conduct explanatory work with employees. Keywords: ophthalmology, emergency ophthalmic care, injuries of the organ of vision, foreign body of the eye, angle grinder.

88 Occupational Exposure to Metals Among Battery Recyclers in France: Biomonitoring and External Dose Measurements

Abstract In battery-recycling facilities, exposure to trace elements may occur through inhalation of contaminated dust or vapor emanating from the treatment processes. Thus, biomonitoring coupled with air measurements, appeared to be a relevant approach to assess exposure of battery recyclers. While lead exposure has been quite well covered in the literature, in contrast, data on exposure to other elements contained in batteries are lacking. The aim of this study was to characterize the exposure of French battery recyclers to multiple elements using biomonitoring and airborne measurements. Eighty-six workers participated in the study. Pre-shift and post-shift urine samples and personal airborne samples were collected during the working week. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to analyze 7 trace elements in both type of sample: Cd, Co, Cr, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb. Results showed battery recyclers to be mostly exposed to Cd, Co, Li, Mn and Ni. Urinary sample analysis indicated exposure to Cd and Co, with levels measured at up to 27.6 and 3.34 µg/g of creatinine, respectively. Cd, Co, Li, Mn, and Ni were detected at high levels in air samples, especially near the treatment facilities, with airborne cadmium levels of up to 79.4 µg/m3. Administrative and sorting workers were exposed at lower levels than maintenance, treatment, and dismantling workers. The data presented provide valuable information on exposure to trace elements for battery recyclers. They also highlight the need to improve both collective and individual protective measures, which were not sufficient in the participating companies.

Digitally measuring solar ultraviolet radiation in outdoor workers: A study protocol for establishing the use of electronic personal dosimeters in Portugal.

The rising incidence of skin cancer over the years has made it a significant public and occupational health issue. However, skin cancer is highly preventable, mainly through reduced exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which can be achieved by a variety of individual and collective protective measures and interventions. The relative risk associated with different patterns of exposure to solar UVR differs for the subtypes of keratinocyte cancers (KC). Specifically, whether the exposure is intermittent or continuous, and occurs in an occupational or leisure/recreational setting. The main aim of the study using this protocol is to contribute to raising public and policy awareness on solar UVR-inflicted occupational skin cancers in Lisbon. This will be achieved by performing direct measurements of the solar UVR dose received by outdoor workers using a digital platform. Results will likely contribute to further understanding the risk estimates for keratinocyte cancer estimations in this population. A prospective observational study will be conducted in Lisbon, Portugal. Personal electronic dosimeters (GENESIS-UV system) integrated with a digital platform will be used to assess occupational solar UVR doses of gardeners, masons, and gravediggers of the municipality of Lisbon. Two hundred and ten outdoor workers will be selected to wear the dosimeter for 1 month each, between April and October during their daily working hours. A digital web-based platform that offers private access to information through dashboard visualization will provide information for the outdoor workers and facilitate communication with the participants. The expected results of the overall proposal comprise the occupational solar UVR doses, expressed in standard erythemal dose (SEDs) per day of outdoor work for 7 months. Study data will provide outdoor workers with information on their personal solar UVR exposure during their working hours and an estimate of their risk of developing skin cancer. It is expected that the occupational solar UVR doses of the outdoor workers in Portugal will be above the threshold of 1 to 1.33 SED/day, due to the latitude of Lisbon and the nature of the occupations. The results prospectively should flow into the design of adequate prevention campaigns for skin cancer in outdoor workers.

Chapitre 1. Santé publique et prise en charge des maladies

The history of environmental damages is linked to the development of diseases. Conversely, individual and collective protection measures for the living environment. Were often beneficial to health.

Risk Analysis and Evaluation of the Current Situation in Terms of Work Safety in The Drinking Water Treatment Plant

Water treatment plants are the most important facilities used to provide potable water to settlements and clean water. These facilities raise water quality to the desired standards physically, bacteriologically, and chemically. A conventional drinking water treatment plant consists of aeration, coagulation, flocculation, settling, filtration and disinfection units. Each of these units has its hazards. For this reason, if adequate safety precautions are not taken, the possibility of plant employees being, exposed to these hazards will be quite high. Risks arise as a result of exposure to hazards in every workplace. It is important to analyze these risks and determine the precautionary priorities and to ensure health and safety in the workplace. In this study, the hazards that employees may be exposed to in a drinking water treatment plant in the Eastern Black Sea region were determined. All the units of the facility were examined and all risks that would affect the employees and the working order of the facility were calculated with the matrix method. After the risk levels have been determined, in the study the risks named as unacceptable and as to be considered are presented and the precautions to be taken in the facility are listed to be protected from these risks. As a result of the study, the importance of personal protection measures and safety culture, especially collective protection measures, was emphasized for the employees in such workplaces containing complex units.

Teologia-política e pandemia Sars-Cov-2/Covid-19: questões à Saúde Coletiva

Abstract This theoretical essay presents an overview of the field of political theology as an important part of political philosophy, demonstrates its relevance in the current Brazilian social and political scenario, and problematizes its intersections to the Collective Health field. In the first part, we explore the theological-political thoughts from key thinkers of this area, such as Saint Augustine, Giorgio Agamben, Karl Marx, Enrique Dussel, and Boaventura de Souza Santos. In the light of these authors, in the second part of this article, we describe the emergence of political-theologies in the Brazilian political scenario and sociocultural dynamics, manifested among evangelical groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic situation shed light on many contradictions of Brazilian society and evidenced controversies between two lines of divergent evangelical political theologies: the conservative/antidemocratic and the progressive ones. The re-emergence of these political theologies holds relevant effects regarding the responses of social groups and actions of power in the face of public health problems, which deserve greater attention of the Collective Health field. They influence the spheres of power and sociocultural dynamics in terms of health-disease-care, contributing with collective protection measures and/or encouraging risky, negligent and denialist postures. We conclude by problematizing epistemological contributions to a renewed production of knowledge-action regarding the interface between political theology and Collective Health.

Collective Protection Measures for Occupational Exposure to Carcinogenic Chemicals in France: The Links between Regulations on Chemicals and Effective Implementation.

European directives stipulate that French employers take all available measures to reduce the use of carcinogenic agents. Our study explores the links between regulations on chemicals and the effective implementation of collective protection measures in France to occupational exposure to carcinogenic chemicals. Individual data from the French national cross-sectional survey of occupational hazards, conducted in 2017, were analysed. We investigated whether stricter regulations and longer exposures were associated with a higher level of collective protection using multivariate logistic regressions. In 2017, any collective protection measures were implemented for 35% of occupational situations involving exposure to a carcinogen. A total of 21% of exposure situations benefited from source-based controls (e.g., isolation chamber and local exhaust ventilation) and 26% from general ventilation, for which the effect is limited as collective protection. Our regressions showed that longer exposure durations were associated with more collective protection. Exposure situations to chemicals classified as proven carcinogens by the European Union (category 1A) benefited more from collective protections, which is not the case for products only classified as suspected carcinogens (category 1B). Exposures to products with a Binding Occupational Exposure Limit Value benefited more from source-based controls. Nonetheless, the time spent on the IARC list of carcinogens did not appear to influence the implementation of collective protection measures, except for local exhaust ventilation. At a time when efforts to improve the implementation of protective measures in order to drastically reduce the risks of occupational cancers are still necessary, stricter European and national regulations, but above all, better coordination with the work of the IARC and its classification, are avenues to pursue.

Occupational exposure to metals among battery recyclers in France: Biomonitoring and external dose measurements

In battery-recycling facilities, exposure to trace elements may occur through inhalation of contaminated dust or vapor emanating from the treatment processes. Exposure of battery-recycling workers to lead has been quite well covered in the literature. In contrast, we lack data on exposure to other elements contained in batteries. The aim of this study was to characterize the exposure of French battery recyclers to multiple elements using biomonitoring and airborne measurements. Eighty-six workers participated in the study. Inhalable metal concentrations were determined for personal airborne samples, and total exposure was determined from pre-shift and post-shift urine samples collected during the working week. In both types of sample, a total of 33 trace elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results showed battery recyclers to be mostly exposed to Cd, Co, Cr, Li, Mn, Ni, and Pb. Administrative and sorting workers were exposed at lower levels than maintenance, treatment, and dismantling workers. Cd, Co, Li, Mn, and Ni were detected at high levels in air samples, especially near the treatment facilities, with airborne cadmium levels of up to 79.4 µg/m3. Urinary sample analysis indicated exposure to Cd and Co, with levels measured at up to 27.6 and 3.34 µg/g of creatinine, respectively. Concentrations were compared to data reported for e-waste recycling companies. The data presented provide valuable information on exposure to trace elements for workers involved in battery-recycling. They also highlight the need to improve both collective and individual protective measures, which were not sufficient in the participating companies.

Silicose

Introduction/framework/objectives Pneumoconiosis are the most frequent occupational diseases. Silicosis is caused by inhaling breathable crystalline Silica. It is a diffuse interstitial fibronodular lung disease. Initially it is asymptomatic, however, it is usually progressive and without cure. The diagnosis is partially based on a history of professional exposure. It is more prevalent in countries with considerable unemployment and/or little or no Health and Safety Surveillance at Work. Methodology This is a Bibliographic Review, initiated through a search carried out in January 2022, in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”. Contents Silica or silicon dioxide (SiO2) is made up of oxygen and silicon. In nature it exists in amorphous and crystalline forms. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) considered inhaled crystalline Silica as a human carcinogen (group 1), probably due to cellular damage, inflammation, oxidative stress and inhibition of clearance. Amorphous silica is not considered carcinogenic to humans (group 3). Silicosis exists in all countries, but is more prevalent in the ones less developed, even realizing that the real incidence should be higher than the official one, due to the situation being underreported. In more developed countries, the incidence/prevalence has decreased, due to the improvement of working conditions. Exposure is relevant via inhalation; cutaneous and digestive tracts generally do not have important consequences in the work context. The health risk varies with concentration, particle size– diameter, surface and shape (more dangerous if smaller), exposure time, type of silica (crystalline, tridymite and cristobalite are the most harmful, although more rare), density, water and lipid solubility, chemical reactivity, hygroscopic and electrostatic character, temperature, air speed and employee physical activity. Also important are gender, body area, age, general health status, previous pathologies and smoking- that is, individual susceptibility. The particles can be inhaled, thoracic or respirable (the latter are able to settle in the lungs). The shape, size and density of dust will affect the behavior and penetration into the respiratory system. The respirable fraction consists of particles smaller than 10 micrometers, that is, they can reach the area where gas exchange takes place; larger than that, they are usually deposited in the nasal and thoracic region. Silica nanoparticles smaller than 100 nanometers can reach the bloodstream. After inhalation, Silica particles are mainly deposited in the bronchioles and alveoli; if mucociliary clearance is not sufficient, inflammation (alveolitis) develops, which can lead to fibrosis and cancer. Macrophage activation generates free radicals/reactive oxygen species, which are not always attenuated by anti-oxidant defenses. Continued exposure enhances the release of cytokines which, in turn, activate more macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes; the increased production of collagen will then lead to said fibrosis, decreasing lung profitability and efficiency; that is, decreasing gas exchange; being that it can also reach the pleura. Discussion and Conclusions Despite the advances provided by an increasingly effective Health and Safety system, Silicosis is still a problem in some contexts, so it is necessary that the professionals working in these teams have reasonable knowledge regarding the sectors/tasks where it can occur, auxiliary diagnostic tests and other surveillance parameters, collective and individual protection measures, as well as possible implications for the classification of aptitude to work. It would be relevant to better understand the national scenario, through the dissemination of investigations carried out in this context. KEYWORDS: silica, silicosis, safety at work, occupational health and occupational medicine.

Saúde Ocupacional aplicada aos Pavimentadores de Estradas

Introduction/framework/objectives It is not uncommon for Occupational Health teams to have a client in the road paving sector; however, literature for this area is sparse. The aim of this article is to summarize the most pertinent and recent articles published on the subject. Methodology This is a Bibliographic Review, initiated through a search carried out in August 2021 in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”. Contents The IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) classified the asphalt used for paving roads as possibly carcinogenic to humans (group 2b), due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. However, epidemiological studies do not show clear evidence of a higher incidence/prevalence of diseases of this type, although the risk may be different, depending on the route of entry (inhaled versus cutaneous) and the specific composition. There are also aliphatic hydrocarbons, cyclic alkanes and heterocyclic compounds. The association with different types of cancers is inconclusive but still stronger for lung versus skin. Some of these substances can cause chromosomal instability which, in turn, some argue that it can lead to cancer pathology. Discussion and Conclusions In the research carried out there was only data related to the chemical agents inserted in the asphalt; no references were found to other Occupational Risk/Risks Factors, such as other chemical agents, dust; noise, cut, vibrations associated with different machines; physical loads/efforts, forced/maintained postures, falling to the same level or at different levels, and eventual burial; ultraviolet radiation and thermal discomfort or trampling. As for the chemical risk, most authors consider that some substances included in the composition of the asphalt, especially under certain technical conditions (equipment, temperature, asphalt subtypes), may be carcinogenic to humans. However, even at this level, collective or individual protection measures are not mentioned, in order to provide concrete guidance for those who have clients in this sector. In the context of the former, it can be assumed that it would be pertinent to promote the rotation of tasks, to choose the types of asphalt considered less toxic (whenever possible) and the equipment that worked at lower temperatures, with less noise and vibrations; promote good maintenance of machines and purchase safer models; as well as organizing training and access to adequate Occupational Health services. In turn, at the level of Personal Protective Equipment, one could use mask/visor, hat/cap, uniform, glasses (for ultraviolet radiation and entry of foreign bodies), sun protection cream, ear protection, gloves (for cutting/abrasion and/or vibration), knee braces and/or abdominal restraint straps. It would be important for some Occupational Health teams working in the area to better study the sector and develop valid knowledge about the gaps mentioned, disseminated through publication in journals of the area. KEYWORDS: road paving, road pavers, occupational health, occupational medicine and occupational risks.