Analysis of the regular monitoring of occupational hazards in Guangdong Province in 2022 / 中国职业医学

Objective To analyze the overall situation of regular monitoring of occupational hazards in enterprises in Guangdong Province in 2022. Methods Analysis and quality sampling from enterprises were conducted on the occupational hazard regular monitoring reports submitted by various occupational health institutions through the Guangdong Province Occupational Health Quality Control Platform for the year 2022. Results In 2022, a total of 40 129 enterprises in Guangdong Province conducted regular monitoring of occupational hazards, accounting for 5.9%. More than 4.85 million workers were enrolled, of which more than 1.99 million workers were exposed to occupational hazards, with an incidence of 41.1%. The incidence of exposure to chemicals, dust, and noise were 18.2%, 11.9%, and 23.5%, respectively. The incidence of exceeding national standard for chemical substances, dust and noise in enterprises were 2.7%, 3.3%, and 42.7%, respectively. The incidence of exceeding national standard for all occupational hazards increased with the scale of enterprises from micro, small, medium to large enterprises (29.1% vs 46.7% vs 61.3% vs 65.4%, all P<0.05). The top three key industries, with more enterprises exceeding national standard, were metal furniture manufacturing, wooden furniture manufacturing, and other metal daily necessities manufacturing. The concentration of 97 chemical hazardous agents such as silica dust and benzene in work site exceeded the national standard, but less than 1.0% chemical hazardous agents exceeded national standard in most of the chemical-exposed work site. The incidence of noise exceeding national standard was 45.4%, while the incidence of silica dust exceeding national standard was 17.3%. Conclusion The percentage of regular monitoring of occupational hazards in enterprises in Guangdong Province is relatively low. The main occupational hazard that exceeds the national standard was noise, indicating the need for special attention on noise protection in workplace.

Riesgo por exposición a agentes químicos y atmósferas explosivas en minas de carbón de Tópaga, Colombia / Risk due to exposure to chemical agents and explosive atmospheres in the coal mines of Tópaga, Colombia / Risco de exposição a agentes químicos e atmosferas explosivas em minas de carvão em Topaga, Colômbia

RESUMEN Se realizó un estudio observacional de corte transversal con enfoque descriptivo con el objetivo de determinar el riesgo por exposición a agentes químicos, atmósferas peligrosas y definir recomendaciones para mejorar las condiciones de trabajo en las minas de carbón de Tópaga (Boyacá). Para recopilar la información se utilizó el cuestionario para la identificación y prevención del riesgo en espacios confinados, del Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, y se realizaron mediciones de gases en las minas. Los resultados muestran que el 25% de las minas tienen niveles de oxígeno inferiores a 19,5% y ninguna supera el límite de explosividad. El 15% supera el Valor Límite Permisible (VLP) de monóxido de carbono y el 20% supera el VLP de sulfuro de hidrógeno y dióxido de azufre. Entre las recomendaciones propuestas se encuentra favorecer la ventilación natural, aplicar ventilación forzada cuando la natural resulte insuficiente y el empleo de calzado y herramientas antichispa. Se concluye que, en general, las condiciones de trabajo en las minas son inadecuadas para la seguridad y salud de los mineros.

ABSTRACT An observational cross-sectional study with a descriptive approach was carried out with the objective of determining the risk due to exposure to chemical agents, dangerous atmospheres and defining recommendations to improve working conditions in the coal mines of Tópaga (Boyacá). During the data collection process was used the questionnaire for the identification and prevention of risk in confined spaces, of the National Institute of Safety and Hygiene at Work. Moreover gas measurements were made in the mines. The results show that 25% of the mines have oxygen levels below 19.5% and none exceed the explosive limit. 15% exceed the Permissible Limit Value (VLP) for carbon monoxide and 20% exceed the VLP for hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide. The proposed recommendations include favoring natural ventilation, applying forced ventilation when the natural one is insufficient and the use of non-sparking shoes and tools. It is concluded that, in general, the working conditions in the mines are inadequate for the safety and health of the miners.

RESUMO Foi realizado um estudo observacional transversal com abordagem descritiva com o objetivo de determinar o risco devido à exposição a agentes químicos, atmosferas perigosas e definir recomendações para melhorar as condições de trabalho nas minas de carvão de Tópaga em Boyacá. Para colher as informações, foi utilizado o questionário de identificação e prevenção de riscos em espaços confinados, do Instituto Nacional de Segurança e Higiene no Trabalho, e realizaram medidas do nível dos gases nas minas visitadas. Os resultados mostram que 25% das minas apresentam níveis de oxigênio abaixo de 19,5% e nenhuma excede o limite explosivo. 15% excedem o valor limite permitido (VLP) para o monóxido de carbono e 20% excedem o VLP para o sulfeto de hidrogênio e dióxido de enxofre. Entre as recomendações propostas estão favorecer a ventilação natural, aplicar ventilação forçada quando a ventilação natural for insuficiente e o uso de calçados e ferramentas anti-faísca. Conclui-se que, em geral, as condições de trabalho nas minas são inadequadas para a segurança e a saúde dos mineiros.

Inhibitors of Cellulase Activities According to the Trophic Group of Termites (Insecta: Isoptera) from Daloa (Côte d'Ivoire)

The presence of termites in the cocoa plantations and quarries of Côte d'Ivoire poses a threat to the producers of this sector. Producer yields are insufficient to cover the strong market demand. This situation leads to food insecurity for the population. Knowledge of the specific inhibitory molecules of digestive enzymes of termites is necessary to enhance the effectiveness of insecticides to optimize crop production. The present study was aimed to characterize termite cellulases according to the trophic group. Specifically, the influence of chemical agents on the cellulase activities of four humivorous (Cubitermes fungifaber) and xylophagous termites (Nasutitermes latifrons, Microcerotermes fuscotibialisand Amitermes guineensis) collected in Daloa during the October period was investigated.Thus, the cellulase activities were measured by the spectrophotometric method in the absence and in the presence of the concentrations of 1 and 5 mM of various chemical agents. The chemical agents used behaved differently on cellulase activities. Thus, Cu2+, Pb2+and EDTA inhibited the cellulase activity of M. fuscotibialismore than 90% at concentrations of 1 and 5 mM, respectively, indicating the presence of a metalloprotein. On the other hand, that of the other two xylophagous species was slightly inhibited. In addition, the cellulase activity of C. Fungifaber was inhibited at the two respective concentrations by Cu2+at about 70%. In conclusion, Cu2+, pb2+and EDTA can be used in the formulation of some specific insecticides against humivorous and xylophagous termites.

Propuesta de un programa de vigilancia ambiental y de salud para trabajadores con exposición a agentes químicos en fundiciones de cobre en Chile / Environmental and health surveillance program proposal for workers exposed to chemical agents in copper smelters in Chile

RESUMEN El presente trabajo tiene por objetivo proponer un programa de vigilancia ambiental y de salud para trabajadores expuestos a agentes químicos en fundiciones de cobre. La metodología fue en base a revisión bibliográfica en inglés y en español, búsqueda manual dirigida y criterio de expertos por medio de entrevistas cualitativas no estructuradas. El proceso de búsqueda se dividió en dos etapas, la primera orientada a responder dos preguntas relacionadas al estado del arte de programas preventivos de exposición y, la segunda, relacionada a búsqueda de referencias orientada a la vigilancia ambiental y de la salud en el trabajo. Se seleccionaron artículos científicos, donde se identificaron protocolos, normas, estándares y documentos de diversas organizaciones para la vigilancia ambiental y de la salud, desde los cuales se realizó una nueva búsqueda manual dirigida, sustentada por la directrices señaladas por expertos de las áreas de Higiene y Salud Ocupacional que colaboraron en el diseño del programa. Como resulado, los puntos más importantes fueron la identificación, evaluación y control de los agentes en contacto con los trabajadores como As, Hg, Pb, SO2, SiO2, Cd, Cr, Zn y Cu; propuesta de los niveles de riesgo y exposición en base a la presencia y el contacto de los contaminantes; se determinaron los niveles de acción para la vigilan cia ambiental y de la salud en niveles de 1 a 5; y finalmente los exámenes médicos y su periodicidad.

ABSTRACT This work aims to propose an environmental and health surveillance program for workers exposed to chemical agents in copper foundry. The methodology was based on a bibliographical review in English and Spanish, directed manual search and expert judgment through unstructured qualitative interviews. The search process was divided into two stages; the first one aimed answering two questions related to the state of the art of preventive exposure programs, and the second, related to reference search aimed at environmental monitoring and health at work. Scientific articles were selected, where protocols, norms, standards and documents from various organizations for environmental and health surveillance were identified, from which a new manual search was conducted, supported by the guidelines indicated by experts from the areas of Hygiene And Occupational Health that collaborated in the design of the program. As a result, the most important points were the identification, evaluation and control of agents in contact with workers such as As, Hg, Pb, SO2, SiO2, Cd, Cr, Zn and Cu; Proposal of risk and exposure levels based on the presence and contact of pollutants; the levels of action for environmental and health surveillance were determined at levels 1 to 5; And finally the medical examinations and their periodicity.

Emergency decontamination technology and equipment against chemical agents:research advances / 军事医学

As an important measure to reduce casualties and prevent secondary pollution, decontamination is an impor-tant link in the process of emergency response during chemical accidents.The decontamination effect is closely related to decontamination technology and equipment.Decontamination agent selection and development are an important part of a decontamination technology.In this paper, the development and use of cleaning agents, such as alkaline, oxidation and chlorination, adsorption (degradation), metal oxide and oxygen acid salt, chemical compounds, biological (enzymatic), and individual disinfection package, light decontamination equipment, multifunctional integrated large-scale decontamination equipment at home or abroad, are reviewed.By laying bare the gap between China and advanced countries in the related field, we hope to raise the concern of relevant professional counterparts and promote the development of domestic decontami-nation technology and equipment with decontaminant agents at the core.

Contaminantes químicos en agua y aire en Venezuela (2006-2013) / Review on scientific studies about chemical contaminants in water and air in Venezuela (2006-2013)

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue documentar estudios realizados en Venezuela sobre contaminantes químicos del aire y del agua (2006-2013), mediante una revisión sistemática. Fue una investigación descriptiva, de corte transversal, tipo revisión documental. Se revisaron bases datos de las principales Universidades del país, instituciones gubernamentales y Organizaciones No-Gubernamentales. De los 27 artículos seleccionados, 8 (29,6%), investigaron sobre contaminación en Aire, 12 (44,4%) en Agua, y 7 (25,9%), realizaron sus estudios en ambos medios ambientales. El 90,9% de los trabajos se realizaron en la región Norte. Los objetos de estudio más frecuentemente investigados fueron: Calidad del agua (20,5%); metales minerales y fenómenos ambientales incluyendo cambio climático (17,9% c/u) y contaminación general (12,8%). El acceso limitado a la información ambiental pública, las escasas campañas de concientización ambiental y el desinterés de la ciudadanía, ubican las investigaciones en esta materia en un plano secundario. Se sugiere a los investigadores, solicitar mayor apoyo institucional y financiero para estudiar los problemas existentes en el país, de forma tal que sus resultados contribuyan a incentivar la “educación ambiental” en todos los niveles y el cumplimiento del marco legal vigente. Se concluye que los trabajos de investigación sobre contaminantes químicos en medios ambientales en Venezuela, es escasa. La situación ambiental del país requiere de una investigación más profunda en las áreas más afectadas, incluyendo el Sur del país, sede de empresas básicas generadoras de importante contaminación.

The purpose of the study was to document studies in Venezuela about chemical pollutants in air and water (2006 to 2013) through a systematic review. It was a descriptive, cross-sectional documental review. Databases of the major universities in the country, government institutions and Non-Governmental Organizations were reviewed. From the twenty-seven articles selected, eight (29.6%) investigated air pollution, 12 (44.4%) water pollution and 7 (25.9%), studied environmental media. 90.9% of the research was conducted in the North area of the country. Main objects of the study were water quality (20.5%), metals/minerals and environmental phenomena including climate change (17.9% each) and overall contamination (12.8%). The limited access to public environmental information, few environmental awareness campaigns and the lack of citizenship, put investigations in this area in a secondary level. Researchers must be stimulated with increased funding to study the environmental problems in the country, so that their results contribute to fostering “environmental education” at all levels and compliance with the existing legal framework. It is concluded that research on chemical contaminants in environmental media in Venezuela is scarce. The environmental situation in the country requires further research in the most affected areas, including the South area of the country where many polluting basic industries are located.

Construction of information purchase platform for scientific research materials / 中华医学图书情报杂志

The ideas for constructing information purchase platform for scientific research materials were put forward and the targets for its step-by step implementation were worked out according to the analysis of problems existed in purchasing scientific research materials with chemical agents as an example.The construction of information pur-chase platform for scientific research materials plays an important role in enhancing the cost-effectiveness of outlay for scientific research, assuring the safety of founds for scientific research, and improving the service of purchase administrative offices.

Compensation for Occupational Diseases by Chemical Agents in Korea

Investigation into the frequency of compensation for occupational diseases (ODs) caused by hazardous chemicals revealed an important opportunity for the improvement and further development of occupational health and safety systems in Korea. In response to concerns after outbreaks of disease due to chemical exposure, specific criteria for recognition of ODs were established and included in the Enforcement Decree of the Labor Standard Act (LSA) and the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act (IACIA) on June 28, 2013. However, the original versions of the LSA and IACIA contain several limitations. First, the criteria was listed inconsistently according to the symptoms or signs of acute poisoning. Second, all newly recognized hazardous chemicals and chemicals recognized as hazardous by the International Labor Organization (ILO) were not included in the LSA and IACIA. Although recent amendments have addressed these shortcomings, future amendments should strive to include all chemicals listed by the ILO and continuously add newly discovered hazardous chemicals as they are introduced into the workplace.

Efeito in vitro de químicos no crescimento micelial de Saprolegnia spp. / In vitro effect of chemical on hyphal growth of Saprolegnia spp.

Com o aumento da produtividade na piscicultura, os peixes são expostos a altas densidades de estocagem que podem levar ao estresse e imunossupressão. Essa condição favorece a ocorrência de infecções, entre elas a saprolegniose que afeta os peixes e seus ovos, causando sérios prejuízos econômicos aos piscicultores. Dessa forma, compostos químicos eficazes e "ambientalmente amigáveis" são almejados para o controle da doença. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a suscetibilidade in vitro de 12 isolados de Saprolegnia spp., provenientes dos peixes-rei dulceaquícolas Odontesthes bonariensis e O. humensis. Para isso, testes de suscetibilidade, avaliando a inibição do crescimento micelial de Saprolegnia spp., foram realizados frente a seis químicos (cloreto de sódio, formaldeído, permanganato de potássio, iodopovidona, sal marinho e sal marinho iodado) nas concentrações seriadas de 0 a 10.000ppm. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que o formaldeído e o permanganato de potássio, em concentrações a partir de 10 e acima de 100ppm, respectivamente, inibiram o crescimento micelial de isolados Saprolegnia spp.. Já a iodopovidona e os compostos salinos não evidenciaram atividade antimicrobiana em nenhuma das concentrações testadas (0-10.000ppm). Embora os resultados in vitro demonstrem que formaldeído e permanganato de potássio sejam promissores no controle da saprolegniose, estudos futuros deverão avaliar a eficácia e o efeito in vivo desses compostos nos peixes-rei O. bonariensis e O. humensis.

The productivity in fish farming has been increasing and consequently the fish are submitted to high stocking densities which usually cause stress and immunosuppression. These conditions determine the occurrence of a series of infections, including saprolegniosis. This disease affects fish and eggs from freshwater determining relevant economic losses to fish farmers. Thus, to avoid outbreaks, are being sought effective chemical agents that are "environmentally friendly". The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility of 12 isolates of Saprolegnia spp. from the silversides Odontesthes bonariensis and O. humensis. Susceptibility tests evaluating inhibition of mycelial growth of Saprolegnia spp. were performed using six chemicals (sodium chloride, formaldehyde, potassium permanganate, povidone-iodine, sea salt and iodized sea salt) in concentrations from 0 to 10,000ppm. The results displayed that formaldehyde at the concentration of 10ppm, and potassium permanganate at concentrations above 100ppm, were able to inhibit the mycelial growth of isolates of Saprolegnia spp. However, povidone-iodine and saline compounds exhibited no antimicrobial activity on Saprolegnia spp. Although the in vitro results showed that formaldehyde and potassium permanganate could be promising in controlling saprolegniosis, further studies should be performed to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of these compounds as well as to verify the toxicity of the chemicals to the silversides O. bonariensis and O. humensis.

Condiciones de exposición ocupacional a agentes químicos en un hospital público de Valencia, Venezuela. Evaluación preliminar / Exploratory study on occupational health exposure to chemical agents, in a public hospital in Valencia, Venezuela. Preliminar assessment

Estudio descriptivo que indagó sobre las condiciones de exposición laboral a agentes químicos (AQ) en trabajadores de un hospital público de Valencia, Venezuela. Participaron 48 trabajadores. Se obtuvo información mediante cuestionario como: datos personales, historia ocupacional, uso de AQ; conocimiento del manejo de riesgos, efectos adversos y disposición de desechos. Se reportaron 16 ocupaciones de 12 áreas de alto riesgo. Emergencia de adultos tuvo 11 trabajadores, seguida por esterilización y laboratorio clínico (7 cada uno), y oncología, 6. Las áreas restantes tenían < 8,3% trabajadores. Anestésicos más usados: halotano, enfluorano e isofluorano 4,17% cada uno. Antineoplásicos más usados: doxorrubicina 16,67% y paclitaxel, 5-fluoracilo y etopsoido, 8,33 % cada uno. AQ varios más reportados: alcohol (70,8%) y cloro (64,6%). Ninguna de las respuestas referidas al conocimiento del manejo y disposición de AQ fue satisfactoria. Asociaciones entre entrenamiento y edad, tiempo en el cargo y ser o no un profesional universitario, no resultaron significativas mientras que entre entrenamiento y conocimiento de AQ fue significativa (p < 0,001). Estos hallazgos evidencian un déficit tanto en conocimiento de los riesgos producidos por las sustancias laborales como de sus desechos, por lo que el entrenamiento debería ser parte de los curricula de pre y post-grado. El estudio provee importantes datos preliminares para el diseño de la fase II, la cual incluiría aspectos clínicos y monitoreo ambiental y biológico.

Descriptive study that identified chemical agents (AQ) use and training on risk management and waste disposal techniques in a public Hospital in Valencia. A questionnaire was answered by 48 workers. Information obtained was: personal data, occupational history, AQ used; knowledge of risk management and waste disposal. There were 16 occupations from 12 “High Risk” areas. “Adult emergency” was the one with more workers (11 individuals), followed by “sterilization” and “clinical laboratory” (7 each) and oncology (5). The remained areas had less than 8.3% workers. The most used anesthetic agents were: Halothane, Enfluorane and Isofluorane 4.17% each and main antineoplastics used were: Doxorubicin 16.67% and Paclitaxel, 5-Fluoracil and Etoposide, 8.33% each. The most mentioned substances were: alcohol (70.8%) and Chlorine (64.6%). None of the answers regarding knowledge of AQ' risk management and waste disposal was satisfactory. Statistical associations between training and several variables such as age, time in their job and being or not a professional, resulted non-significant. The correlation between training and the knowledge of AQ's management was significant (p < 0.001). Participants showed that their knowledge about chemical occupational risk factors they are exposed to is still insufficient. Therefore, this theme should be included in graduate course curricula. These results provide important data and will serve as a pilot research for the follow up Phase II study that will include clinical aspects and environmental and biological monitoring.

Eficiência de diferentes soluções na descontaminação de cones de guta-percha expostos ao Enterococcus faecalis / Effectiveness of different solutions in decontamination of gutta-percha cones exposed to Enterococcus faecalis

Os cones de guta-percha são os principais materiais obturadores dos canais radiculares. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia de alguns produtos na descontaminação desses cones. No trabalho em questão, utilizaram-se 80 cones de guta-percha #40, separados em 8 grupos (10 cones). Contaminaram-se 70 cones com Enterecoccus faecalis por imersão em solução salina contendo 10 a 10 células bacterianas/mL. Os grupos sofreram descontaminação por G1: álcool 70% ; G2: álcool 70% + iodo 1%; G3: álcool 70% + clorexidina 4%; G4: clorexidina 4%; G5: NaOCl 2,5%; G6: NaOCl 5,25%; G7: solução salina; G8: não foi contaminado e não sofreu descontaminação (controle). Após 1 minuto em contato com cada produto, cinco (5) cones foram retirados, lavados em solução salina estéril e introduzidos individualmente em tubos contendo caldo BHI. Os cones restantes foram retirados após 5 minutos em contato com as soluções, repetindo o mesmo processo dos anteriores. O conjunto de tubos foi agitado por 1 minuto e levado à estufa a 37ºC por 48 horas. Os tubos que apresentavam turbidez do caldo BHI foram considerados positivos. Observou-se que no tempo de 1 minuto houve crescimento bacteriano nos grupos 1,2,5 e 7, e no tempo de 5 minutos somente os grupos 5 e 7 apresentaram crescimento bacteriano. O grupo 8 teve um cone contaminado. Com a metodologia empregada, concluímos que a associação de álcool 70% com clorexidina 4%, solução aquosa de clorexidina 4% e NaOCl 5,25% não permitiu o desenvolvimento de E. faecalis, promovendo portanto boa desinfecção dos cones de guta-percha num tempo adequado para prática clínica

The cones of gutta-percha are the main root canal filling materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of some products in the decontamination of these cones. Eighty (80) cones of gutta-percha #40, separated in 8 groups with 10 cones each one, have been used as sampling. Seventy cones have been contaminated with Enterecoccus faecalis for immersion in saline solution contends 105 to 108 bacterial cells/mL. The groups have suffered decontamination for G1: alcohol 70%; G2: alcohol 70% + iodine 1%; G3: alcohol 70% + chlorexidine 4%; G4: chlorexidine 4%; G5: NaOCl 2,5%; G6: NaOCl 5,25%; G7: saline solution; G8: it was not contaminated and it did not suffer decontamination (control). After 1 minute in contact with each product, five (5) cones have been removed, washed in sterile saline solution and introduced individually in tubes containing BHI solution. The other cones have been removed after 5 minutes in contact with the solutions, repeating the same process of the previous ones. The set of tubes have been agitated per 1 minute and taken to the sterilizer and kept there at 37ºC for 48 hours. The tubes that presented turbidity of BHI solution have been considered positive. It could be observed that in the time of 1 minute there was a bacterial growth in groups 1, 2, 5 and 7 and in the time of 5 minutes only groups 5 and 7 had presented bacterial growth. Group 8 presented one contaminated cone. With the used methodology, we concluded that the alcohol 70% + chlorexidine 4%, chlorexidine 4% and NaOCl 5,25% solutions did not allow the development of E. faecalis, promoting therefore good disinfection of the gutta-percha cones in an adjusted time for clinic practice

Management of Poisoning by Chemical Agents

Obtaining a complete and accurate history is one of the most crucial steps in the initial diagnosis and subsequent management of the poisoned patients. This information can then be integrated with physical evidence, clinical examination, laboratory and toxicological data in designing a therapeutic approach. Such information may include patient data, product information, and nature of exposure. The basic treatment for acute poisoning, whether of drug or chemical, is mainly symptomatic and supportive. The four cardinal principles of good management are ① identification of the causative drug or chemical as quickly as possible, ② evacuation of the poison from the stomach, except when contraindicated, ③ administration of an antidote if available, and ④ symptomatic and supportive therapy as indicated. Management in most cases of toxicity consists of supportive care, symptomatic treatment, and avoidance of exposure to the toxic material. In cases of life-threatening toxicity, maintenance of cardiopulmonary function and fluid and electrolyte balance are important. There are limited specific methods of treatment, or "antidotes". Use of oxygen counters the foxic effect and enhances the elimination of carbon monoxide. In cases acute cyanide of hydrogen sulfide poisoning, nitrites may be used to generate formation of cyanmethemoglobin or sulfmethemoglobin. Hydroxocobalamin can also be used as an antidote for cyanide. Atropine and pralidoxime can be life-saying in reversing the acute cholinesterase-inhibiting effects of organophosphate pesticides. Chelating agents may reverse acute toxicity caused by some metals.