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ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of environmental and occupational exposure to pesticides according to sociodemographic factors among cancer patients. It is a cross-sectional study with cancer patients in the state of Mato Grosso. The prevalence of environmental and occupational exposure to pesticides was calculated as to the variables gender, age, macro-region, and education. Pesticide use per agricultural crops in liters was estimated, and a thematic map was constructed following the macro-region of the agricultural economy. Of the 998 patients, most were female (54.9%), aged between 50 and 69 years old (50.1%), had less than eight years of schooling (60.7%), and resided in the South-Central macro-region (55.4%). Regarding environmental and occupational exposure, 53.1% of the patients live or have lived in a municipality with agricultural plantations; 17.4% lived near crops; 43.4% worked in agriculture, livestock, or extractivism; and 22.9% worked or work directly with pesticides. Environmental and occupational exposure was higher in males, in the older age groups, schooling from 0 to 4 years, and in the macro-regions with higher pesticide use. The study concluded that environmental and occupational exposure among cancer patients is associated to sociodemographic characteristics and macro-regions of the agricultural economy.
RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência de exposição ambiental e ocupacional aos agrotóxicos conforme fatores sociodemográficos entre pacientes com câncer. Trata-se de um estudo observacional de delineamento transversal com pacientes com câncer do estado de Mato Grosso. Foi calculada a prevalência de exposição ambiental e ocupacional aos agrotóxicos conforme as variáveis sexo, faixa etária, região e escolaridade. Foram estimados o uso de agrotóxicos por culturas agrícolas em litros e construído mapa temático segundo a macrorregião de economia agropecuária. Dos 998 pacientes, a maioria era do sexo feminino (54,9%), tinha entre 50 e 69 anos (50,1%), possuía menos de oito anos de escolaridade (60,7%) e residiam na macrorregião Centro-Sul (55,4%). Em relação à exposição ambiental e ocupacional, 53,1% dos pacientes moram ou moraram em município com plantação agrícola, 17,4% residiam próximo à lavoura, 43,4% trabalharam na agricultura, pecuária ou extrativismo e 22,9% trabalharam ou trabalham diretamente com agrotóxicos. A exposição ambiental e ocupacional foi maior no sexo masculino, nas faixas etárias mais elevadas, escolaridade de 0 a 4 anos e nas macrorregiões de maior uso de agrotóxicos. Conclui-se que a exposição ambiental e ocupacional entre pacientes com câncer se associou as características sociodemográficas e macrorregiões de economia agropecuária.
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Introducción. La nueva era de la cirugía es cada vez más dependiente de la tecnología, y un ejemplo de ello es el uso generalizado de electrocauterio como parte primordial de la práctica quirúrgica. El humo quirúrgico es un subproducto de la disección y la coagulación de los tejidos producidas por los equipos de energía, que representa múltiples riesgos potenciales para la salud del grupo quirúrgico, sin embargo, se han minimizado los peligros causados por la exposición de manera frecuente y acumulativa a este aerosol. Métodos. Se realizó un análisis crítico, desde una posición reflexiva de la información disponible, estableciendo los posibles riesgos relacionados con la exposición al humo quirúrgico. Discusión. Es visible la necesidad imperativa de establecer directrices nacionales, pautas normativas y recomendaciones estandarizadas para cumplir con las exigencias dadas por los sistemas de gestión en salud ocupacional y seguridad del trabajo, cuyo objetivo principal es hacer efectivo el uso de mascarillas quirúrgicas apropiadas, la implementación de programa de vigilancia epidemiológica ambiental en sala de cirugía, la priorización del uso constante de aspiradores y sistemas de evacuación, y la ejecución de programas educativos de sensibilización dirigidos al personal implicado. De igual manera, se abre la inquietud de la necesidad de nuevos estudios para definir con mayor precisión el peligro de este aerosol. Conclusión. Se recomienda de manera responsable utilizar todas las estrategias preventivas existentes para intervenir en salas de cirugía los riesgos minimizados y olvidados del humo quirúrgico.
Introduction. The new era of surgery is increasingly dependent on technology, and an example of this is the widespread use of electrocautery as a primary part of surgical practice. Surgical smoke is a byproduct of the dissection and coagulation of tissues produced by energy equipment, which represents multiple potential health risks for the surgical group; however, the dangers caused by cumulative exposure have been minimized. Methods. A critical analysis was carried out from a reflective position of the available information, establishing the possible risks related to exposure to surgical smoke. Discussion. The imperative need to establish national normative guidelines and standardized recommendations to comply with the demands given by the occupational health and work safety management systems, whose main objective is to make effective the use of appropriate surgical masks, implementation of environmental epidemiological surveillance program in the operating room, prioritizing the constant use of vacuum cleaners and evacuation systems, and carrying out educational awareness programs aimed at the personnel involved. Likewise, there is concern about the need for new studies to more precisely define the danger of this aerosol. Conclusion. It is recommended to responsibly use all existing preventive strategies to intervene in operating rooms to minimize the forgotten risks of surgical smoke.
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Humans , Smoke Inhalation Injury , Occupational Exposure , Electrocoagulation , Operating Rooms , Health Risk , N95 RespiratorsABSTRACT
Occupational exposure to ionizing radiation represents a critical factor contributing to health risks in workplaces. Previous experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that ionizing radiation affects human health. Therefore, scientific assessment of health risk caused by ionizing radiation and effective protection against ionizing radiation are of great importance to formulate the preventive interventions against occupational exposure to ionizing radiation. This review summarizes the advances in the research on health effects, health risk assessment methods, and protective interventions of ionizing radiation. We call for research on the health effects of low-dose radiation, individual difference, and optimization of preventive strategies. In addition, improved mechanisms of health monitoring, periodical healthy examinations, and monitoring of radiation doses should be implemented. Moreover, strict compliance to operating procedures and occupational preventive interventions are recommended. These measures aim to minimize the potential harmlessness of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation, thereby safeguarding the health and safety of individuals exposed to ionizing radiation.
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Occupational pneumoconiosis (referred to as “pneumoconiosis”) caused by exposure to occupational dust is the most serious occupational disease in China. Biological monitoring on occupational populations exposed to dust is important for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pneumoconiosis. Biological monitoring is a systematic engineering process that includes a series of processes such as biological samples selection, selection of biological monitoring indicators, and selection of detection methods. The biological samples for biological monitoring mainly include urine, blood, exhaled breath gas, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, saliva, sputum, and more. The indicators of biological monitoring involve multiple pathways such as oxidative stress, inflammatory response, collagen synthesis/degradation, phagocytic cell apoptosis, and pathways related to the formation of pneumoconiosis. Suitable detection methods need to be determined upon different biological monitoring indicators, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, high-performance liquid chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, etc. Currently, there is a lack of true clinically valuable biological monitoring indicators that can indicate the correlation between dust exposure and the hazards of occupational populations, and there are no systematic and complete biological monitoring methods reported. It is necessary to further standardize the biological monitoring process and search for specific biological monitoring indicators.
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ObjectiveTo analyze the exposure-response relationship of peripheral whole blood chromium level and lung function as well as genetic toxicity indicators in workers exposed to hexavalent chromium [Cr(Ⅵ)] compounds, and to propose a biological exposure limit of whole blood chromium for soluble Cr(Ⅵ) compounds-exposed workers. Methods A total of 515 workers from a dynamic occupational Cr(Ⅵ) compounds-exposed cohort in an enterprise from 2010 to 2017 were selected as the research subjects using a retrospective cohort study. A total of 918 followed-up results of research subjects and baseline data of a cohort were analyzed based on bibliometric analysis. The results include lung function tests, whole blood chromium level detected by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) detected by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, peripheral micronuclei frequency (MNF) detected by cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtCN) detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results The results of bibliometric analysis showed that domestic and foreign studies on biological monitoring of Cr(Ⅵ) compounds increased year by year in the past 30 years, and whole blood chromium levels had a good correlation with the occupational Cr(Ⅵ) compounds exposure. The geometric mean of whole blood chromium levels in males and females among the occupational Cr(Ⅵ) compounds exposure cohort was 2.77 and 1.79 μg/L, respectively. A turning point appeared in 6.00 μg/L chromium in whole blood of the exposure-response curve of whole blood chromium levels with lung function indicators and genetic toxicity indicators. For each unit increase in the natural logarithm-transformed whole blood chromium level, the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) decreased by 0.05 L, the FEV1/forced-vital-capacity decreased by 0.67%, the peak expiratory flow decreased by 0.15 L/s, the maximal mid-expiratory flow decreased by 0.09 L/s, the MNF increased by 0.149‰, the urinary 8-OHdG increased by 0.090 μg/g, and the mtCN increased by 0.013. When the whole blood chromium level was >6.00 μg/L, there was a significant increase in urinary 8-OHdG, MNF, and mtCN (all P<0.01). Conclusion The level of whole blood chromium can be used as a biomarker for occupational exposure to soluble Cr(Ⅵ) compounds. The preliminary biological exposure limit is set at 6.00 μg/L for whole blood chromium in workers exposed to soluble Cr(Ⅵ) compounds.
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ObjectiveTo explore the impact of the interaction between occupational and non-occupational noise exposure on the risk of high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) in noise-exposed workers. Methods A total of 602 male workers with normal hearing, engaged in an automobile manufacturing company between 2016 and 2018, were selected as the study subjects using the retrospective cohort study method. Pure-tone audiometry and questionnaire surveys were conducted on the workers. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to analyze the interaction between occupational and non-occupational noise exposure and the risk of HFHL in these workers. Results The prevalence of HFHL of the workers was 34.1% in 2020, without any cases of speech frequency hearing loss. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis result showed that the risk of HFHL increased in workers with excessive national occupational noise exposure intensity, self-reported noisy living environments, and both excessive national occupational noise exposure intensity and self-reported noisy living environments (all P<0.01). The results of the Cox proportional hazards model showed that the combined effect of excessive national occupational noise exposure intensity and self-reported noisy living environments [relative risk (RR)=2.40, P<0.01] was higher than the individual effects of excessive national occupational noise exposure intensity (RR=2.09, P<0.01) and self-reported noisy living environments (RR=2.39, P<0.01). There was an antagonistic effect between excessive national occupational noise exposure intensity and self-reported noisy living environments (interaction index <1.00). Conclusion Both occupational and non-occupational noise exposure can increase the risk of HFHL in noise-exposed workers, and there is an interaction between them.
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ObjectiveTo analyze the research status and trends in low-level occupational benzene exposure. Methods Articles on low-level occupational benzene exposure from Chinese and English journals from January 1st, 2000, to December 31th, 2022 were retrieved using the Web of Science and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and a bibliometric analysis was conducted. Results A total of 327 articles were included in the analysis, comprising 216 English articles and 111 Chinese articles. i) The number of articles published in English fluctuates greatly over the years, without a trend of continuous growth or decline. Authors from 359 research institutions in 45 countries and regions have published relevant English articles in 97 kinds of journals, involving 281 grants from 226 foundations. The top three countries in terms of articles amount were the United States, Italy, and China, with 81, 46, and 43 papers, respectively. The English articles mainly focused on mechanistic research at the genetic level, such as hematotoxicity, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. ii) The number of Chinese articles increased gradually after 2012, with the growth peak in 2017. Authors from 127 research institutions in 26 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities published Chinese articles in 51 kinds of journals, involving 154 grants from 78 foundations. Chinese articles tended to focus on benzene-induced hematotoxicity and occupational health damage. Conclusion Most studies on low-level occupational benzene exposure were conducted in China, the United States and Italy, focused on hematotoxicity. Monitoring international research topics and hotspots of the field has certain reference value for related research in China.
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Objective@#To learn the levels of thyroid hormone indicators among interventional and diagnostic radiologists, so as to provide insights into occupational health monitoring of radiologists.@*Methods@#Demographic information, body mass index (BMI), thyroid hormone indicators and cumulative individual doses over 5 years among interventional and diagnostic radiologists were collected through the personal dosimetry monitoring database of Ningbo Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Health Examination Center of a tertiary hospital in Ningbo City. The thyroid hormone indicators of different job types and cumulative individual doses over 5 years were analyzed, and factors affecting the thyroid hormone indicators were identified using a multivariable ordinal logistic regression model.@*Results@#There were 159 interventional and 159 diagnostic radiologists included, and the proportions of abnormal thyroid hormone indicators were 9.43% and 12.26%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). The levels of triiodothyronine and free triiodothyronine in interventional radiologists were lower than those in diagnostic radiologists [(1.54±0.41) vs. (1.68±0.34) nmol/L, (5.13±1.07) vs. (5.55±0.87) pmol/L; both P<0.05]. The levels of triiodothyronine and free triiodothyronine were significantly different among radiologists with cumulative individual doses over 5 years of <1.5 mSv, 1.5-<3.0 mSv and ≥3.0 mSv [(1.69±0.31), (1.69±0.40) vs. (1.52±0.41) nmol/L, (5.60±0.83), (5.32±0.94) vs. (5.14±1.09) pmol/L; both P<0.05]. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis identified BMI (<18.5 kg/m2, OR=0.111, 95%CI: 0.028-0.436) and cumulative individual doses over 5 years (<1.5 mSv, OR=6.259, 95%CI: 2.368-16.547) as the factors affecting triiodothyronine, and job types (diagnostic radiologists, OR=3.171, 95%CI: 1.529-6.574), BMI (18.5-<24.0 kg/m2, OR=0.393, 95%CI: 0.184-0.842), and gender (men, OR=3.449, 95%CI: 1.294-9.190) as the factors affecting free triiodothyronine.@*Conclusion@#Occupational exposure has a certain impact on the thyroid hormone indicators among interventional and diagnostic radiologists, and the main influencing factors include BMI, radiation dose, job type and gender.
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The COVID-19 is a severe respiratory pathogen infection, showing a distinct "hospital cluster" transmission characteristics. This paper illustrated the concept of occupational exposure and COVID-19. Combined with the actual situation of COVID-19, the infection status of medical personnel in this outbreak was analyzed from three aspects: the transmission risk and infection rate of medical personnel, the clinical characteristics and the undiscovered super-spreader. Through the analysis of the present situation, this paper summarized the possible occupational exposure risk factors of medical personnel in COVID-19 from five aspects: biological occupational risk factors, chemical occupational risk factors, physical occupational risk factors, violence factors and psychological factors. From isolating the source of infection and cutting off the transmission route, the "safety supervisor" mechanism is established to avoid the risks of biological, chemical and physical occupational exposure, from providing professional psychological counseling for medical personnel to reduce their psychological stress, and from improving the relevant legal level to reduce the risk of medical personnel’s violent occupational exposure.
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Occupational exposure limits for hazardous agents in the workplace—Part 1: Chemical hazardous agents (GBZ 2.1—2019) has been implemented since April 1, 2020. The document redefines the evaluation of occupational exposure by introducing a "reduction factor" to adjust the occupational exposure limits of chemical hazardous agents for long working hour systems to ensure a protection level reasonable for the workers and equivalent to conventional occupational exposure limits. This paper discussed common problems encountered in the context of using this adjustment strategy, such as the adjustment being unable to cover all working hours, and the adjustment of values of terms associated with occupational exposure limits. Corresponding solutions were proposed. Working cycle and average exposure time of each working cycle were introduced to evaluate the actual working hours of workers. Regarding involved terms, adjustments of their corresponding values were clarified according to their definitions and application scenarios. Examples were provided for occupational health service providers so that their occupational health practices could be carried out in a more scientific and reasonable manner.
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Background N-hexane has been a widely used solvent in industrial production, but it is volatile at room temperature and can be accumulated in the body, and its prolonged occupational exposure may lead to serious chronic diseases in workers. Objective To use four risk assessment models to evaluate the health risk levels of n-hexane-exposed workers, discuss the applicability of the four models in the health risk assessment of n-hexane exposure, and make an important supplement to the health risk assessment of n-hexane in China. Methods In 2022, a total of 167 jobs (1724 workers) exposed to n-hexane in 85 manufacturing enterprises in Jiangsu Province were selected, and a cross-sectional study was conducted and included questionnaire surveys and evaluation of on-site air n-hexane of each job. Subsequently, the China’s classification standards of occupational hazards at workplaces (China model), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) model, Singapore semi-quantitative risk assessment model (Singapore model), and the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) model were applied to the quantitative, semi-quantitative, and qualitative assessments of the occupational health risk level of n-hexane-exposed workers. Results All job’s 8-h time-weighted average concentrations (CTWA) of n-hexane were within the national occupational exposure limits (OELs). The results of the China model graded all jobs as relatively harmless. The Singapore model graded all jobs as low risk, except that two monitoring sites of adhesive jobs were assessed as medium risk. The ICMM quantitative model evaluated all jobs as intolerable for n-hexane airborne exposure, while the matrix method evaluated all jobs as low risk. The U.S. EPA model identified five sites involving painting, printing, and adhesive jobs as high risk and the other jobs as low risk. Conclusion Inconsistent grading results are observed by using the four models for the occupational health risk assessment of n-hexane exposure, that is, harmless for all jobs by China model, while medium and high risks by Singapore model and U.S. EPA model. Therefore, we recommend to combine the Singapore model and the U.S. EPA model with the China model to assess the occupational risk of n-hexane-exposed workers by considering actual concentrations of exposure.
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ABSTRACT Objective: To compare cancer mortality among workers exposed to gamma and X radiation and the general population of the city of São Paulo, as well as that of the subgroup monitored with those not monitored for gamma and X radiation in a work unit with ionizing radiation based in the city of São Paulo. Methods: Between 2016 and 2021, a retrospective open cohort study was carried out with workers who were employed from 08/31/1956 to 12/31/2016 based on data collected at the company and in official institutions. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated by sex, age and calendar period of cancers grouped according to type, risk factor and organ system in two analyses: in the external analysis, the mortality of the study population was compared with that of the general population of the city of São Paulo; In the internal analysis, the mortality of the monitored subgroup was compared with that of the subgroup not monitored for gamma and X radiation. Results: The external mortality analysis showed SMR=0.224 (95%CI 0.208-0.240) and the healthy worker effect, while the internal mortality analysis showed SMR=0.685 (95%CI 0.618-0.758). Conclusion: This study showed lower cancer mortality among exposed workers when compared to mortality in the general population and the healthy worker effect. Among workers monitored for gamma and X radiation, cancer mortality was lower when compared to those not monitored.
RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a mortalidade por câncer entre trabalhadores expostos à radiação gama e X e a população geral do município de São Paulo, bem como a do subgrupo monitorado com o não monitorado para radiação gama e X em uma unidade de trabalho sediada no município de São Paulo. Métodos: Entre 2016 e 2021 foi realizado estudo de coorte aberta retrospectiva com trabalhadores que tiveram vínculo empregatício desde 31/08/1956 até 31/12/2016 a partir de dados coletados na empresa e em instituições oficiais. Foram calculadas as razões de mortalidade padronizadas (RMP) por sexo, idade e período calendário de cânceres agrupados segundo o tipo, o fator de risco e o sistema orgânico em duas análises: na análise externa, comparou-se a mortalidade da população de estudo com a da população geral do município de São Paulo; já na análise interna, comparou-se a mortalidade do subgrupo monitorado com a do subgrupo não monitorado para radiação gama e X. Resultados: A análise externa de mortalidade mostrou RMP=0,224 (IC95% 0,208-0,240) e o efeito do trabalhador sadio, enquanto a análise interna de mortalidade mostrou RMP = 0,685 (IC95% 0,618-0,758). Conclusão: Este estudo mostrou menor mortalidade por câncer entre os trabalhadores expostos quando comparada com a mortalidade da população geral e o efeito do trabalhador sadio. Entre os trabalhadores monitorados para radiação gama e X, a mortalidade por câncer foi menor quando comparada com a dos não monitorados.
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ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the factors associated with the knowledge of Community Health Agents (ACS) about tuberculosis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 110 ACS. A questionnaire was used to assess knowledge about pulmonary tuberculosis (component 1) and the work functions of ACS in the National Tuberculosis Control Program (component 2). The level of knowledge, according to the scores converted into a scale of 0 to 100, was classified as: 0-50% (low), 51-75% (medium), and over 75% (high). Multiple regression was used in the analysis of associated factors. Results: The global score (average of the scores of components 1 and 2) median knowledge was 68.6%. Overall knowledge about tuberculosis was positively associated with the length of professional experience, having received training on tuberculosis, and access to the tuberculosis guide/handbook. Conclusions: Investments in training and capacity-building strategies for ACS will contribute to increasing these professionals' knowledge, resulting in greater success in tuberculosis control.
RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar los factores asociados al conocimiento de los Agentes Comunitarios de Salud (ACS) sobre la tuberculosis. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal con 110 ACS. Se utilizó un cuestionario para evaluar el conocimiento sobre la tuberculosis pulmonar (componente 1) y las funciones laborales de los ACS en el Programa Nacional de Control de la Tuberculosis (componente 2). El nivel de conocimiento, según las puntuaciones convertidas en una escala de 0 a 100, se clasificó como: 0-50% (bajo), 51-75% (medio) y más del 75% (alto). La regresión múltiple se utilizó en el análisis de factores asociados. Resultados: La puntuación global (media de las puntuaciones de los componentes 1 y 2) del conocimiento mediano fue del 68,6%. El conocimiento general sobre la tuberculosis estuvo positivamente asociado con la duración de la experiencia profesional, haber recibido capacitación sobre tuberculosis y el acceso a la guía/manual de tuberculosis. Conclusiones: Las inversiones en formación y estrategias de capacitación para los ACS contribuirán a aumentar el conocimiento de estos profesionales, lo que resultará en un mayor éxito en el control de la tuberculosis.
RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os fatores associados ao conhecimento dos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (ACS) sobre tuberculose. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com 110 ACS. Utilizou-se um questionário para avaliar o conhecimento sobre tuberculose pulmonar (componente 1) e as funções laborais dos ACS no Programa Nacional de Controle de Tuberculose (componente 2). O nível de conhecimento, de acordo com os escores transformados em uma escala de 0 a 100, foi classificado como: 0-50% (baixo), 51-75% (mediano) e mais de 75% (alto). A regressão múltipla foi empregada na análise dos fatores associados. Resultados: A pontuação global (média dos escores dos componentes 1 e 2) mediana do conhecimento foi de 68,6%. O conhecimento global sobre tuberculose mostrou-se positivamente associado ao tempo de atuação profissional, à recepção de capacitação sobre tuberculose e ao acesso ao guia/cartilha de tuberculose. Conclusões: Investimentos na formação e nas estratégias de capacitação dos ACS contribuirão para o aumento do conhecimento desses profissionais, resultando em maior sucesso no controle da tuberculose.
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ABSTRACT Asbestos was largely used in Brazil. It is a mineral that induces pleural and pulmonary fibrosis, and it is a potent carcinogen. Our objective was to develop recommendations for the performance of adequate imaging tests for screening asbestos-related diseases. We searched peer-reviewed publications, national and international technical documents, and specialists' opinions on the theme. Based on that, the major recommendations are: Individuals exposed to asbestos at the workplace for ≥ 1 year or those with a history of environmental exposure for at least 5 years, all of those with a latency period > 20 years from the date of initial exposure, should initially undego HRCT of the chest for investigation. Individuals with pleural disease and/or asbestosis should be considered for regular lung cancer monitoring. Risk calculators should be adopted for lung cancer screening, with a risk estimate of 1.5%.
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Abstract Objective: to identify the vaccination and serological status against hepatitis B among community health workers; to vaccinate against hepatitis B virus and to evaluate the immune response of susceptible workers. Method: phase I, cross-sectional and descriptive study, among community health workers in a capital city of the Midwest region, through a self-administered questionnaire, checking of vaccination cards, and blood collection for testing of serological markers for hepatitis B. Phase II, cohort study carried out in vaccinated non-immune workers identified in phase I. They received one dose of vaccine (challenge dose) and serological testing. Results: a total of 109 workers participated in the study. Most had vaccination record (97; 89.0%) and vaccination completeness (75; 77.3%), while the isolated anti-HBs (Antibodies against hepatitis B virus) marker was detected in 78 (71.6%) workers. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus exposure was 8.2%. Of the ten non-immune vaccinated workers, after challenge dose, one remained susceptible. Conclusion: although most workers are vaccinated and show immunological response to hepatitis B, susceptibility after challenge dose was identified. Therefore, it is necessary to have a surveillance program of the vaccination situation and serological status for this virus, to promote these workers' safety.
Resumo Objetivo: identificar a situação vacinal e sorológica contra hepatite B entre agentes comunitários de saúde; vacinar contra o vírus da hepatite B e avaliar a resposta imunológica dos agentes susceptíveis. Método: fase I, estudo transversal e descritivo, entre agentes comunitários de saúde de uma capital da região Centro-oeste, por meio de questionário autoaplicável, conferência do cartão vacinal e coleta de sangue para testagem dos marcadores sorológicos para hepatite B. Fase II, estudo de coorte realizado em trabalhadores vacinados não imunes e identificados na fase I. Estes receberam uma dose da vacina (dose desafio) e teste sorológico. Resultados: participaram do estudo 109 agentes. A maioria tinha registro de vacinação (97; 89,0%) e completude vacinal (75; 77,3%), já o marcador anti-HBs (anticorpos contra o vírus da hepatite B) isolado foi detectado em 78 (71,6%) agentes. A prevalência de exposição ao vírus da hepatite B foi de 8,2%. Dos dez agentes vacinados não imunes, após a dose desafio, um permaneceu susceptível. Conclusão: apesar da maioria dos trabalhadores estarem vacinados e apresentarem resposta imunológica para hepatite B, a suscetibilidade após a dose desafio foi identificada. Portanto, é necessário que haja um programa de vigilância da situação vacinal e estado sorológico para este vírus, para promover a segurança destes trabalhadores.
Resumen Objetivo: identificar la situación de la vacunación y serología contra la hepatitis B entre agentes comunitarios de la salud, vacunar contra el virus de la hepatitis B y evaluar la respuesta inmunológica de los agentes susceptibles. Método: fase I, estudio transversal y descriptivo, entre agentes comunitarios de la salud de una capital de la región centro oeste, por medio de cuestionario autoadministrado, verificación del carné de vacunación y extracción de sangre para comprobar los marcadores serológicos para la hepatitis B. Fase II, estudio de cohorte realizado en trabajadores vacunados no inmunes e identificados en la Fase I; estos recibieron una dosis de la vacuna (dosis de desafío) y realizaron el test serológico. Resultados: participaron del estudio 109 agentes. La mayoría tenía registro de vacunación (97; 89,0%) y de cobertura de vacunación (75; 77,3%); el marcador anti-HBs (Anticuerpos contra el virus de la hepatitis B) aislado fue detectado en 78 (71,6%) de los agentes. La prevalencia de exposición al virus de la hepatitis B fue de 8,2%. De los diez agentes vacunados no inmunes, después de la dosis desafío, uno permaneció susceptible. Conclusión: a pesar de que la mayoría de los trabajadores estaban vacunados y presentaron respuesta inmunológica para la hepatitis B, la susceptibilidad, después de la dosis desafío, fue identificada. Por tanto, es necesario que exista un programa de vigilancia de la situación de vacunación y estado serológico para este virus, para promover la seguridad de estos trabajadores.
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Humans , Hepatitis B virus , Occupational Exposure , Occupational Health , Community Health Workers , Hepatitis B/prevention & control , Hepatitis B AntibodiesABSTRACT
Abstract Objective: to analyze the implications of the pandemic on the Nursing team's occupational health according to its performance in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 units. Method: a multicenter and mixed-methods study, with a sequential explanatory strategy. A total of 845 professionals took part in the first stage, answering an electronic form which contained sociodemographic and work-related variables, as well as about the pandemic and their health, in addition to the Self-Reporting Questionnaire. 19 professionals were interviewed in the second stage. The quantitative data were submitted to statistical analysis and the qualitative ones to thematic content analysis, with integration by connection. Results: the pandemic exerted impacts on the professionals' health, both in the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 areas. However, composition of the teams presented different characteristics between the areas, as well as the risk perceptions and the work demands. Conclusion: the professionals working in areas COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 areas are equally affected, although with different work exposure regarding the requirements at work in the COVID-19 units and the fear of contamination in non-COVID-19 units.
Resumo Objetivo: analisar as implicações da pandemia sobre a saúde ocupacional da equipe de enfermagem conforme a atuação em unidades dedicadas e não dedicadas à COVID-19. Método: estudo multicêntrico, de método misto, estratégia explanatória sequencial. Participaram 845 profissionais na primeira etapa, respondendo a um formulário eletrônico contendo variáveis sociodemográficas, laborais, sobre a pandemia e sua saúde e o Self-Reporting Questionnaire. Na segunda etapa, 19 profissionais foram entrevistados. Os dados quantitativos foram submetidos à estatística analítica e os qualitativos à análise temática de conteúdo, sendo integrados por conexão. Resultados: os impactos da pandemia sobre a saúde dos profissionais ocorreram tanto nas áreas dedicadas como nas não dedicadas à COVID-19. Contudo, a composição das equipes apresentou características distintas entre as áreas, bem como as percepções de risco e das exigências no trabalho. Conclusão: os profissionais que atuam em áreas dedicadas e não dedicadas à COVID-19 estão igualmente adoecidos, mas com exposição laboral distinta quanto às exigências no trabalho nas unidades dedicadas e o medo da contaminação nas unidades não dedicadas.
Resumen Objetivo: analizar las consecuencias que tuvo la pandemia en la salud ocupacional de los enfermeros según si se desempeñaban en unidades dedicadas y no dedicadas al COVID-19. Método: estudio multicéntrico, método mixto, estrategia explicativa secuencial. En la primera etapa participaron en total 845 profesionales que respondieron un formulario electrónico que contenía variables sociodemográficas, ocupacionales, sobre la pandemia y la salud y el Self-Reporting Questionnaire. En la segunda etapa, fueron entrevistados 19 profesionales. Los datos cuantitativos fueron sometidos a estadística analítica y los datos cualitativos al análisis de contenido temático, posteriormente, ambos fueron integrados por conexión. Resultados: los impactos de la pandemia en la salud de los profesionales se produjeron tanto en las áreas dedicadas como en las no dedicadas al COVID-19. Sin embargo, la composición de los equipos presentó distintas características entre las áreas, así como también diferentes percepciones de riesgo y exigencias en el trabajo. Conclusión: los profesionales que trabajan en áreas dedicadas y no dedicadas al COVID-19 se enfermaron por igual, pero tuvieron diferente exposición ocupacional debido a las exigencias que presentaba el trabajo en las unidades dedicadas y al miedo al contagio en las unidades no dedicadas.
Subject(s)
Humans , Professional Practice , Occupational Exposure , COVID-19 , Working Conditions , Nursing, TeamABSTRACT
RESUMO Em janeiro de 2020, a Organização Mundial da Saúde declarou a Covid-19 como emergência de saúde pública no mundo. Diante da ausência de medidas farmacológicas, a única prevenção adotada foi o distanciamento físico. Porém, trabalhadores essenciais ficaram submetidos às políticas de gestão de saúde e segurança das empresas. O objetivo deste artigo é investigar as condições de saúde e segurança dos trabalhadores expostos ao Sars-CoV-2, por meio da aplicação de ferramentas de inovação tecnológica, para dar suporte e subsidiar ações de mitigação de risco da doença. Trata-se de estudo transversal, conduzido na plataforma REDCap, por instrumento autoaplicável de comunicação de risco de trabalhadores em atividade presencial e remota, no Brasil. Participaram 2.476 trabalhadores, dos quais, 723 foram aceitos por análise de consistência das respostas. A idade média foi de 43,5 anos, sexo feminino (53,3%), cor branca (62%), carga de 21-40 horas semanais (60%) e Covid-19 em 27,4% da amostra. A maioria (75,2%) considerou que a transmissão ocorreu no trabalho e que medidas de proteção coletiva foram insuficientes. Os achados apontam deficiências nos planos de contingência das empresas, que repercutem em insegurança e risco de exposição ao Sars-CoV-2, reduzindo a eficácia das medidas sanitárias e transformando o trabalho em lócus de disseminação do vírus.
ABSTRACT In January 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a public health emergency worldwide. Given the absence of pharmacological measures, the only prevention adopted was physical distancing. However, essential workers were subject to the health and safety management policies of companies. The aim of this article is to investigate the health and safety conditions of workers exposed to SARS-CoV-2, using the application of technological innovation tools, to support and subsidize disease risk mitigation actions. This is a cross-sectional study, conducted in the Redcap platform, by a self-administered instrument of risk communication of workers in face-to-face and remote activities, in Brazil. A total of2,476 workers took part, 723 of whom were accepted by analysis of consistency of responses. The average age was 43.5 years, female (53.3%), white (62%), working 21-40 hours a week (60%) and Covid-19 in 27.4% of the sample. Most (75.2%) considered that the transmission occurred at work and the collective protection measures were insufficient. The findings point to deficiencies in the contingency plans of the companies, which have repercussions on the insecurity and risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, reducing the effectiveness of sanitary measures and transforming the work into locus of dissemination of the virus.
ABSTRACT
Mpox es una zoonosis vírica que causa síntomas similares a la viruela, aunque menos graves. La infección fue descrita inicialmente en África central y occidental. Luego del brote multinacional ocurrido el año 2022, ya no es considerada una emergencia de salud pública de importancia internacional. El mecanismo de transmisión es por contacto físico estrecho o directo con lesiones cutáneas de individuos infectados. Presentamos el caso clínico de una enfermera que se infectó por mpox tras un accidente cortopunzante durante la toma de muestra de una lesión por desteche con bisturí en un paciente con VIH. La transmisión percutánea tuvo un período de incubación corto, seguido de una lesión cutánea y síntomas sistémicos. Aunque infrecuente, se destaca el riesgo de transmisión ocupacional de mpox en la atención clínica. Es importante que el personal sanitario adhiera estrictamente a las medidas de prevención, como el uso de equipo de protección personal y la práctica segura en la toma de muestra.
Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis that causes symptoms similar to smallpox, but less severe. The infection was initially described primarily in central and western Africa. After multi-country outbreak in 2022; it is currently no longer a public health emergency of international concern. The main mode of transmission is through close or direct contact with the skin lesions of an infected individual. We report a case of a nurse was infected with mpox after a needlestick injury during a skin sample collection from an HIV-positive patient. Percutaneous transmission resulted in a short incubation period, followed by a skin lesion and systemic symptoms. This case highlights the risk of occupational transmission of mpox in healthcare settings. It is important for healthcare workers to take rigorous prevention measures, such as the use of appropriate personal protective equipment and safe sample collection practices.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Adult , Occupational Exposure , Needlestick Injuries , Mpox (monkeypox)/transmissionABSTRACT
RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir las lesiones en tejidos dentarios y trastornos de la salud bucal encontradas durante el examen médico ocupacional en trabajadores del sector construcción de Lima, Perú. Material y métodos: Estudio epidemiológico transversal realizado en 150 trabajadores del sector construcción, seleccionados mediante muestreo aleatorio simple. Se realizó una evaluación estomatológica mediante observación directa y se empleó un instrumento de evaluación odontológico-ocupacional con índices para caries dental, severidad de caries y traumatismos dentales e indicadores de consecuencias clínicas de caries no tratada (patología pulpar) y lesiones no cariosas. Resultados: La experiencia de caries de los operadores sin estudio superior (CPOD = 14,99) y con estudio superior (CPOD = 13,06) fue superior frente a los supervisores (CPOD = 8,23) y administrativos (CPOD = 5,08). Los trabajadores operadores sin estudio superior (SiC = 18,04) y con estudio superior (SiC = 17,17) presentaron peores indicadores de significancia de caries frente a los supervisores (SiC = 13,67) y administrativos (SiC = 8,25). Además, los operadores sin estudio superior presentaron mayor carga de consecuencias clínicas de caries no tratada (PUFA = 2,35; severidad = 9,2%) en comparación con los operativos con estudio superior (PUFA = 1,91; severidad = 8,4%), los supervisores (PUFA = 0,53; severidad = 2,1%) y los administrativos (PUFA = 0,46; severidad = 1,8%), así como mayor frecuencia de lesiones no cariosas (47,3 %) y traumatismos dentales (21,3 %). Conclusiones: La salud dental, sus consecuencias clínicas y la estructura de los tejidos dentarios de los trabajadores operativos de una empresa constructora se encuentran más afectadas en comparación con los otros grupos laborales de la misma empresa.
ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the lesions in dental tissues and oral health disorders found during the occupational medical examination of workers in the construction sector in Lima, Peru. Material and methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out on 150 workers in the construction sector, selected by simple random sampling. A stomatological evaluation was carried out by direct observation, and a dental-occupational evaluation instrument was used with indexes for dental caries, caries severity and dental trauma, and indicators of clinical consequences of untreated caries (pulp pathology) and non-carious lesions. Results: The caries experience of operators without higher education (CPOD = 14.99) and with higher education (CPOD = 13.06) was higher than that of supervisors (CPOD = 8.23) and administrative workers (CPOD = 5.08). The operators without higher education (SiC = 18.04) and with higher education (SiC = 17.17) presented worse caries significance indicators compared to supervisors (SiC = 13.67) and administrative workers (SiC = 8.25). In addition, operators without higher education had a higher burden of clinical consequences of untreated caries (PUFA = 2.35; severity = 9.2%) compared to operators with higher education (PUFA = 1.91; severity = 8.4%), supervisors (PUFA = 0.53; severity = 2.1%) and administrators (PUFA = 0.46; severity = 1.8%), as well as a higher frequency of non-carious lesions (47.3%) and dental trauma (21.3%). Conclusions: Dental health, its clinical consequences, and the structure of the dental tissues of the operative workers of a construction company are more affected compared to the other labor groups of the same company.
RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as lesões nos tecidos dentários e os distúrbios de saúde oral encontrados durante o exame médico ocupacional em trabalhadores do sector da construção em Lima, Peru. Material e métodos: Foi realizado um estudo epidemiológico transversal em 150 trabalhadores do sector da construção, selecionados por amostragem aleatória simples. Foi realizada uma avaliação de estomatologia por observação direta e foi utilizado um instrumento de avaliação dentária ocupacional com índices de cárie dentária, gravidade da cárie e traumatismo dentário e indicadores das consequências clínicas da cárie não tratada (patologia pulpar) e lesões não cariosas. Resultados: A experiência de cárie dos operadores sem ensino superior (CPOD = 14,99) e com ensino superior (CPOD = 13,06) foi maior em comparação com os supervisores (CPOD = 8,23) e trabalhadores administrativos (CPOD = 5,08). Os operadores sem ensino superior (SiC = 18,04) e com ensino superior (SiC = 17,17) apresentaram piores indicadores de significância da cárie quando comparados aos supervisores (SiC = 13,67) e aos funcionários administrativos (SiC = 8,25). Além disso, os operadores sem ensino superior apresentaram maior carga de consequências clínicas da cárie não tratada (PUFA = 2,35; severidade = 9,2%) em relação aos operadores com ensino superior (PUFA = 1,91; severidade = 8,4%), supervisores (PUFA = 0,53; severidade = 2,1%) e administradores (PUFA = 0,46; severidade = 1,8%), bem como maior frequência de lesões não cariosas (47,3%) e traumatismos dentários (21,3%). Conclusões: A saúde dentária, as suas consequências clínicas e a estrutura dos tecidos dentários dos operários de uma empresa de construção civil são mais afetadas em comparação com os outros grupos de trabalho da mesma empresa.
ABSTRACT
Introducción. La psitacosis es una enfermedad zoonótica causada por Chlamydia psittaci. Esta bacteria es catalogada como un agente con potencial bioterrorista y ha causado múltiples brotes en trabajadores con exposición laboral a aves en diferentes lugares del mundo. En Colombia, no se hace seguimiento epidemiológico de la infección y existe una gran brecha en el conocimiento. Objetivos. Determinar la frecuencia de anticuerpos contra C. psittaci en trabajadores con exposición laboral a aves y sus factores asociados. Además, revisar la literatura en relación con los estudios sobre el tema realizados en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo, transversal, con intención analítica, en trabajadores en contacto con aves y se revisó la literatura científica relacionada en Colombia. Se detectaron anticuerpos IgM e IgG contra C. psittaci en suero por microinmunofluorescencia. La descripción de las características sociodemográficas y de exposición se hizo con frecuencias y medidas de resumen. Se exploraron factores asociados por análisis bivariados y multivariados. La revisión de la literatura científica y gris se hizo con búsqueda estructurada. Resultados. Se analizaron 54 trabajadores en contacto con aves y se encontró una prevalencia de anticuerpos del 31,5 %. El ejercer funciones de sacrificio y faenado de las aves sin ser médico veterinario fue un factor de riesgo para la presencia de anticuerpos. Solo se encontraron cuatro estudios previos sobre C. psittaci hechos en Colombia. Conclusiones. Este estudio constituye la primera evidencia de la circulación de C. psittaci en trabajadores en contacto con aves en Antioquia y el segundo reporte en el país. Estos hallazgos aportan desde la salud pública a la estrategia One Health.
Introduction. Psittacosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci, a bacterium classified as an agent with bioterrorist potential. It has caused multiple outbreaks in exposed poultry workers around the world. Colombia has no epidemiological follow-up of the infection and a big knowledge gap. Objectives. To determine the antibodies' frequency against C. psittaci in workers with occupational exposure to birds and to review the literature on studies conducted in Colombia. Materials and methods. We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study with analytical intent on workers in contact with birds and reviewed the related literature in Colombia. IgM and IgG serum antibodies against C. psittaci were detected by microimmunofluorescence. The sociodemographic and exposure characteristics were expressed as frequencies and summary measures. Associated factors were explored by bivariate and multivariate analysis. The scientific and gray literature review was done with a structured search. Results. We analyzed 54 workers in contact with birds. Antibody prevalence was 31.5%. Slaughtering and evisceration by non-veterinarians was a risk factor for antibody presence. There are only four previous studies on C. psittaci in Colombia. Conclusions. Here, we present the first evidence of C. psittaci circulation among workers exposed to birds in Antioquia and the second report in the country. These findings contribute to the "One Health" public health strategy.