Efectos adversos por el uso de sustancias químicas en la salud de los trabajadores de la industria de la construcción. Artículo de revisión / Adverse Health Effects of Construction Industry Workers Due to the Use of Chemical Substances. Review Article / Efeitos adversos do uso de produtos químicos sobre a saúde dos trabalhadores da indústria da construção civil. Artigo de revisão

Introducción: En el sector de la construcción es inevitable el uso de materiales que contienen sustancias químicas y la posibilidad de sufrir una enfermedad laboral si se desconocen los efectos adversos que estas sustancias causan en la salud, así como no asumir medidas de protección para prevenirlas. Objetivo: Determinar los efectos adversos por el uso de sustancias químicas en la salud de los trabajadores en la industria de la construcción. Metodología: Revisión descriptiva de información obtenida en bases de datos como Ovid, Proquest, SciELO, Scien-ceDirect, Taylor & Francis, Google Scholar Metrics, Scopus, Redalyc, Legal Legis y Pubmed. La información se eligió siguiendo criterios de elección. Desarrollo y discusión: Existen evidencias de que las diferentes sustancias químicas (asbesto, tolueno, silicio, polvo de cemento, soldadura, entre otros) presentes en los materiales utilizados en obras de construcción civil causan perjuicios en la salud del recurso humano (neuronales, pulmonares, respiratorios, inmunológicos, derma-toideos o reumatoideos), y por ello se consideran enfermedades ocupacionales. Conclusión: Se puede establecer claramente que los usos de sustancias químicas en materiales de construcción de obras civiles causan efectos adversos en los trabajadores. Este hallazgo amerita serias consideraciones en materia de seguridad y salud en el trabajo

Introduction: It is inevitable the use of materials containing chemical substances in the construction sector and the possibility of suffering an occupational disease if the adverse effects that these subs-tances cause on health are unknown, as well as not taking protective measures for the prevention of them. Objective: To determine adverse effects from the use of chemicals on workers' health in the construc-tion industry. Methodology: A descriptive review of information obtained in databases such as Ovid, Proquest, SciELO, ScienceDirect, Taylor & Francis, Google Scholar Metrics, Scopus, Redalyc.org, Legal Legis and Pubmed was conducted. Eligibility for information was made according to choice criteria. Development and Discussion:There is evidence of the different chemical substances (asbestos, toluene, silicon, cement dust, welding, among others) present in materials used in civil construction works and the damages they cause to the health of human resources (neuronal, pulmonary, respira-tory, immunological, dermatoid, rheumatoid) considered occupational diseases. Conclusion: It can be clearly established that the uses of chemicals in civil works construction mate-rials cause adverse effects on workers. This finding warrants serious considerations regarding Occu-pational Safety and Health.

Introdução: No setor da construção civil, o uso de materiais contendo substâncias químicas e a pos-sibilidade de doenças ocupacionais é inevitável se os efeitos adversos à saúde dessas substâncias não forem conhecidos e não forem tomadas medidas de proteção para evitá-los. Objetivo: Determinar os efeitos adversos do uso de produtos químicos sobre a saúde dos trabalhado-res da indústria da construção civil. Metodologia: Revisão descritiva das informações obtidas de bancos de dados como Ovid, Proquest, SciELO, ScienceDirect, Taylor & Francis, Google Scholar Metrics, Scopus, Redalyc, Legal Legisl e Pubmed. As informações foram escolhidas de acordo com os critérios de seleção. Desenvolvimento e discussão: Há evidências de que as diferentes substâncias químicas (asbesto, tolueno, silício, pó de cimento, soldadura, entre outras) presentes nos materiais utilizados na cons-trução civil, causam danos à saúde dos recursos humanos (neuronais, pulmonares, respiratórios, imu-nológicos, dermatoides ou reumatoides), e são, portanto, consideradas doenças ocupacionais. Conclusão: Pode ser claramente estabelecido que o uso de produtos químicos em materiais de cons-trução civil causa efeitos adversos nos trabalhadores. Esta constatação justifica sérias considerações de saúde e segurança ocupacional.

Análise in vitro do nível de penetração dentinária das substâncias químicas auxiliares em dentes bovinos / In vitro analysis of the level of dental penetration of auxiliary chemical substances in bovine teeth

Sabe-se que o dente submetido a tratamento endodôntico apresenta um aumento da permeabilidade dentinária, devido a remoção da lama dentinária, pela utilização das substâncias químicas auxiliares (SQA). Logo, uma alteração morfológica acentuada pode deixar superfície dentinária sem suporte mineral, o que pode comprometer a obturação. Assim, a seleção da SQA em relação ao material cimentante é fundamental para uma perfeita adesão às paredes dentinárias. Objetivo: avaliar in vitro o nível da permeabilidade dentinária das substâncias químicas auxiliares mais utilizadas no tratamento endodôntico, na dentina radicular de dentes bovinos. Material e métodos: utilizou-se 40 raízes de espécimes bovinos que foram divididas em quatro grupos (n=10) e irrigados conforme segundo as condições experimentais: G1= 15 ml de hipoclorito de sódio a 0,5% (controle); G2= associação creme Endo-PTC e 15 ml de hipoclorito de sódio a 0,5%; G3= 15 ml de EDTA-T a 17%; G4= 15 ml de ácido cítrico a 10%. Em seguida, os canais radiculares foram preenchidos com corante azul de metileno a 2%, com ph 7,2, por 24 horas. Em seguida, os corpos-de-prova foram seccionados transversalmente em três fragmentos de 2 mm de espessura, para leitura em um estereoscópio, com aumento de 25 vezes. A quantificação do nível de infiltração de corante foi realizada através de uma fórmula matemática. Resultados: após a análise estatística, os resultados mostraram-se estatisticamente significante. Conclusão: concluiu-se que existe uma alta permeabilidade da dentina radicular às substâncias químicas auxiliares utilizadas durante o tratamento endodôntico.

It is known that the tooth submitted to endodontic treatment presents an increase in dentinal permeability, due to the removal of dentinal mud, through the use of auxiliary chemical substances (SQA). Therefore, a marked morphological alteration can leave the dentinal surface without mineral support, which can compromise the filling. Thus, the selection of the SQA in relation to the cementing material is fundamental for a perfect adhesion to the dentinal walls. Objective: to evaluate in vitro the level of dentin permeability of auxiliary chemical substances most used in endodontic treatment, in the root dentin of bovine teeth. Material and methods: 40 roots of bovine specimens were used, which were divided into four groups (n = 10) and irrigated according to the experimental conditions: G1 = 15 ml of 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (control); G2 = Endo-PTC cream association and 15 ml of 0.5% sodium hypochlorite; G3 = 15 ml of 17% EDTA-T; G4 = 15 ml of 10% citric acid. Then, the root canals were filled with 2% methylene blue dye, with ph 7.2, for 24 hours. Then, the specimens were cross-sectioned into three 2 mm thick fragments, for reading on a stereoscope, with a 25-fold magnification. The quantification of the level of dye infiltration was performed using a mathematical formula. Results: after the statistical analysis, the results proved to be statistically significant. Conclusion: it was concluded that there is a high permeability of root dentin to auxiliary chemical substances used during endodontic treatment.

Psychological Responses among Humidifier Disinfectant Disaster Victims and Their Families

To substantiate psychological symptoms following humidifier disinfectant (HD) disasters, counseling records of 26 victims and 92 family members of victims (45 were bereaved) were analyzed retrospectively. Among the victims, 34.6% had Clinical Global Impression-Severity scores of over 4, which meant they were moderately ill. While anxiety/fear and depression with respiratory symptoms were frequently observed in victims and family members, chronic psychological distress such as alcohol/smoking abuse and insomnia was relatively high in bereaved family members. In conclusion, it is important to provide mental health support for victims and their families, focusing on the characteristic symptoms of each group as well as monetary compensation.

Research progress in Atractylodes macrocephala and predictive analysis on Q-marker / 中草药

To study the quality marker (Q-marker) of Atractylodes macrocephala based on the concept, standard, and research model of Q-marker. The chemical constituents of A. macrocephala were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The source and specificity of chemical constituents were confirmed by analyzing biosynthetic pathway and component specificity. The major effective components were clarified through efficacy, drug property, and correlation analysis of chemical constituents. The possible Q-markers of A. macrocephala are estimated based on the results of the study.

Role of hepatic transporters and metabolic enzymes in chemical substances-induced liver injury / 药物评价研究

Liver is an important metabolic and detoxification organ in the body.Hepatic transporters are a series of functional membrane proteins that are extensively expressed in the liver.They are responsible for the uptake of endogenous and exogenous substances such as medicines into hepatocytes and excretion of their metabolic products into bile.Recent studies have provided that transporters and metabolic enzymes play important roles in the chemical substances-induced liver injury,and its various regulatory mechanisms have become hot topics of research.In this paper,we summarize the classification of hepatic transporters and metabolic enzymes and the changes of transporters and metabolic enzymes in the chemical substances-induced liver injury and its regulatory mechanism.

In vitro effectiveness evaluation of different substances in decontamination of intracanal metallic

Introduction: The intracanal metallic post, for many years, was the most used intracanal retainer and the best choice to restore endodontically treated teeth, showing until today high rates of success scientifically proven, good adaptation at the configuration of the root canal and resistance. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of some chemical substances in the decontamination of these intracanal metallic posts. Material and methods: Twenty intracanal metallic posts were divided into 6 experimental groups and 1 control group with 3 specimens each. The groups were divided into G1 (apple cider vinegar), G2 (0.12% chlorhexidine liquid), G3 (2% chlorhexidine gel), G4 (70° ethyl alcohol), G5 (2.5% sodium hypochlorite), and G6 (2% glutaraldehyde). For the control group was used saline solution. Each intracanal metallic post was submerged in your respective substance for 3 minutes and subjected to a smear dried sterile gauze. Immediately after this procedure the specimens were individually placed into tubes containing culture medium broth Brain Heart Infusion (BHI). The set of tubes containing the intracanal metallic post submerged in BHI were taken to the dry out machine and kept there at 37ºC for 48 hours. Results: The tubes that showed turbidity of BHI broth were considered positive, or contaminated. Conclusion: The methodology used in this study showed that all the disinfectants substances utilized were effective in decontaminating of the metallic post.

Evaluation of the in vitro antimicrobial activity of alcoholic solution and aqueous extract of bee propolis against enterococcus faecalis

AIM: The purpose of this study was to analyze the in vitro antimicrobial activity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of propolis at 1% and 3% concentrations against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC® 19433). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Initially, the microbial suspension was seeded in a Brain Heart Infusion Agar (BHIA) culture medium, distributed in 20 Petri dishes. Then, 4 soaked filter paper discs were placed on the surface of the inoculated medium of each plate for 1 minute in 1 mL of the following substances: C+ (positive control, n=20): 2% chlorhexidine gel; C- (negative control, n=20): saline solution; S1 (n=10): 1% bee propolis alcoholic solution; S2 (n=10): 3% bee propolis alcoholic solution; E1 (n=10): 1% aqueous propolis extract; E2 (n=10): 3% aqueous propolis extract. One filter paper disc of each (C+, C-, S1 and S2) was placed in a set of 10 Petri dishes, whereas one filter paper disc of each (C+, C-, E1 and E2) was placed in the other set of 10 Petri dishes. RESULTS: The results obtained after incubation at 37°C for 24 hours under microaerobic conditions revealed that S2 showed higher mean levels of microbial growth inhibition as compared to E1, E2 and S1. There were no significantly statically differences between the groups, except for the S2 group and C- group. Mean levels in all other groups were lower than in the C+ group. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that 1% and 3% bee propolis alcoholic solution had lower antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis as compared to 2% chlorhexidine gel.

Assessment of quantitative structure-activity relationship of toxicity prediction models for Korean chemical substance control legislation

OBJECTIVES: For successful adoption of legislation controlling registration and assessment of chemical substances, it is important to obtain sufficient toxicological experimental evidence and other related information. It is also essential to obtain a sufficient number of predicted risk and toxicity results. Particularly, methods used in predicting toxicities of chemical substances during acquisition of required data, ultimately become an economic method for future dealings with new substances. Although the need for such methods is gradually increasing, the-required information about reliability and applicability range has not been systematically provided. METHODS: There are various representative environmental and human toxicity models based on quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR). Here, we secured the 10 representative QSAR-based prediction models and its information that can make predictions about substances that are expected to be regulated. We used models that predict and confirm usability of the information expected to be collected and submitted according to the legislation. After collecting and evaluating each predictive model and relevant data, we prepared methods quantifying the scientific validity and reliability, which are essential conditions for using predictive models. RESULTS: We calculated predicted values for the models. Furthermore, we deduced and compared adequacies of the models using the Alternative non-testing method assessed for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals Substances scoring system, and deduced the applicability domains for each model. Additionally, we calculated and compared inclusion rates of substances expected to be regulated, to confirm the applicability. CONCLUSIONS: We evaluated and compared the data, adequacy, and applicability of our selected QSAR-based toxicity prediction models, and included them in a database. Based on this data, we aimed to construct a system that can be used with predicted toxicity results. Furthermore, by presenting the suitability of individual predicted results, we aimed to provide a foundation that could be used in actual assessments and regulations.

Existing test data for the Act on Registration & Evaluation, etc. of Chemical Substances

OBJECTIVES: In this study, the possibility of using existing test data provided in Korea and elsewhere for the registration of chemical substances was examined. Data on 510 chemical substances that are among the first subject to registration under the “Act on the Registration and Evaluation, etc. of Chemical Substances (K-REACH)” were analyzed. METHODS: The possibility of using existing data from 16 reference databases was examined for 510 chemical substances notified in July 2015 as being subject to registration. RESULTS: Test data with the reliability required for the registration of chemical substances under the K-REACH constituted 48.4% of the required physicochemical characteristics, 6.5% of the required health hazards, and 9.4% of the required environmental hazards. CONCLUSIONS: Some existing test data were not within the scope of this research, including data used for registration in the European Union (EU). Thus, considering that 350 of these 510 species are registered in EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation & Restriction of Chemicals, more test data may exist that can be utilized in addition to the data identified in this study. Furthermore, the K-REACH states that non-testing data (test results predicted through Read Across, Quantitative Structure- Activity Relationships) and the weight of evidence (test results predicted based on test data with low reliability) can also be utilized for registration data. Therefore, if methods for using such data were actively reviewed, it would be possible to reduce the cost of securing test data required for the registration of chemical substances.

Existing test data for the Act on Registration & Evaluation, etc. of Chemical Substances

OBJECTIVES: In this study, the possibility of using existing test data provided in Korea and elsewhere for the registration of chemical substances was examined. Data on 510 chemical substances that are among the first subject to registration under the “Act on the Registration and Evaluation, etc. of Chemical Substances (K-REACH)” were analyzed. METHODS: The possibility of using existing data from 16 reference databases was examined for 510 chemical substances notified in July 2015 as being subject to registration. RESULTS: Test data with the reliability required for the registration of chemical substances under the K-REACH constituted 48.4% of the required physicochemical characteristics, 6.5% of the required health hazards, and 9.4% of the required environmental hazards. CONCLUSIONS: Some existing test data were not within the scope of this research, including data used for registration in the European Union (EU). Thus, considering that 350 of these 510 species are registered in EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation & Restriction of Chemicals, more test data may exist that can be utilized in addition to the data identified in this study. Furthermore, the K-REACH states that non-testing data (test results predicted through Read Across, Quantitative Structure- Activity Relationships) and the weight of evidence (test results predicted based on test data with low reliability) can also be utilized for registration data. Therefore, if methods for using such data were actively reviewed, it would be possible to reduce the cost of securing test data required for the registration of chemical substances.

Caracterización de pacientes con quemaduras corneales / Characterization of patients with corneal burns

Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de 150 pacientes con quemaduras de la córnea (en un total de 194 ojos), atendidos en el Cuerpo de Guardia de Oftalmología del Hospital General Docente "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero hasta diciembre del 2009, a fin de caracterizarles según algunas variables clinicoepidemiológicas. Las lesiones predominaron en el sexo masculino y las edades de 35-44 años, y fueron causadas en su mayoría por radiaciones ultravioletas y álcalis, fundamentalmente en ambientes laborales. El uso de corticoides tópicos en la fase inicial, favoreció la aparición de úlceras corneales; sin embargo, la conducta médica adecuada permitió la evolución favorable en 78,7 % de los afectados. Se recomendó diseñar un programa de intervención educativa en la población, para prevenir estas quemaduras oculares.

An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study of 150 patients with corneal burns (with a total of 194 eyes), assisted in the Ophthalmology emergency room belonging to "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" Teaching General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, was carried out from January to December, 2009, in order to characterize them according to some clinical and epidemiological variables. The lesions prevailed in the male sex and in the 35-44 years age group, and they were caused mostly by ultraviolet radiations and alkali, fundamentally in working environments. The use of topical corticoids in the initial phase, favored the emergence of corneal ulcers; however, the appropriate medical behavior allowed the favorable clinical course in 78,7% of those affected. It was recommended to design a program of educational intervention in the population, to prevent these ocular burns.

Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds and Possibility of Exposure to By-product Volatile Organic Compounds in Photolithography Processes in Semiconductor Manufacturing Factories

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to measure the concentration of volatile organic compound (VOC)s originated from the chemicals used and/or derived from the original parental chemicals in the photolithography processes of semiconductor manufacturing factories. METHODS: A total of four photolithography processes in 4 Fabs at three different semiconductor manufacturing factories in Korea were selected for this study. This study investigated the types of chemicals used and generated during the photolithography process of each Fab, and the concentration levels of VOCs for each Fab. RESULTS: A variety of organic compounds such as ketone, alcohol, and acetate compounds as well as aromatic compounds were used as solvents and developing agents in the processes. Also, the generation of by-products, such as toluene and phenol, was identified through a thermal decomposition experiment performed on a photoresist. The VOC concentration levels in the processes were lower than 5% of the threshold limit value (TLV)s. However, the air contaminated with chemical substances generated during the processes was re-circulated through the ventilation system, thereby affecting the airborne VOC concentrations in the photolithography processes. CONCLUSION: Tens of organic compounds were being used in the photolithography processes, though the types of chemical used varied with the factory. Also, by-products, such as aromatic compounds, could be generated during photoresist patterning by exposure to light. Although the airborne VOC concentrations resulting from the processes were lower than 5% of the TLVs, employees still could be exposed directly or indirectly to various types of VOCs.

Methods of acute biological assays in guinea-pigs for the study of toxicity and innocuity of drugs and chemicals

In this study, 602 samples were tested by the following assays performed at the animal facilities (Cedeme) of the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP): 385 for dermal irritability, 90 for ocular irritability (discontinued in 1995), 31 for systemic toxicity by injection, 26 for oral acute toxicity, 15 for toxicity by intracutaneous injection, 15 for skin sensitization, 15 for toxicity of serum and vaccines for human use, 14 for toxicity by intramuscular implantation, 7 for pyrogens, 2 for acute dermal toxicity, and 2 for irritation of mucous membrane. The following agents were tested: cosmetics and related substances (42.0 percent), chemicals used in industry (32.9 percent), plastics, rubber, and other polymers (15.9 percent), agrotoxics (4.0 percent), medicines (2.7 percent), and vaccines (2.5 percent). In the present description, emphasis was given to tests of dermal irritability and sensitization. This work was conducted entirely in animal facilities, according to our general belief that animal facilities at universities, while considering ethic principles and sanitary, genetic, nutritional, and pathophysiological controls, also require laboratories specialized in areas such as transgenics, cryopreservation, ambiental physiology, functional genomics, alternative models, and mainly activities and research on methods in toxicology, as focused in this study.

Descrevemos os testes usados em ensaios biológicos de curta duração para estudo de toxicidade e inocuidade de cosméticos, fármacos e outras substâncias químicas, feitos no Biotério Central/Cedeme da Unifesp, de 1986 a 2000. Testamos 602 amostras nos seguintes ensaios: 385 de irritação cutânea, 90 de irritação ocular (até 1995), 31 de toxicidade sistêmica por injeção, 26 de toxicidade oral aguda, 15 de toxicidade por aplicação intracutânea, 15 de sensibilização da pele, 15 de toxicidade de soros e vacinas de uso humano, 14 de toxicidade por implantação intramuscular, 7 de pirogênio, 2 de toxicidade dérmica aguda e 2 de irritação da mucosa. Os agentes testados foram: cosméticos e suas matérias-primas (42,0 por cento), substâncias químicas industriais (32,9 por cento), plásticos, borrachas e outros polímeros (15,9 por cento), defensivos agrícolas (4,0 por cento), medicamentos (2,7 por cento) e vacinas (2,5 por cento). Aqui daremos ênfase aos ensaios de irritação e sensibilização cutânea. Este trabalho foi feito inteiramente em biotério, em consonância com a idéia de que os biotérios em universidades, sem deixar de considerar os princípios éticos pertinentes e sem desconsiderar a presença de laboratórios para controles sanitário, genético, nutricional e fisiopatológico, devem ter também laboratórios para pesquisa em transgênicos, criopreservação, fisiologia ambiental, genômica funcional, modelos alternativos e fundamentalmente toxicologia, entre outros.

International comparison of criteria for evaluating sensitization of PRTR-designated chemical substances

In this study, we aim to compare the criteria for sensitizers among national organizations in various countries and international organizations, and to specify whether each Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR)-designated chemical substance is a sensitizer by each organization. The definition of sensitizing chemicals and the designation of respective sensitizers according to the PRTR law, Japan Society for Occupational Health (JSOH), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), European Union (EU), and Deutsche Forschungsgemeinshaft (DFG) were studied. Of the 435 PRTR-designated chemical substances, 15 are listed as sensitizers according to the PRTR law, 16 as sensitizers of the airway and 21 as sensitizers of the skin by JSOH, 12 as sensitizers (no discrimination) by ACGIH, 19 (airway) and 85 (skin) by EU, and 15 (airway) and 43 (skin) by DFG. Only 9 substances were designated as sensitizers by all these organizations. The variation in the designation of sensitizers is accounted for by the differences in the classification criteria and grouping of chemical substances. JSOH limits the definition of sensitizers to substances that induce allergic reactions in humans and uses only human data. Other organizations utilize not only human evidence but also appropriate animal tests. In addition, EU designates an isocyanate as a sensitizer except those for which there is evidence showing that they do not cause respiratory sensitivity. The worldwide enforcement of the globally harmonized system (GHS) of classification and labeling of chemicals could promote not only the consistent designation of sensitizers among national and international organizations, but also the development of testing guidelines and classification criteria for mixtures.

International Comparison of Criteria for Evaluating Sensitization of PRTR-Designated Chemical Substances

In this study, we aim to compare the criteria for sensitizers among national organizations in various countries and international organizations, and to specify whether each Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR)-designated chemical substance is a sensitizer by each organization. The definition of sensitizing chemicals and the designation of respective sensitizers according to the PRTR law, Japan Society for Occupational Health (JSOH), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), European Union (EU), and Deutsche Forschungsgemeinshaft (DFG) were studied. Of the 435 PRTR-designated chemical substances, 15 are listed as sensitizers according to the PRTR law, 16 as sensitizers of the airway and 21 as sensitizers of the skin by JSOH, 12 as sensitizers (no discrimination) by ACGIH, 19 (airway) and 85 (skin) by EU, and 15 (airway) and 43 (skin) by DFG. Only 9 substances were designated as sensitizers by all these organizations. The variation in the designation of sensitizers is accounted for by the differences in the classification criteria and grouping of chemical substances. JSOH limits the definition of sensitizers to substances that induce allergic reactions in humans and uses only human data. Other organizations utilize not only human evidence but also appropriate animal tests. In addition, EU designates an isocyanate as a sensitizer except those for which there is evidence showing that they do not cause respiratory sensitivity. The worldwide enforcement of the globally harmonized system (GHS) of classification and labeling of chemicals could promote not only the consistent designation of sensitizers among national and international organizations, but also the development of testing guidelines and classification criteria for mixtures.