ABSTRACT
Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers (α-, ß- and γ- HCH [lindane]) were recently added to the list of persistent organic pollutants regulated by the Stockholm Convention, and therefore, the legacy of HCH and lindane production has become an issue of global relevance. The production of lindane with the much larger quantities of associated waste isomers has generated large waste deposits and contaminated sites. This article presents an overview of HCH-polluted sites in Brazil as a basis for further activities related to the Stockholm Convention. The locations of HCH stockpiles and contaminated sites in Brazil arising from production and formulation have been compiled and mapped. This shows that the measures taken over the past 25 years have not resulted in remediation of the HCH pollution. An exposure risk study has been summarised for one major site and is included to demonstrate the contemporary relevance of the contamination. Major site remediation efforts are planned at one site but people live close to several other sites, and there is an urgent need of further assessments and remediation to ensure the protection of human health and the environment. The Stockholm Convention requires a systematic approach and should be adopted for the assessment of all sites and appropriate isolation/remediation measures should be facilitated. The appropriate planning of these activities for the production site in Rio de Janeiro could be a positive contribution for Rio+20 highlighting that green economy and sustainable production also include the appropriate management of legacies of historic production of an industrial sector (here the organochlorine industry).
Subject(s)
Environmental Monitoring/methods , Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods , Hazardous Waste/analysis , Hexachlorocyclohexane/analysis , Industrial Waste/analysis , Pesticide Residues/analysis , Brazil , Environmental Policy , Environmental Restoration and Remediation/legislation & jurisprudence , Risk AssessmentABSTRACT
The authors present a brief bibliographic review of the health risks to which children and youth are often exposed in the workplace. The concern regarding these risk factors is justified based on the fact that children and youth comprise a large portion of the work force and begin working at early ages. At the same time these children and youth are undergoing profound biological, psychological and social changes and therefore are susceptible to occupational illnesses. With this in mind, the article seeks to alert health professionals regarding possible occupational health risks to children and youth in the workplace.
ABSTRACT
A Unidade Clinica de Adolescentes da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, atraves do Projeto Modelo de Atencao Integral a Saude do Adolescente (Projeto MAISA II), apoiado pela Fundacao W.K.Kellogg, vem desenvolvendo uma experiencia de integracao das unidades de servico de saude nas comunidades proximas ao Campus Universitario. Para tal, vem se articulando com escolas do1o. e 2o. Graus, empresas, com o Camp vila Isabel, do Programa de Patrulheirismo; com algumas instituicoes de saude e organizacoes comunitarias. Este artigo traz os primeiros resultados deste projeto, demonstrando a importancia de se garantir a populacao adolescente, formas resolutivas e desburocratizadas na atencao a sua saude .
