Stress ocupacional e estratégias de coping em fisioterapeutas e terapeutas ocupacionais

Mestrado em Segurança e Higiene no Trabalho

Occupational exposure to aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A: co-exposure in swine production

The most common scenario in occupational settings is the co-exposure to several risk factors. This aspect has to be considered in the risk assessment process because can alter the toxicity and the health effects when dealing with a co-exposure to two or more chemical agents. A study was developed aiming to elucidate if there is occupational co-exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin (OTA) in Portuguese swine production. To assess occupational exposure to both mycotoxins, a biomarker of internal dose was used. The same blood samples from workers of seven swine farms and controls were consider to measure AFB1 and OTA. Twenty one workers (75%) showed detectable levels of AFB1 with values ranging from <1 ng/ml to 8.94 ng/ml and with significantly higher concentration when compared with controls. In the case of OTA, there wasn't found a statistical difference between workers and controls and the values for workers group ranged from 0.34 ng/ml to 3.12 ng/ml and 1.76 ng/ml to 3.42 ng/ml for control group. The results suggest that occupational exposure to AFB1 occurs. However, in the case of OTA results, seems that food consumption plays an important role in both groups exposure. The results claim attention for the possible implications on health of this co-exposure.

Potential pathogenic fungi assessment through molecular biology in cork industry

Portugal has been the world leader in the cork sectr in terms of exports, employing ten thousands of workers. In this working activity, the permanent contact with cork may lead to the exposure to fungi raising concerns as occupational hazards in cork industry. A study was developed aiming at assessing fungal contamination due to Aspergillus fumigatus complex and Penicillium glabrum complex by molecular methods in three cork industries in the outskirt of Lisbon city. The chosen fungal species are the ones most frequently associated with respiratory problems in workers from these industries.