Efeitos genotóxicos em profissionais expostos aos anestésicos inalatórios

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Neste estudo compararam-se médicos expostos aos gases anestésicos com indivíduos não expostos, para a investigação de alterações cromossômicas, verificação da possível interferência dos anestésicos inalatórios na cinética celular e avaliação do risco genotóxico associado à exposição ocupacional. MÉTODO: Foram realizadas culturas temporárias de linfócitos do sangue periférico para a obtenção de metáfases, necessárias para a análise de aberrações cromossômicas e trocas entre cromátides irmãs. RESULTADOS: A análise citogenética mostrou um aumento nas freqüências de aberrações cromossômicas por célula no grupo exposto, quando comparado ao grupo controle, denotando o efeito clastogênico desses compostos. Com relação ao parâmetro de trocas entre cromátides irmãs, os gases anestésicos não demonstraram efeito indutor. A comparação entre os índices mitótico e de proliferação celular também mostrou que não há diferenças significativas entre os grupos exposto e controle. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados obtidos sugerem que os anestesiologistas podem representar um grupo de risco entre pessoas ocupacionalmente expostas e as condições de trabalho devem ser melhoradas.

Trabalho industrial e câncer de pulmão

Com base em populações hospitalares, foram entrevistados 316 casos e 536 controles para obtenção de informações sobre histórias de trabalho, tabagismo, tabagismo passivo, ocorrência de outros cânceres na família, migração e situação socioeconômica. Os entrevistadores utilizaram um questionário padronizado. Casos e controles foram emparelhados por hospital, sexo e idade. O estudo foi desenvolvido entre 1º de julho de 1990 e 31 de janeiro de 1991 em 14 hospitais da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, SP (Brasil). Foi elaborada uma classificação por escores como forma de ordenar os indivíduos estudados segundo suas histórias de exposições ocupacionais a cancerígenos, conhecidos para o pulmão, acumulando informações sobre a exposição nos locais de trabalho durante a vida, considerando o tipo de atividade, setor de trabalho e tempo em cada emprego. A análise de regressão logística não-condicional mostrou odds ratio: 1,97 (95% IC: 1,52 a 2,55) para os trabalhadores com maiores escores de exposição. Os resultados permitiram inferir que trabalhadores ligados aos setores de produção de diferentes ramos industriais têm duas vezes o risco de desenvolverem neoplasia pulmonar quando comparados aos trabalhadores envolvidos em atividades não-industriais.

Efeito de estresse ambiental sobre a pressão arterial de trabalhadores

OBJETIVO: Analisar o comportamento de pressão arterial (PA) e a freqüência cardíaca (Fc) de indivíduos ao longo da jornada de trabalho em dois ambientes com estresses ambientais distintos. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 46 funcionários, trabalhadores de uma indústria processadora de madeira, de Botucatu, SP, sendo 27 funcionários da linha de produção (esforço físico moderado-intenso, altas temperaturas e elevados níveis de ruído) (G1), e 19 da administração (sem esforço físico, salas aclimatadas, baixos níveis de ruído) (G2). Todos foram submetidos a avaliação antropométrica da composição corporal (obesidade e adiposidade) e bioquímica do sangue (lipidemia) e, adicionalmente, o registro da PA e da Fc em três momentos do turno de serviço: início, meio e fim. RESULTADOS: Houve semelhança na variação da PA entre G1 e G2, mas com maiores elevações de PA e Fc em G1. Os resultados mostraram grande variabilidade na resposta da PA, levando à subdivisão dos grupos G1 e G2 em respondedores (GR, aumento maior de 10% na PA média) e não respondedores (GN). Os subgrupos GR e GN apresentaram semelhanças nos padrões antropométrico e bioquímico diferindo apenas na resposta pressórica e no caso do GR1 na história familiar de hipertensão. Comparando os subgrupos GR1 e GR2, foi constatado que os primeiros apresentaram maiores variações de PA e Fc que os segundos. CONCLUSÕES: A variação individual da resposta pressórica e da Fc conforme o tipo de estresse ambiental indica ser este um fator adicional a ser considerado na avaliação da pressão arterial e, talvez, na gênese da hipertensão arterial de operários.

Effects of genetic polymorphisms CYP1A1, GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 on urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels in sugarcane workers

Sugarcane workers in Brazil are exposed to various genotoxic compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), derived from an incomplete combustion process of burnt sugarcane fields. The effects of the occupational exposure to sugarcane fields burning were measured in urine samples of sugarcane workers from the northwest of the State of São Paulo when exposed (harvesting) and when non-exposed (non-harvesting). The urinary levels of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and the influence of the genetic polymorphisms CYP1A1, GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 were evaluated. Our results showed that the 1-OHP levels were significantly higher (P < 0.0000) in the exposed sugarcane workers (0.318 mu mol mol(-1) creatinine) than in the non-exposed workers (0.035 mu mol mol(-1) creatinine). In an unvaried analysis, no influence regarding the polymorphisms was observed. However, multivariate regression analysis showed that the CYP1A1*4 polymorphism in the exposed group, and age and the GSTP1 polymorphism in the non-exposed group significantly influenced urinary 1-OHP excretion levels (P < 0.10). The same group of sugarcane workers was significantly more exposed to PAHs during the harvesting period than during the non-harvesting period. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mutagenic activity in waste from an aluminum products factory in Salmonella/microsome assay

The mutagenic activity of waste material originating from an aluminum products factory was determined by the Salmonella/microsome assay, using the bacterial strains TA100, TA98 and YG1024. The material was obtained by sweeping the factory floor at the end of the work shift. Organic compounds were extracted by ultrasound for 30 min in dichloromethane or 70% ethanol. After evaporation of solvent, these extracts were dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide, and tested for the mutagenic activity at varying concentrations. All the extracts from the factory had mutagenic activity, especially in the YG1024 strain, suggesting the presence of aromatic amines, later confirmed by chemical analysis. The TA98 strain also showed mutagenic activity, though it did not exhibit the highest mutagenicity index observed with the YG1024 strain. In TA100, mutagenic activity was not observed. This study should serve as an alert to management and those who are occupationally exposed, and as a warning that this type of waste should not be discarded in the environment without any control. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

EXPOSICAO DE CIRURGIOES-DENTISTAS AO MERCURIO

The professional exposure of dental surgeons to mercury has attracted a great deal of attention from governmental organs and institutions in different countries. Considering that the normal ratio is 10 μg/1000 ml of urine, it was verified from tests that 72.7% of the professionals working in the dental practice in the city of Araraquara (SP) Brazil, show mercury levels above this limit. These results demonstrated the almost complete unawareness of many dentists to mercury and, consequently, precautionary measures were almost nonexistent.

Distúrbios neurológicos em trabalhadores com baixos níveis de chumbo no sangue. I: Neuropatia periférica

This is a cross-sectional study with a randomized choice of individuals aiming at studying the validity of the Brazilian biological exposure limits applied to lead level in the blood (PbB) and delta-aminolevulinic acid in the urine (ALAU), which are 60 μg/dl and 10 mg/g.creat., respectively. For this purpose, twenty workers, whose PbB and ALAU values have been below these limits over the past two years, were selected at random at a battery production plant in the State of S. Paulo, Brazil. The workers were submitted to a peripheral nerve conduction study. The results were compared with those obtained for workers of a control group also chosen at random. The lead workers showed a decrease in the velocity conduction of the radial nerves. Comparing this group with a randomized control group, a significant difference was observed (p-value = 0.0067). The results suggest that the Brazilian biological exposure limits above should be rearranged.

Distúrbios neurológicos em trabalhadores com baixos níveis de chumbo no sangue. II-Disfunc̈ões neurocomportamentais

This is a cross-sectional study with a randomized choice of individuals aiming at studying the validity of the Brazilian biological exposure limits applied to lead level in the blood (PbB) and delta-aminolevulinic acid in the urine (ALAU), which are 60 μ/dl and 10 mg/g.creat., respectively. Thus, twenty workers, whose PbB and ALAU values have been below these limits over the past two years, were selected at random at a battery plant in the State of S. Paulo, Brazil. The workers were submitted to a variation of the WHO Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery. The results were compared with those obtained for workers of a control group also chosen at random. The lead workers showed memory, mood and motor coordination disorders. Comparing these results with those obtained from the control group, a significant difference was observed (p-value < 0.02). The results indicate that the Brazilian biological exposure limits above should be reconsidered.

Diagnostic de securite d'une entreprise bresilienne a partir de l'analyse des accidents du travail par la methode de l'arbre des causes

We present here the results of a study of 21 work-related accidents that occurred in a Brazilian manufacturing company. The aim was to assess the safety level of the company to improve its work accident prevention policy. In the last 6 months of 1992 and 1993, all accidents resulting in 15 days' absence from work, reported for social security purposes, were analyzed using the INRS causal tree method (ADC) and a questionnaire completed on site. Potential risk factors for accidents were identified based on the specific factors highlighted by the ADC. More universal trees were also compiled for the safety assessment. Three hundred and thirty specific accident factors were recorded (man of 15.71 per accident). This is consistent with there being multiple causes of accidents rather than the assertion of Brazilian business safety departments that accidents are due to 'dangerous' or 'unsafe' behavior. Introducing the idea of culpability into accidents prevents the implementation of an appropriate information feedback process, essential for effective prevention. However, the large number of accidents related to 'material' (78%) and 'environment' (70%) indicates that working conditions are poor. This shows that the technical risks, mostly due to unsafe machinery and equipment are not being dealt with. Seventy-five potential accident factors were identified. Of these, 35% were 'organizational', a high proportion for the company studied. Improvisation occurs at all levels, particularly at the organizational level. This is, thus a major determinant for entire series of, if not most, accident situations. The poor condition of equipment also plays a major role in accidents. The effects of poor equipment on safety exacerbate the organizational shortcomings. The company's safety intervention policy should improve the management of human resources (rules designating particular workers for particular workstations; instructions for the safe operation of machines and equipment; training of operators, etc.) and introduce programs to detect risks and to improve the safety of machines and equipment. We also recommend the establishment of a program to follow the results of any preventive measures adopted.

Efficiency of safety measures applied to a manual knapsack sprayer for paraquat application to Maize (Zea mays L.)

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the safety of mixer/loaders and applicators of paraquat to maize crop by knapsack sprayers and to determine the efficacy of safety measures applied to the sprayers. Potential dermal exposure (PDE) was evaluated in 22 worker body parts. The Cu2+ cation of a copper-based fungicide was used as tracer in the spray solution. Sanitary pads and cotton gloves were used to collect the pesticide solution on the sampled body parts. It was observed that paraquat application in front of the applicator's body (0.5 and 1.0 m lance) is unsafe because PDE was 1,979.8 ml/day (for 0.5 m lance) and 1,290.4 ml/day (for 1.0 m lance) and needs 50-80% and 37-69% control of PDE respectively. Control can be achieved by the use of protective garment on the legs and feet only, which received 92-93% of the PDE. Switching the spray nozzle to the back of the operator reduced the PDE by 98% and was sufficient to make working conditions safe, while maintaining the efficiency of application and making the work lighter and more comfortable. Mixer/loaders received 86% of the PDE to the hands and the work condition was safe (MOS > 1), however impermeable gloves could be used as a further safety measure.

Avaliação da atividade mutagênica do resíduo sólido de uma fábrica de confecções de meias e lingerie em ensaios com Salmonella typhimurium

Cancer is one of the most hazardous effects to human health caused by the exposition to chemical agents. The search for new technological solutions in the industrial field led to a rapid increase in the productive sector, causing the workers to be exposed to millions of potentially toxic agents, substances potentially harmful to health. This study presents the mutagenic activity of sweepings from a sock and lingerie factory in Araraquara-Brazil, assayed with Salmonella typhimurium. All the extracts from the factory had mutagenic on activity the YG1024 strain, which is extremely sensitive to detect the mutagenic activity of the arilhydroxilamines, nitroarenes and aromatic amines. The extracts were non-mutagenics for the strains TA100 and TA98. The analysis of the mutagenicity of industrial residues is highly important because employees that participate in the production are directly exposed to those agents, as well as to the environment where the garbage is deposited.