A r��dio na Internet: Do ���on air��� para o ���online���. Estudo de caso do servi��o p��blico e o caminho para o futuro

Trabalho de Projecto de Mestrado em Novos Media e Pr��ticas Web

Comparison of contaminant removal effectiveness and air change efficiency as indicator of air diffusion quality.

The ventilation efficiency concept is an attempt to quantify a parameter that can easily distinguish the different options for air diffusion in the building spaces. Thirteen strategies of air diffusion were measured in a test chamber through the application of the tracer gas method, with the objective to validate the calculation by Computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Were compared the Air Change Efficiency (ACE) and the Contaminant Removal Effectiveness (CRE), the two indicators most internationally accepted. The main results from this work shows that the values of the numerical simulations are in good agreement with experimental measurements and also, that the solutions to be adopted for maximizing the ventilation efficiency should be the schemes that operate with low speeds of supply air and small differences between supply air temperature and the room temperature.

Slaughterhouses fungal burden assessment: a contribution for the pursuit of a better assessment strategy

In slaughterhouses, the biological risk is present not only from the direct or indirect contact with animal matter, but also from the exposure to bioaerosols. Fungal contamination was already reported from the floors and walls of slaughterhouses. This study intends to assess fungal contamination by cultural and molecular methods in poultry, swine/bovine and large animal slaughterhouses. Air samples were collected through an impaction method, while surface samples were collected by the swabbing method and subjected to further macro- and micro-scopic observations. In addition, we collected air samples using the impinger method in order to perform real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) amplification of genes from specific fungal species, namely A. flavus, A. fumigatus and A. ochraceus complexes. Poultry and swine/bovine slaughterhouses presented each two sampling sites that surpass the guideline of 150 CFU/m3. Scopulariopsis candida was the most frequently isolated (59.5%) in poultry slaughterhouse air; Cladosporium sp. (45.7%) in the swine/bovine slaughterhouse; and Penicillium sp. (80.8%) in the large animal slaughterhouse. Molecular tools successfully amplified DNA from the A. fumigatus complex in six sampling sites where the presence of this fungal species was not identified by conventional methods. This study besides suggesting the indicators that are representative of harmful fungal contamination, also indicates a strategy as a protocol to ensure a proper characterization of fungal occupational exposure.

Trace metals in size-fractionated particulate matter in a Portuguese hospital: exposure risks assessment and comparisons with other countries

Hospitals are considered as a special and important type of indoor public place where air quality has significant impacts on potential health outcomes. Information on indoor air quality of these environments, concerning exposures to particulate matter (PM) and related toxicity, is limited though. This work aims to evaluate risks associated with inhalation exposure to ten toxic metals and chlorine (As, Ni, Cr, Cd, Pb, Mn, Se, Ba, Al, Si, and Cl) in coarse (PM2.5���10) and fine (PM2.5) particles in a Portuguese hospital in comparison with studies representative of other countries. Samples were collected during 1 month in one urban hospital; elemental PM characterization was determined by proton-induced X-ray emission. Noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were assessed according to the methodology provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA; Region III Risk-Based Concentration Table) for three different age categories of hospital personnel (adults, >20, and <65 years) and patients (considering nine different age groups, i.e., children of 1���3 years to seniors of >65 years). The estimated noncarcinogenic risks due to occupational inhalation exposure to PM2.5-bound metals ranged from 5.88��10���6 for Se (adults, 55���64 years) to 9.35��10���1 for As (adults, 20���24 years) with total noncarcinogenic risks (sum of all metals) above the safe level for all three age categories. As and Cl (the latter due to its high abundances) were the most important contributors (approximately 90 %) to noncarcinogenic risks. For PM2.5���10, noncarcinogenic risks of all metals were acceptable to all age groups. Concerning carcinogenic risks, for Ni and Pb, they were negligible (<1��10���6) in both PM fractions for all age groups of hospital personnel; potential risks were observed for As and Cr with values in PM2.5 exceeding (up to 62 and 5 times, respectively) USEPA guideline across all age groups; for PM2.5���10, increased excess risks of As and Cr were observed particularly for long-term exposures (adults, 55���64 years). Total carcinogenic risks highly (up to 67 times) exceeded the recommended level for all age groups, thus clearly showing that occupational exposure to metals in fine particles pose significant risks. If the extensive working hours of hospital medical staff were considered, the respective noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were increased, the latter for PM2.5 exceeding the USEPA cumulative guideline of 10���4. For adult patients, the estimated noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were approximately three times higher than for personnel, with particular concerns observed for children and adolescents.

Levels and risks of particulate-bound PAHs in indoor air influenced by tobacco smoke: a field measurement

Considering tobacco smoke as one of the most health-relevant indoor sources, the aim of this work was to further understand its negative impacts on human health. The specific objectives of this work were to evaluate the levels of particulate-bound PAHs in smoking and non-smoking homes and to assess the risks associated with inhalation exposure to these compounds. The developed work concerned the application of the toxicity equivalency factors approach (including the estimation of the lifetime lung cancer risks, WHO) and the methodology established by USEPA (considering three different age categories) to 18 PAHs detected in inhalable (PM10) and fine (PM2.5) particles at two homes. The total concentrations of 18 PAHs (��PAHs) was 17.1 and 16.6 ng m���3 in PM10 and PM2.5 at smoking home and 7.60 and 7.16 ng m���3 in PM10 and PM2.5 at non-smoking one. Compounds with five and six rings composed the majority of the particulate PAHs content (i.e., 73 and 78 % of ��PAHs at the smoking and non-smoking home, respectively). Target carcinogenic risks exceeded USEPA health-based guideline at smoking home for 2 different age categories. Estimated values of lifetime lung cancer risks largely exceeded (68���200 times) the health-based guideline levels at both homes thus demonstrating that long-term exposure to PAHs at the respective levels would eventually cause risk of developing cancer. The high determined values of cancer risks in the absence of smoking were probably caused by contribution of PAHs from outdoor sources.

Multiple Linear Regression and Artificial Neural Networks to Predict Time and Efficiency of Soil Vapor Extraction

The prediction of the time and the efficiency of the remediation of contaminated soils using soil vapor extraction remain a difficult challenge to the scientific community and consultants. This work reports the development of multiple linear regression and artificial neural network models to predict the remediation time and efficiency of soil vapor extractions performed in soils contaminated separately with benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, trichloroethylene, and perchloroethylene. The results demonstrated that the artificial neural network approach presents better performances when compared with multiple linear regression models. The artificial neural network model allowed an accurate prediction of remediation time and efficiency based on only soil and pollutants characteristics, and consequently allowing a simple and quick previous evaluation of the process viability.

Synthesis of titanate nanofibers co-sensitized with ZnS and Bi2S3 nanocrystallites and their application on pollutants removal

The synthesis of nanocomposite materials combining titanate nanofibers (TNF) with nanocrystalline ZnS and Bi2S3 semiconductors is described in this work. The TNF were produced via hydrothermal synthesis and sensitized with the semiconductor nanoparticles, through a single-source precursor decomposition method. ZnS and Bi2S3 nanoparticles were successfully grown onto the TNF's surface and Bi2S3-ZnS/TNF nanocomposite materials with different layouts. The samples' photocatalytic performance was first evaluated through the production of the hydroxyl radical using terephthalic acid as probe molecule. All the tested samples show photocatalytic ability for the production of this oxidizing species. Afterwards, the samples were investigated for the removal of methylene blue. The nanocomposite materials with best adsorption ability were the ZnS/TNF and Bi2S3ZnS/TNF. The dye removal was systematically studied, and the most promising results were obtained considering a sequential combination of an adsorption-photocatalytic degradation process using the Bi2S3ZnS/TNF powder as a highly adsorbent and photocatalyst material. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

What is the shape of an air bubble on a liquid surface?

We have calculated the equilibrium shape of the axially symmetric meniscus along which a spherical bubble contacts a flat liquid surface by analytically integrating the Young-Laplace equation in the presence of gravity, in the limit of large Bond numbers. This method has the advantage that it provides semianalytical expressions for key geometrical properties of the bubble in terms of the Bond number. Results are in good overall agreement with experimental data and are consistent with fully numerical (Surface Evolver) calculations. In particular, we are able to describe how the bubble shape changes from hemispherical, with a flat, shallow bottom, to lenticular, with a deeper, curved bottom, as the Bond number is decreased.

Portuguese strategy for occupational safety and health 2008-2012 for public administration : priorites for action, progress in the implementation of the proposed measures and their impact on occupational safety outcomes

Apresenta����o realizada no OH&S Forum 2011 - International Forum on Occupational Health and Safety: Policies, profiles and services, na Finl��ndia de, 20 a 22 Junho de 2011.

Avalia����o da Qualidade do Ar Interior de Gin��sios

A pr��tica de exerc��cio f��sico �� considerado condi����o essencial para a manuten����o de uma boa sa��de. A faixa et��ria de frequentadores de gin��sios inclui utentes desde os 8 aos 80 anos, incluindo assim os grupos mais sens��veis �� polui����o do ar interior. Embora exista legisla����o espec��fica para gin��sios, nomeadamente para as condi����es de implementa����o, a mesma �� reduzida e n��o contempla a qualidade do ar interior (QAI). O objetivo geral deste estudo consistiu na avalia����o da QAI de quatro gin��sios existentes na ��rea metropolitana do Porto. O per��odo de amostragem realizou-se entre 2 de Maio e 20 de Junho 2014 e, ap��s a caracteriza����o dos gin��sios, foram monitorizados os seguintes par��metros: part��culas ultrafinas (< 100 nm), mat��ria particulada suspensa no ar de fra����es PM1, PM2,5, PM4 e PM10, di��xido de carbono, mon��xido de carbono, ozono, compostos org��nicos vol��teis, formalde��do, temperatura ambiente e humidade relativa durante 24 h/dia em salas com diferentes actividades (sala de muscula����o e cardiofitness e sala de aulas de grupo). Os resultados da avalia����o dos par��metros f��sicos e qu��micos foram comparados com os limiares de prote����o e margem de toler��ncia do Decreto-Lei n�� 118/2013 de 20 de Agosto, a Portaria n�� 353-A/2013 de 4 de Dezembro e o Diploma que regula a constru����o, instala����o e funcionamento dos gin��sios. Os poluentes com maiores n��veis de exced��ncia s��o o di��xido de carbono, compostos org��nicos vol��teis e as part��culas PM2,5. As exced��ncias devem-se essencialmente �� sobrelota����o das salas, excesso de atividade f��sica e ventila����o insuficiente. A localiza����o da instala����o dos gin��sios �� tamb��m um fator de extrema import��ncia, sendo recomendado que este se situe em local pouco influenciado pelo tr��fego autom��vel, assim como, afastado de locais de poss��vel interfer��ncia devido ��s atividades presentes, como �� o caso da restaura����o existente em centros comerciais.

Exposi����o a fungos dos trabalhadores dos gin��sios com piscina

RESUMO - Os trabalhadores dos gin��sios com piscinas apresentam maior preval��ncia de les��es f��ngicas, como a Tinea pedis e a onicomicose, devido ��s caracter��sticas intr��nsecas da sua actividade profissional, pois apresentam mais horas por dia de exposi����o �� contamina����o f��ngica das superf��cies. Esta situa����o verifica-se n��o s�� por serem os que mais frequentam os locais poss��veis de estarem contaminados, como �� o caso de balne��rios, vesti��rios e zona envolvente ��s piscinas, mas tamb��m porque algumas das actividades desenvolvidas s��o realizadas com os p��s descal��os. Al��m disso, a utiliza����o de roupa sint��tica e de cal��ado ocluso, que ret��m a suda����o excessiva, favorece o desenvolvimento f��ngico. Constituiu objectivo deste trabalho conhecer o risco de infec����o e/ou les��o (Tinea pedis e onicomicose) nos trabalhadores dos gin��sios com piscina e a sua eventual rela����o com a exposi����o �� contamina����o f��ngica (ar e superf��cies) dos locais de trabalho. Foram descritas as vari��veis ambientais e biol��gicas que influenciam a infec����o e/ou les��o f��ngica em ambiente profissional e exploradas eventuais associa����es entre essas mesmas vari��veis. Foram tamb��m conhecidas as diferen��as da contamina����o f��ngica das superf��cies entre as duas principais esta����es do ano (Ver��o e Inverno) e entre antes e depois da lavagem e desinfec����o. O estudo realizado possui uma componente transversal, em que se pretendeu descrever os fen��menos ambientais e biol��gicos da contamina����o f��ngica em ambiente profissional e explorar eventuais associa����es entre vari��veis; uma componente longitudinal, em que foram conhecidas as diferen��as sazonais da contamina����o f��ngica das superf��cies; e, ainda, uma componente quase experimental, em que foi analisada a distribui����o f��ngica nas superf��cies antes e depois da lavagem e desinfec����o. Na vertente transversal foi considerada uma amostra de 10 gin��sios com piscina e outra amostra de, pelo menos, 10 profissionais de cada estabelecimento, perfazendo um total de 124 trabalhadores (75 Homens - 60,48% e 49 Mulheres - 39,52%). Foram realizadas 258 colheitas biol��gicas aos p��s dos trabalhadores, efectuada a avalia����o ambiental da contamina����o f��ngica dos estabelecimentos atrav��s de 50 colheitas de amostras de ar e 120 colheitas de amostras de superf��cies (60 antes e 60 depois da lavagem e desinfec����o) e efectuados os respectivos processamento laboratorial e identifica����o f��ngica. Foram tamb��m avaliadas as vari��veis ambientais temperatura, humidade relativa e velocidade do ar, preenchidas 10 grelhas de observa����o, com o objectivo de efectuar o registo de informa����o sobre as vari��veis que xx influenciam a exposi����o ocupacional ��s esp��cies f��ngicas e, ainda, completadas 124 grelhas de observa����o inerentes �� colheita de material biol��gico, de modo a realizar o registo dos profissionais com les��o e outras informa����es pertinentes para a an��lise laboratorial. Todos os 124 trabalhadores responderam a um question��rio, em simult��neo �� realiza����o das colheitas biol��gicas, de modo a conhecer algumas das vari��veis individuais e profissionais com pertin��ncia para o presente estudo. Num dos estabelecimentos, foram tamb��m estudadas as diferen��as da contamina����o f��ngica das superf��cies entre antes e depois da lavagem e desinfec����o e, ainda, entre as duas esta����es do ano (Ver��o e Inverno). Nesse estabelecimento, foram realizadas 36 colheitas de superf��cies antes e 36 colheitas depois da lavagem e desinfec����o, em 6 dias diferentes da semana, durante 6 semanas sequenciais em cada esta����o do ano, completando um total de 72 colheitas de superf��cies. Foi ainda criado e aplicado um m��todo para estabelecer um padr��o de exposi����o profissional a fungos nas superf��cies, de modo a permitir definir n��veis semi-quantitativos de estima����o do risco de infec����o f��ngica dos trabalhadores dos gin��sios com piscinas. Para o crit��rio da Gravidade, considerou-se que a gravidade da contamina����o e, consequentemente, da poss��vel les��o, est�� intimamente relacionada com a esp��cie f��ngica envolvida. Foram calculadas as m��dias da contamina����o f��ngica por cada estabelecimento antes da lavagem e desinfec����o, de modo a estabelecer os n��veis de Frequ��ncia e, em rela����o �� Exposi����o, foram estabelecidos intervalos para agrupar as horas semanais de trabalho. Dos 124 trabalhadores que participaram no estudo, 58 (46,8%) possu��am les��es vis��veis. Nesses 58, as Leveduras foram as mais isoladas (41,4%), seguidas dos Dermat��fitos (24,1%) e de Fungos Filamentosos N��o Dermat��fitos (6,9%). Candida parapsilosis e Rhodotorula sp. foram as Leveduras mais frequentemente isoladas (20,2%); no caso dos Dermat��fitos, Trichophyton rubrum foi a esp��cie mais frequente (55,5%) e, relativamente aos Fungos Filamentosos N��o Dermat��fitos, Penicillium sp. foi o mais isolado (15,6%), seguido do g��nero Fusarium (12,5%). No que concerne �� contamina����o f��ngica das superf��cies, 37 fungos filamentosos foram isolados. Fusarium foi o g��nero mais frequente, antes e depois da lavagem e desinfec����o (19,1% - 17,2%). Em rela����o aos fungos leveduriformes, 12 leveduras diferentes foram identificadas, tendo sido os g��neros Cryptococcus (40,6%) e Candida (49,3%) os mais frequentes antes e depois da lavagem e desinfec����o, respectivamente. Em rela����o �� contamina����o f��ngica do ar, foram identificados 25 fungos filamentosos diferentes, em que os 3 g��neros mais frequentemente isolados foram Cladosporium (36,6%), Penicillium (19,0%) e Aspergillus (10,2%). Relativamente ��s leveduras, foi identificado o g��nero xxi Rhodotorula (87,5%) e as esp��cies Trichosporon mucoides e Cryptococcus unigutulattus (12,5%). Verificou-se associa����o, ao n��vel de signific��ncia de 5%, entre les��o vis��vel e horas semanais e entre les��o vis��vel e tempo de profiss��o, comprovando a influ��ncia da dura����o da exposi����o ao factor de risco (contamina����o f��ngica do ambiente profissional), para a presen��a de les��o vis��vel nos trabalhadores expostos (Tinea pedis e onicomicose), ficando demonstrada a rela����o entre a exposi����o ao factor de risco em estudo ��� exposi����o profissional a fungos ��� com os efeitos para a sa��de. As vari��veis ambientais avaliadas (temperatura, humidade relativa e velocidade do ar) n��o influenciaram a contamina����o f��ngica do ar e das superf��cies, n��o tendo sido evidenciada nenhuma rela����o estatisticamente significativa (p>0,05). Contudo, verificou-se influ��ncia do n��mero de ocupantes que frequentaram cada um dos estabelecimentos nas m��dias das unidades formadoras de col��nias por metro quadrado nas superf��cies antes da lavagem e desinfec����o. N��o se verificou correla����o entre os resultados quantitativos da contamina����o f��ngica do ar e a das superf��cies dos 10 estabelecimentos monitorizados. No entanto, verificaram-se diferen��as significativas, ao n��vel de signific��ncia de 10%, entre a contamina����o f��ngica das superf��cies e a contamina����o f��ngica do ar (p<0,1), tendo-se constatado que apesar de 50% dos valores mais baixos terem sido superiores na contamina����o f��ngica do ar, a contamina����o f��ngica das superf��cies apresentou-se com maior variabilidade quantitativa. Em rela����o ��s diferen��as significativas na contamina����o f��ngica das superf��cies nos 10 estabelecimentos entre antes e depois da lavagem e desinfec����o, apenas se verificou redu����o significativa (p<0,05) da contamina����o f��ngica depois da lavagem e desinfec����o nos balne��rios e vesti��rios masculinos em rela����o aos fungos leveduriformes. No estabelecimento seleccionado, verificou-se que a rela����o entre a contamina����o f��ngica e a temperatura e humidade relativa n��o foi significativa (p>0,05) em ambas as esta����es do ano e tamb��m n��o se constatou influ��ncia dos ocupantes nos valores m��dios das unidades formadoras de col��nias por metro quadrado das superf��cies antes da lavagem e desinfec����o em ambas as esta����es de ano. Em quase todas as situa����es em que se verificaram diferen��as significativas entre as duas esta����es do ano, verificou-se um aumento das unidades formadoras de col��nias por metro quadrado no Inverno, com excep����o do total das unidades formadoras de col��nias por metro quadrado antes da lavagem e desinfec����o nos balne��rios e vesti��rios masculinos em que se verificou aumento no Ver��o. Constatou-se tamb��m que apenas ocorreu redu����o da xxii contamina����o f��ngica depois da lavagem e desinfec����o nas escadas de acesso no Inverno e nos balne��rios e vesti��rios masculinos no Ver��o. Com a aplica����o do m��todo para estabelecer um padr��o de exposi����o profissional a fungos nas superf��cies obteve-se, nos 10 estabelecimentos, com N��vel de Risco M��nimo 65 locais (54,2%), com N��vel de Risco M��dio 23 locais (19,2%) e com N��vel de Risco Elevado 32 locais (26,6%). Pr��ximo do jacuzzi e junto ao tanque foram os locais com mais classifica����es de N��vel de Risco Elevado. No estabelecimento seleccionado verificou-se que, no Ver��o, depois da lavagem e desinfec����o, ocorreu um maior n��mero de locais classificados no N��vel de Risco Elevado e, no Inverno, constatou-se a situa����o inversa, tendo sido observado maior n��mero de locais com N��vel de Risco Elevado antes da lavagem e desinfec����o. Junto ao tanque e nas escadas de acesso �� zona envolvente ao jacuzzi e tanque foram os locais com mais classifica����es de N��vel de Risco Elevado, no Ver��o e no Inverno. Foram isolados nas superf��cies fungos comuns aos isolados nos trabalhadores. Antes da lavagem e desinfec����o, 30,3% dos fungos foram isolados nas superf��cies e nos trabalhadores e depois desses procedimentos 45,5% dos fungos foram tamb��m isolados comummente. As Leveduras foram as mais isoladas comummente e as que se verificaram mais frequentes antes e depois da lavagem e desinfec����o da superf��cies e, tamb��m, nos resultados das colheitas biol��gicas realizadas aos trabalhadores, foram o g��nero Rhodotorula e a esp��cie Candida parapsilosis, permitindo confirmar que a infec����o f��ngica dos trabalhadores est�� relacionada com a contamina����o f��ngica das superf��cies. Concluiu-se que �� necess��ria a interven����o em Sa��de Ocupacional no ��mbito da vigil��ncia ambiental e da vigil��ncia da sa��de, com o intuito de diminuir a preval��ncia das infec����es f��ngicas. Para a prossecu����o desse objectivo, sugere-se a implementa����o de medidas preventivas, nomeadamente: o controlo da contamina����o f��ngica das superf��cies mediante procedimentos de lavagem e desinfec����o eficazes, de modo a minimizar a contamina����o f��ngica das superf��cies; a identifica����o precoce da infec����o atrav��s da realiza����o de colheitas biol��gicas peri��dicas aos trabalhadores, inseridas num protocolo de vigil��ncia da sa��de; e, ainda, a sensibiliza����o para a aplica����o de medidas de higiene pessoal e o tratamento das patologias. A aplica����o do m��todo criado para estabelecer um padr��o de exposi����o profissional a fungos nas superf��cies servir�� n��o s�� para a estima����o do risco de infec����o f��ngica dos trabalhadores de gin��sios com piscinas, mas tamb��m para facilitar o estabelecimento de valores f��ngicos de refer��ncia, a implementa����o de medidas correctivas adequadas e imediatas e, ainda, a preven����o de infec����es f��ngicas, n��o s�� nos gin��sios com piscina, mas tamb��m noutros contextos profissionais. ------------ SUMMARY - Gyms with swimming pools workers have higher prevalence of fungal injuries, such as Tinea pedis and onychomycosis. This is due to their work intrinsic characteristics, since they have more hours per day of exposure to surfaces fungal contamination. This occurs not only because they attend sites most likely to be contaminated, such as showers, changing rooms and pool surrounding area, but also because some of the activities are done barefoot. Furthermore, synthetic clothing and occluded footwear use, which retain the excessive sweating, promotes fungal development. The aim of this study was to know gymnasiums with swimming pool workers infection and/or injury (Tinea pedis and onychomycosis) risk, and its possible relationship with exposure to workplace fungal contamination (air and surfaces). This study describes environmental and biological variables that influence infection and/or fungal injury in a professional setting and explored possible associations between these variables. Differences in surfaces fungal contamination between the two main seasons (summer and winter), as well between before and after cleaning and disinfection were known. It was developed a study with an cross-sectional perspective, that aimed to describe the biological and environmental phenomena of fungal contamination in a professional environment and explore possible associations between variables; an longitudinal perspective in which were known surfaces fungal contamination seasonal differences; and also with an almost experimental perspective that analyzed surfaces fungal distribution before and after cleaning and disinfection. The cross-sectional perspective comprised 10 gyms with swimming pool sample, and another sample of, at least, 10 professionals in each establishment totalling 124 workers (75 men ��� 60,48%, and 49 women ��� 39,52%). Were performed 258 biological samples at workers feet, environmental fungal contamination evaluation from the establishments through 50 air samples and 120 surfaces samples (60 before and 60 after cleaning and disinfection) and conducted their laboratory processing and fungal identification. Were also evaluated environmental variables, such as temperature, relative humidity and air velocity completed 10 observation grids, in order to obtain data about variables that affect occupational exposure to fungal species, and also completed 124 observation grids inherent to biological material collection, in order to know the professionals with injury and other relevant information for laboratory analysis. All 124 workers answered to a questionnaire at the same time that occur biological samples collection, in order to xxv obtain information about some of the individual and professional variables with relevance to this study. In one of the establishments were also studied differences concerning surfaces fungal contamination between before and after cleaning and disinfection, and also between two main seasons (summer and winter). In this setting, there were performed 36 surfaces samples before and 36 surfaces samples after cleaning and disinfection on 6 different week days for 6 sequential weeks in each season, totalling 72 surfaces samples. It was also created and implemented a method to establish a pattern for surfaces fungal occupational exposure, in order to help define semi-quantitative levels estimation to fungal infection risk in gyms with swimming pools workers. For Gravity criterion it was considered that contamination severity and, thus, the possible injury are closely related to implicate fungal species. Was calculated fungal contamination average by each establishment prior cleaning and disinfection, in order to establish Frequency levels. Regarding Exposure, were established weekly hours group intervals spent in professional activity. From the 124 professionals tested, 58 (46,8%) had visible injuries. In the 58 workers, Yeasts were the most isolated (41,4%), followed by Dermatophytes (24,1%) and Other Filamentous Fungi Besides Dermatophytes (6,9%). Candida parapsilosis and Rhodotorula sp. were the most frequently isolated Yeasts (20,2% for each), from Dermatophytes, Trichophyton rubrum was the most frequently isolated species (55,5%) and from Other Filamentous Fungi Besides Dermatophytes, Penicillium sp. was the most frequent (15,6%), followed by Fusarium genera (12,5%). Regarding surfaces fungal contamination, 37 filamentous fungi were isolated. Fusarium genera was the most frequent, before and after cleaning and disinfection (19,1% - 17,2%). Considering yeasts, 12 different yeasts were identified, being Cryptococcus (40,6%) and Candida (49,3%) genera the more frequent before and after cleaning and disinfection, respectively. In relation to air fungal contamination, 25 different filamentous fungi were identified and the 3 most frequently isolated genera were Cladosporium (36,6%), Penicillium (19,0%) and Aspergillus (10,2%). For yeasts, were identified Rhodotorula genera (87,5%), and also the species Trichosporon mucoides and Cryptococcus unigutulattus (12,5%). Was found association with 5% significance level, between visible injury and weekly hours and between visible injury and occupation time, confirming exposure duration influence to risk factor (work environment fungal contamination) for the visible injury presence in exposed workers (Tinea pedis and onychomycosis), being confirmed the relation between the study exposure risk - occupational exposure to fungi - with health effects. xxvi Environmental variables evaluated (temperature, relative humidity and air velocity) did not affect air and surfaces fungal contamination and wasn���t found no statistically significant relation (p>0,05). However, there was evidence that occupant���s number influence surfaces colony forming units mean per square meter before cleaning and disinfection. There was no correlation between quantitative data from air fungal contamination and surfaces fungal contamination from the 10 establishments monitored. However, there were significant differences with 10% significance level, between surfaces and air fungal contamination (p<0,1), and despite 50% of the lowest rates were higher in air fungal contamination, it was found that surfaces fungal contamination had more quantitative variability. Regarding differences from the 10 establishments surfaces fungal contamination, between before and after cleaning and disinfection, there was only a significant reduction (p<0,05) in fungal contamination after cleaning and disinfection in male changing rooms for yeasts. In the selected establishment, it was found that relation between fungal contamination and temperature and relative humidity was not significant (p>0,05) in both seasons, and also there wasn���t no influence observed from occupants in surfaces colony forming units mean per square meters before cleaning and disinfection in both seasons. In almost all situations where significant differences between the two seasons were shown, there was a colony-forming units per square meter increase in winter. There was an exception in total colony forming units per square meter before cleaning and disinfection in male changing room���s exception, where there was an increase in summer. Furthermore, was found that only occur a reduction in fungal contamination after cleaning and disinfection, on access stairs in winter, as well as in male changing rooms in summer. With application from the method to establish pattern for surfaces fungal occupational exposure, it was obtained, in the 10 establishments, 65 sites with Low Risk Level (54,2%), 23 sites with Average Risk Level (19,2%) and 32 sites with High Risk Level (26,6%). Near swimming pool and jacuzzi were the places with more High Risk Level classifications. In the selected establishment, was found that in the summer, after cleaning and disinfection, there were a greater number of sites classified as High Risk Level, and in winter it was found the opposite situation, being noted more places with High Risk Level before cleaning and disinfection. Next to swimming pool and access stairs to swimming pool and jacuzzi were the places with more High Risk Level classifications in Summer and Winter. Were isolated common fungi in surfaces and in workers. Prior to cleaning and disinfection 30,3% of fungi were isolated on surfaces and workers, and after 45,5% of fungi were also xxvii commonly isolated. The Yeasts were the most commonly isolated and the most frequent before and after surfaces cleaning and disinfection, and also in workers biological samples, were Rhodotorula genera and Candida parapsilosis, allowing confirming that workers fungal infection is related with surfaces fungal contamination. It was concluded that Occupational Health intervention it is necessary, in environmental monitoring and health surveillance perspective, in order to reduce fungal infections prevalence. To achieve this objective, preventive measures implementation it���s recommended, including: surfaces fungal contamination control, through effective cleaning and disinfecting in order to minimize surfaces fungal contamination; early infection identification by performing periodic biological sampling from workers, included in a health surveillance protocol; and also personal hygiene and diseases treatment awareness. Application of the created method to establish pattern for surfaces fungal occupational exposure, will be useful not only for estimating workers from gymnasiums with swimming pools fungal infection risk, but also to facilitate fungal reference values stipulation, effective and corrective measures implementation, and also, fungal infections prevention, not only in gymnasiums with swimming pool, but also in other professional settings.----------------- R��SUM�� - Les travailleurs des gymnases avec des piscines pr��sentent souvent des infections fongiques, telles que Tinea pedis et aussi des onychomycoses, dues �� leur activit�� professionnel, parce qu���ils restent plus longtemps tout pr��s des surfaces avec une certaine contamination fongique. Toute cette situation est due non seulement parce qu���ils sont ceux qui fr��quentent plus souvent les places plus contamin��es: des baln��aires, des vestiaires et des zones autour des piscines, mais aussi ils r��alisent des activit��s aux pieds nus ou avec des chaussures tr��s ferm��s et encore quelques fois avec des v��tements synth��tiques. Tout cela emm��ne �� une grande sudation ce qui aidera au d��veloppement fongique. Un objective de ce travaille a ��t�� conna��tre le risque d���infection et/ou pr��sence de l��sion (Tinea pedis et des onychomycoses) dans les travailleurs des gymnases avec des piscines et leur ��ventuel rapport avec l���exposition �� la contamination fongique (de l���air et des surfaces) dans leurs locaux de travaille. On a d��crit aussi des variables d���environnement et biologiques qui ont une certaine influence dans les infections fongiques dans tout l���environnement professionnel et aussi approfondir des ��ventuels associations entre ces m��me variables. On a encore reconnu des diff��rences de la contamination fongique avant et apr��s des lavages et d��sinfection de ces surfaces. Aussi on a trouv�� des diff��rences de contamination en ��t�� et en Hiver. Cet ��tude a un composante transversale, en visant la description des ph��nom��nes de contamination fongique biologique et de l'environnement dans un environnement professionnel et l�����tude des associations possibles entre les variables; une composante longitudinale dans laquelle ils ��taient connus comme des variations saisonni��res de la contamination fongique des surfaces, et m��me; un quasi-composante exp��rimentale, o�� elle a examin�� la r��partition des champignons surfaces avant et apr��s le lavage et la d��sinfection. Dans la composante transversale on ��t�� consid��r��s 1 ��chantillons de 10 gymnases avec des piscines et un autre ��chantillon de au moins 10 professionnels de chaque ��tablissement dans un total 124 travailleurs (75 hommes - 60,48% et 49 femmes - 39,52%). On a r��alis�� 258 pr��l��vements aux pieds des travailleurs et on a effectu�� en simultan�� la validation par contamination fongique de l���environnement par 50 pr��l��vements de l���air et par 120 pr��l��vements de surfaces (60 avant et 60 apr��s des lavages et des d��sinfections) et on a effectu�� leur traitement en laboratoire et l���identification fongique. On a fait aussi l�����valuation des variables de l���environnement, la temp��rature, l���humidit�� relative et la vitesse de l���air. On a remplie 10 tableaux xxix d���observation, avec l���objective d���obtenir des informations sur les variables qu���influenceront l���exposition occupationnel aux souches fongiques, et encore 124 tableaux d���observation li��e au pr��l��vement du mat��riel biologique, pour r��aliser le registre des professionnels avec des l��sions et des autres informations pertinentes pour une analyse laboratoire. Tous ces 124 travailleurs ont rempli un questionnaire au m��me temps que les pr��l��vements biologiques, afin de conna��tre quelques variables individuels et professionnels importants pour cet ��tude. Dans un des ��tablissements on a aussi ��tudi�� les diff��rences fongiques des surfaces parmi avant et apr��s les lavages et de la d��sinfection et encore parmi l�����t�� et l���Hiver. Dans ce m��me ��tablissement on a r��alis�� 36 pr��l��vements des surfaces avant et 36 apr��s des lavages et de la d��sinfection, pendant 6 jours diff��rents de la semaine, pendant 6 semaines en chaque saison de l���ann��e, dans un total de 72 pr��l��vements des surfaces. On a encore cri�� et appliqu�� une m��thode pour ��tablir un standard d���exposition professionnelle au fungi sur les surfaces, afin de permettre la d��finition des niveaux semi quantitative d���estimation des risques d���infection fongique des travailleurs des gymnases avec des piscines. Pour le crit��re de Gravit��, il a ��t�� consid��r�� que la gravit�� de la contamination, et donc les possibles dommages, est ��troitement li��e aux esp��ces fongiques impliqu��es. Nous avons calcul�� la moyenne de la contamination fongique par chaque ��tablissement avant le lavage et la d��sinfection afin d'��tablir les niveaux de Fr��quence et, par rapport �� l'Exposition, ont ��t�� cr��es pour regrouper les intervalles d'heures hebdomadaires consacr��es �� l'activit�� professionnelle en question. Sur les 124 travailleurs qui ont particip�� �� l'��tude, 58 (46,8%) avaient des l��sions visibles. Parmi ces 58, les Levures ont ��t�� les plus isol��es (41,4%), suivis par des Dermatophytes (24,1%) et des Filamenteux Non Dermatophytes (6,9%). Candida parapsilosis and Rhodotorula sp. ont ��t�� les Levures les plus fr��quemment isol��es (20,2%); dans le cas des Dermatophytes, Trichophyton rubrum est le plus fr��quent (55,5%) et pour les Filamenteux Non Dermatophytes, Penicillium sp. a ��t�� le plus isol�� (15,6%), suivi par Fusarium sp. (12,5%). En ce qui concerne la contamination fongique des surfaces, 37 champignons filamenteux ont ��t�� isol��s. Le genre Fusarium est le plus fr��quent avant et apr��s le lavage et la d��sinfection (19,1% - 17,2%). Pour la levure, 12 levures diff��rentes ont ��t�� identifi��es, ayant ��t�� Cryptococcus sp. (40,6%) et Candida sp. (49,3%) les plus fr��quents avant et apr��s le lavage et la d��sinfection, respectivement. En ce qui concerne la contamination fongique de l'air, on a identifi�� 25 diff��rents champignons filamenteux, o�� les 3 genres les plus fr��quemment isol��s ��taient Cladosporium (36,6%), Penicillium (19,0%) et Aspergillus (10,2%). Pour les levures, il a ��t�� identifi�� le genre xxx Rhodotorula (87,5%) et les esp��ces Trichosporon mucoides et Cryptococcus unigutulattus (12,5%). On a v��rifi�� une association, au niveau de signification de 5%, entre les l��sions visibles et les heures hebdomadaires et entre les l��sions visibles et la dur��e d���occupation, ce qui confirme l'influence de la dur��e de l'exposition aux facteurs de risque (contamination fongique dans le milieu de travail) pour la pr��sence des l��sions visibles chez les travailleurs expos��s (Tinea pedis et onychomycose), en d��montrant une relation entre l'exposition au facteur de risque dans ces ��tudes - l'exposition professionnelle aux champignons - avec les effets sur la sant��. Les variables environnementales ��valu�� (temp��rature, humidit�� relative et la vitesse de l'air) ne modifient pas la contamination fongique de l'air et des surfaces; donc, n'a pas ��t�� d��montr�� aucune relation statistiquement significative (p>0,05). Cependant, il y a une influence du nombre d'occupants qui ont particip�� �� chacun des ��tablissements en moyenne des unit��s formant colonie par m��tre carr�� sur la surface avant le lavage et la d��sinfection. Il n'y avait pas de corr��lation entre les r��sultats quantitatifs de la contamination fongique de l'air et des surfaces des 10 ��tablissements surveill��s, cependant il existe des diff��rences importantes, au niveau de signification de 10% entre la contamination fongique des surfaces et de la contamination fongique de l'air (p <0,1), on a constat�� que malgr�� 50% des niveaux les plus bas ��taient plus ��lev��s dans la contamination fongique de l'air, la contamination fongique des surfaces pr��sent��e une plus grande variabilit�� quantitativement. En ce qui concerne les diff��rences de la contamination fongique des surfaces dans les 10 ��tablissements entre avant et apr��s le lavage et la d��sinfection, il y avait seulement une r��duction significative (p<0,05) de la contamination fongique apr��s le lavage et la d��sinfection dans les baln��aires et vestiaires pour les hommes par rapport aux levures. Lors de l'��tablissement choisi, on a constat�� que le rapport entre la contamination fongique et la temp��rature et l'humidit�� relative n'��tait pas significatif (p>0,05) dans les deux saisons et aussi on n���a pas observ�� l'influence des occupants en moyenne des unit��s formant colonie par m��tres carr��s de surfaces avant le lavage et la d��sinfection dans les deux saisons de l'ann��e. Dans presque toutes les situations ou on a v��rifi�� des diff��rences significatives entre les deux saisons, il ya eu une augmentation des unit��s formant des colonies par m��tre carr�� en Hiver, �� l'exception du total des unit��s formant des colonies par m��tre carr�� avant le lavage et d��sinfection dans les baln��aires et vestiaires des hommes o�� il y a eu une augmentation en ��t��. On a ��galement ��t�� constat�� que seulement a eu une r��duction de la contamination des xxxi champignons apr��s la d��sinfection de l'escalier d'acc��s en Hiver et dans les baln��aires et vestiaires des hommes en ��t��. Avec la m��thode pour ��tablir standard d���exposition professionnelle au fungi sur les surfaces on a obtenu dans les 10 ��tablissements, avec le Niveau de Risque Faible de 65 places (54,2%), avec le Niveau de Risque Moyen 23 places (19,2%) et 32 places avec le Niveau de Risque ��lev�� (26,6%). Pr��s du jacuzzi et pr��s de la piscine sont les lieux avec des plus ��valuations de Niveau de Risque ��lev��. Lors de l'��tablissement choisi, il a ��t�� constat�� que, dans l'��t��, apr��s le lavage et la d��sinfection, un plus grand nombre de places ��valu��es comme pr��sentant un Niveau de Risque ��lev�� et en Hiver on a constat�� la situation inverse avec de nombreux points de Niveau de Risque ��lev�� avant le lavage et la d��sinfection. A c��t�� de la piscine et les escaliers ont ��t�� les lieux avec plus grands classifications de Niveau de Risque ��lev�� en ��t�� et en Hiver. On a isol��, chez les travailleurs, des champignons communs aux isol��s sur les surfaces. Avant le lavage et la d��sinfection, 30,3% des champignons ont ��t�� isol��s sur les travailleurs et sur les surfaces et, apr��s ces proc��dures, 45,5% des champignons ont ��t�� isol��s fr��quemment. Les levures les plus souvent isol��es et les plus fr��quentes avant et apr��s le lavage et la d��sinfection des surfaces, et aussi dans les r��sultats d'��chantillons biologiques pr��lev��s sur les travailleurs, ��taient du genre Rhodotorula et les esp��ces de Candida parapsilosis, ce qui permet confirmer que l'infection fongique des travailleurs est li��e �� la contamination fongique des surfaces. On a conclu qu���il est n��cessaire l'intervention en Sant�� Occupationnelle sous la surveillance de l'environnement et sous la surveillance de la sant��, afin de r��duire la pr��valence des infections fongiques. Pour atteindre cet objectif, nous sugg��rons la mise en oeuvre de mesures pr��ventives, y compris: le contr��le de la contamination fongique des surfaces par des m��thodes de lavage et de d��sinfection afin de minimiser la contamination fongique des surfaces, l'identification pr��coce de l'infection avec des pr��l��vements biologiques p��riodiques, notamment un protocole pour la surveillance de la sant��, et aussi la conscience du sens de l'hygi��ne personnelle et le traitement des pathologies. La m��thode mise en place pour l�����tablissement d���un standard d���exposition professionnelle au fungi sur les surfaces, servira �� estimer non seulement le risque d'infection fongique des travailleurs dans les gymnases avec des piscines, mais aussi pour faciliter l'��tablissement de valeurs de r��f��rence de champignons, l'application des mesures correctives imm��diates et appropri��es, et aussi la pr��vention des infections fongiques, non seulement dans les gymnases avec piscine, mais aussi dans d'autres contextes professionnels.

Estudo da exposi����o profissional a formalde��do em laborat��rios hospitalares de anatomia patol��gica

RESUMO - A exposi����o a formalde��do �� reconhecidamente um dos mais importantes factores de risco presente nos laborat��rios hospitalares de anatomia patol��gica. Neste contexto ocupacional, o formalde��do �� utilizado em solu����o, designada comummente por formol. Trata-se de uma solu����o comercial de formalde��do, normalmente dilu��da a 10%, sendo pouco onerosa e, por esse motivo, a eleita para os trabalhos de rotina em anatomia patol��gica. A solu����o �� utilizada como fixador e conservante do material biol��gico, pelo que as pe��as anat��micas a serem processadas s��o previamente impregnadas. No que concerne aos efeitos para a sa��de do formalde��do, os efeitos locais parecem apresentar um papel mais importante comparativamente com os efeitos sist��micos, devido �� sua reactividade e r��pido metabolismo nas c��lulas da pele, tracto gastrointestinal e pulm��es. Da mesma forma, a localiza����o das les��es correspondem principalmente ��s zonas expostas ��s doses mais elevadas deste agente qu��mico, ou seja, o desenvolvimento dos efeitos t��xicos depender�� mais da intensidade da dose externa do que da dura����o da exposi����o. O efeito do formalde��do no organismo humano mais facilmente detect��vel �� a ac����o irritante, transit��ria e revers��vel sobre as mucosas dos olhos e aparelho respirat��rio superior (naso e orofaringe), o que acontece em geral para exposi����es frequentes e superiores a 1 ppm. Doses elevadas s��o citot��xicas e podem conduzir a degeneresc��ncia e necrose das mucosas e epit��lios. No que concerne aos efeitos cancer��genos, a primeira avalia����o efectuada pela International Agency for Research on Cancer data de 1981, actualizada em 1982, 1987, 1995 e 2004, considerando-o como um agente cancer��geno do grupo 2A (provavelmente carcinog��nico). No entanto, a mais recente avalia����o, em 2006, considera o formalde��do no Grupo 1 (agente carcinog��nico) com base na evid��ncia de que a exposi����o a este agente �� suscept��vel de causar cancro nasofar��ngeo em humanos. Constituiu objectivo principal deste estudo caracterizar a exposi����o profissional a formalde��do nos laborat��rios hospitalares de anatomia patol��gica Portugueses. Pretendeu-se, ainda, descrever os fen��menos ambientais da contamina����o ambiental por formalde��do e explorar eventuais associa����es entre vari��veis. Considerou-se uma amostra de 10 laborat��rios hospitalares de anatomia patol��gica, avaliada a exposi����o dos tr��s grupos profissionais por compara����o com os dois referenciais de exposi����o e, ainda, conhecidos os valores de concentra����o m��xima em 83 actividades. Foram aplicados simultaneamente dois m��todos distintos de avalia����o ambiental: um dos m��todos (M��todo 1) fez uso de um equipamento de leitura directa com o princ��pio de medi����o por Photo Ionization Detection, com uma l��mpada de 11,7 eV e, simultaneamente, realizou-se o registo da actividade. Este m��todo disponibilizou dados para o referencial de exposi����o da concentra����o m��xima; o outro m��todo (M��todo 2) traduziu-se na aplica����o do m��todo NIOSH 2541, implicando o uso de bombas de amostragem el��ctricas de baixo caudal e posterior processamento anal��tico das amostras por cromatografia gasosa. Este m��todo, por sua vez, facultou dados para o referencial de exposi����o da concentra����o m��dia ponderada. As estrat��gias de medi����o de cada um dos m��todos e a defini����o dos grupos de exposi����o existentes neste contexto ocupacional, designadamente os T��cnicos de Anatomia Patol��gica, os M��dicos Anatomo-Patologistas e os Auxiliares, foram poss��veis atrav��s da informa����o disponibilizada pelas t��cnicas de observa����o da actividade da an��lise (ergon��mica) do trabalho. Estudaram-se diversas vari��veis independentes, nomeadamente a temperatura ambiente e a humidade relativa, a solu����o de formalde��do utilizada, as condi����es de ventila����o existentes e o n��mero m��dio de pe��as processadas por dia em cada laborat��rio. Para a recolha de informa����o sobre estas vari��veis foi preenchida, durante a perman��ncia nos laborat��rios estudados, uma Grelha de Observa����o e Registo. Como vari��veis dependentes seleccionaram-se tr��s indicadores de contamina����o ambiental, designadamente o valor m��dio das concentra����es superiores a 0,3 ppm em cada laborat��rio, a Concentra����o M��dia Ponderada obtida para cada grupo de exposi����o e o ��ndice do Tempo de Regenera����o de cada laborat��rio. Os indicadores foram calculados e definidos atrav��s dos dados obtidos pelos dois m��todos de avalia����o ambiental aplicados. Baseada no delineado pela Universidade de Queensland, foi ainda aplicada uma metodologia de avalia����o do risco de cancro nasofar��ngeo nas 83 actividades estudadas de modo a definir n��veis semi-quantitativos de estima����o do risco. Para o n��vel de Gravidade considerou-se a informa����o dispon��vel em literatura cient��fica que define eventos biol��gicos adversos, relacionados com o modo de ac����o do agente qu��mico e os associa com concentra����es ambientais de formalde��do. Para o n��vel da Probabilidade utilizou-se a informa����o disponibilizada pela an��lise (ergon��mica) de trabalho que permitiu conhecer a frequ��ncia de realiza����o de cada uma das actividades estudadas. A aplica����o simult��nea dos dois m��todos de avalia����o ambiental resultou na obten����o de resultados distintos, mas n��o contradit��rios, no que concerne �� avalia����o da exposi����o profissional a formalde��do. Para as actividades estudadas (n=83) verificou-se que cerca de 93% dos valores s��o superiores ao valor limite de exposi����o definido para a concentra����o m��xima (VLE-CM=0,3 ppm). O ���exame macrosc��pico��� foi a actividade mais estudada e onde se verificou a maior preval��ncia de resultados superiores ao valor limite (92,8%). O valor m��dio mais elevado da concentra����o m��xima (2,04 ppm) verificou-se no grupo de exposi����o dos T��cnicos de Anatomia Patol��gica. No entanto, a maior amplitude de resultados observou-se no grupo dos M��dicos Anatomo-Patologistas (0,21 ppm a 5,02 ppm). No que respeita ao referencial da Concentra����o M��dia Ponderada, todos os valores obtidos nos 10 laborat��rios estudados para os tr��s grupos de exposi����o foram inferiores ao valor limite de exposi����o definido pela Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TLV-TWA=0,75 ppm). Verificou-se associa����o estatisticamente significativa entre o n��mero m��dio de pe��as processadas por laborat��rio e dois dos tr��s indicadores de contamina����o ambiental utilizados, designadamente o valor m��dio das concentra����es superiores a 0,3 ppm (p=0,009) e o ��ndice do Tempo de Regenera����o (p=0,001). Relativamente �� temperatura ambiente n��o se observou associa����o estatisticamente significativa com nenhum dos indicadores de contamina����o ambiental utilizados. A humidade relativa apresentou uma associa����o estatisticamente significativa apenas com o indicador de contamina����o ambiental da Concentra����o M��dia Ponderada de dois grupos de exposi����o, nomeadamente com os M��dicos Anatomo-Patologistas (p=0,02) e os T��cnicos de Anatomia Patol��gica (p=0,04). A aplica����o da metodologia de avalia����o do risco nas 83 actividades estudadas permitiu verificar que, em cerca de dois ter��os (35%), o risco foi classificado como (pelo menos) elevado e, ainda, constatar que 70% dos laborat��rios apresentou pelo menos 1 actividade com a classifica����o de risco elevado. Da aplica����o dos dois m��todos de avalia����o ambiental e das informa����es obtidas para os dois referenciais de exposi����o pode concluir-se que o referencial mais adequado �� a Concentra����o M��xima por estar associado ao modo de actua����o do agente qu��mico. Acresce, ainda, que um m��todo de avalia����o ambiental, como o M��todo 1, que permite o estudo das concentra����es de formalde��do e simultaneamente a realiza����o do registo da actividade, disponibiliza informa����es pertinentes para a interven����o preventiva da exposi����o por permitir identificar as actividades com a exposi����o mais elevada, bem como as vari��veis que a condicionam. As pe��as anat��micas apresentaram-se como a principal fonte de contamina����o ambiental por formalde��do neste contexto ocupacional. Aspecto de particular interesse, na medida que a actividade desenvolvida neste contexto ocupacional e, em particular na sala de entradas, �� centrada no processamento das pe��as anat��micas. Dado n��o se perspectivar a curto prazo a elimina����o do formalde��do, devido ao grande n��mero de actividades que envolvem ainda a utiliza����o da sua solu����o comercial (formol), pode concluir-se que a exposi����o a este agente neste contexto ocupacional espec��fico �� preocupante, carecendo de uma interven����o r��pida com o objectivo de minimizar a exposi����o e prevenir os potenciais efeitos para a sa��de dos trabalhadores expostos. ---------------- ABSTRACT - Exposure to formaldehyde is recognized as one of the most important risk factors present in anatomy and pathology laboratories from hospital settings. In this occupational setting, formaldehyde is used in solution, typically diluted to 10%, and is an inexpensive product. Because of that, is used in routine work in anatomy and pathology laboratories. The solution is applied as a fixative and preservative of biological material. Regarding formaldehyde health effects, local effects appear to have a more important role compared with systemic effects, due to his reactivity and rapid metabolism in skin, gastrointestinal tract and lungs cells. Likewise, lesions location correspond mainly to areas exposed to higher doses and toxic effects development depend more on external dose intensity than exposure duration. Human body formaldehyde effect more easily detectable is the irritating action, transient and reversible on eyes and upper respiratory tract (nasal and throat) membranes, which happen in general for frequent exposure to concentrations higher than 1 ppm. High doses are cytotoxic and can lead to degeneration, and also to mucous membranes and epithelia necrosis. With regard to carcinogenic effects, first assessment performed by International Agency for Research on Cancer in 1981, updated in 1982, 1987, 1995 and 2004, classified formaldehyde in Group 2A (probably carcinogenic). However, most recent evaluation in 2006, classifies formaldehyde carcinogenic (Group 1), based on evidence that exposure to this agent is likely to cause nasopharyngeal cancer in humans. This study principal objective was to characterize occupational exposure to formaldehyde in anatomy and pathology hospital laboratories, as well to describe formaldehyde environmental contamination phenomena and explore possible associations between variables. It was considered a sample of 10 hospital pathology laboratories, assessed exposure of three professional groups for comparison with two exposure metrics, and also knows ceiling concentrations in 83 activities. Were applied, simultaneously, two different environmental assessment methods: one method (Method 1) using direct reading equipment that perform measure by Photo Ionization Detection, with 11,7 eV lamps and, simultaneously, make activity description and film. This method provided data for ceiling concentrations for each activity study (TLV-C). In the other applied method (Method 2), air sampling and formaldehyde analysis were performed according to NIOSH method (2541). This method provided data average exposure concentration (TLV-TWA). Measuring and sampling strategies of each methods and exposure groups definition (Technicians, Pathologists and Assistants) was possible by information provided by activities (ergonomic) analysis. Several independent variables were studied, including temperature and relative humidity, formaldehyde solution used, ventilation conditions, and also anatomic pieces mean value processed per day in each laboratory. To register information about these variables was completed an Observation and Registration Grid. Three environmental contamination indicators were selected has dependent variables namely: mean value from concentrations exceeding 0,3 ppm in each laboratory, weighted average concentration obtained for each exposure group, as well each laboratory Time Regeneration Index. These indicators were calculated and determined through data obtained by the two environmental assessment methods. Based on Queensland University proposal, was also applied a methodology for assessing nasopharyngeal cancer risk in 83 activities studied in order to obtain risk levels (semi-quantitative estimation). For Severity level was considered available information in scientific literature that defines biological adverse events related to the chemical agent action mode, and associated with environment formaldehyde concentrations. For Probability level was used information provided by (ergonomic) work analysis that helped identifies activity frequency. Environmental assessment methods provide different results, but not contradictory, regarding formaldehyde occupational exposure evaluation. In the studied activities (n=83), about 93% of the values were above exposure limit value set for ceiling concentration in Portugal (VLE-CM = 0,3 ppm). "Macroscopic exam" was the most studied activity, and obtained the higher prevalence of results superior than 0,3 ppm (92,8%). The highest ceiling concentration mean value (2,04 ppm) was obtain in Technicians exposure group, but a result wider range was observed in Pathologists group (0,21 ppm to 5,02 ppm). Concerning Method 2, results from the three exposure groups, were all lower than limit value set by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TLV-TWA=0,75ppm). There was a statistically significant association between anatomic pieces mean value processed by each laboratory per day, and two of the three environmental contamination indicators used, namely average concentrations exceeding 0,3 ppm (p=0,009) and Time Regeneration Index (p=0,001). Temperature was not statistically associated with any environmental contamination used indicators. Relative humidity had a statistically significant association only with one environmental contamination indicator, namely weighted average concentration, particularly with Pathologists group (p=0,02) and Technicians group (p=0,04). Risk assessment performed in the 83 studied activities showed that around two thirds (35%) were classified as (at least) high, and also noted that 70% of laboratories had at least 1 activity with high risk rating. The two environmental assessment methods application, as well information obtained from two exposure metrics, allowed to conclude that most appropriate exposure metric is ceiling concentration, because is associated with formaldehyde action mode. Moreover, an environmental method, like Method 1, which allows study formaldehyde concentrations and relates them with activity, provides relevant information for preventive information, since identifies the activity with higher exposure, as well variables that promote exposure. Anatomic pieces represent formaldehyde contamination main source in this occupational setting, and this is of particular interest because all activities are focused on anatomic pieces processing. Since there is no prospect, in short term, for formaldehyde use elimination due to large number of activities that still involve solution use, it can be concluded that exposure to this agent, in this particular occupational setting, is preoccupant, requiring an rapid intervention in order to minimize exposure and prevent potential health effects in exposed workers.

Consumption Management of Air Conditioning Devices for the Participation in Demand Response Programs

Demand Response has been taking over the years an extreme importance. There���s a lot of demand response programs, one of them proposed in this paper, using air conditioners that could increase the power quality and decrease the spent money in many ways like: infrastructures and customers energy bill reduction. This paper proposes a method and a study on how air conditioners could integrate demand response programs. The proposed method has been modelled as an energy resources management optimization problem. This paper presents two case studies, the first one with all costumers participating and second one with some of costumers. The results obtained for both case studies have been analyzed.

Advantages of the rapid HIV-1 test in occupational accidents with potentially contaminated material among health workers

In occupational accidents involving health professionals handling potentially contaminated material, the decision to start or to continue prophylactic medication against infection by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has been based on the ELISA test applied to a blood sample from the source patient. In order to rationalize the prophylactic use of antiretroviral agents, a rapid serologic diagnostic test of HIV infection was tested by the enzymatic immunoabsorption method (SUDS HIV 1+2, MUREX��) and compared to conventional ELISA (Abbott HIV-1/ HIV-2 3rd Generation plus EIA��). A total of 592 cases of occupational accidents were recorded at the University Hospital of Ribeir��o Preto from July 1998 to April 1999. Of these, 109 were simultaneously evaluated by the rapid test and by ELISA HIV. The rapid test was positive in three cases and was confirmed by ELISA and in one the result was inconclusive and later found to be negative by ELISA. In the 106 accidents in which the rapid test was negative no prophylactic medication was instituted, with an estimated reduction in costs of US$ 2,889.35. In addition to this advantage, the good correlation of the rapid test with ELISA, the shorter duration of stress and the absence of exposure of the health worker to the adverse effects of antiretroviral agents suggest the adoption of this test in Programs of Attention to Accidents with Potentially Contaminated Material.

Defining risk acceptance criteria in occupational settings: A case study in the furniture industrial sector

The use of appropriate acceptance criteria in the risk assessment process for occupational accidents is an important issue but often overlooked in the literature, particularly when new risk assessment methods are proposed and discussed. In most cases, there is no information on how or by whom they were defined, or even how companies can adapt them to their own circumstances. Bearing this in mind, this study analysed the problem of the definition of risk acceptance criteria for occupational settings, defining the quantitative acceptance criteria for the specific case study of the Portuguese furniture industrial sector. The key steps to be considered in formulating acceptance criteria were analysed in the literature review. By applying the identified steps, the acceptance criteria for the furniture industrial sector were then defined. The Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) for the injury statistics of the industrial sector was identified as the maximum tolerable risk level. The acceptable threshold was defined by adjusting the CDF to the Occupational, Safety & Health (OSH) practitioners��� risk acceptance judgement. Adjustments of acceptance criteria to the companies��� safety cultures were exemplified by adjusting the Burr distribution parameters. An example of a risk matrix was also used to demonstrate the integration of the defined acceptance criteria into a risk metric. This work has provided substantial contributions to the issue of acceptance criteria for occupational accidents, which may be useful in overcoming the practical difficulties faced by authorities, companies and experts.