Assessment of exposure to cadmium, lead, manganese, and nickel in workers from foundries.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, biological exposure indicators were used to assess the exposure of workers to cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni) in nonferrous metal smelters. METHODS: A total of 273 male participants (178 exposed and 95 nonexposed control group), working in nonferrous metal foundries located in southern Brazil, were evaluated based on biological indicators, environmental levels, and different types of work performed by the participants. Blood Pb (BPb), urinary Cd (UCd), urinary Mn (UMn), and urinary Ni (UNi) levels were quantified by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman background correction. RESULTS: Significant differences between the exposed and nonexposed groups were observed for all of the analyzed elements. The average levels of BPb were higher than the recommended occupational exposure level. Relatively low concentrations were found for UCd, UMn, and UNi. CONCLUSIONS: Although metal production is an important segment of the Brazilian economy, information related to employee health in this sector is scarce. The environmental levels are determinant in occupational exposure in foundries. In companies where air levels of Pb, Cd, and Mn were above the established limits, the different types of activity did not represent an important influence on the biological levels found among workers. In situations with low air levels of these metals, the workers from the "melting" sector were actually more vulnerable.

Inflammatory Cytokines Contribute to Asbestos-Induced Injury of Mesothelial Cells.

BACKGROUND: Several diseases have been related to asbestos exposure, including the pleural tumor mesothelioma. The mechanism of pleural injury by asbestos fibers is not yet fully understood. The inflammatory response with release of mediators leading to a dysregulation of apoptosis may play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of asbestos-induced pleural disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by asbestos-exposed pleural mesothelial cells modify the injury induced by the asbestos. METHODS: Mouse pleural mesothelial cells (PMC) were exposed to crocidolite or chrysotile asbestos fibers (3.0 µg/cm(2)) for 4, 24, or 48 h and assessed for viability, necrosis and apoptosis, and the production of cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6 and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2). Cells exposed to fibers were also treated with antibodies anti-IL-1ß, anti-IL-6, anti- IL-1ß+anti-IL-6 or anti-MIP-2 or their irrelevant isotypes, and assessed for apoptosis and necrosis. Non-exposed cells and cells treated with wollastonite, an inert particle, were used as controls. RESULTS: Mesothelial cells exposed to either crocidolite or chrysotile underwent both apoptosis and necrosis and released cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6 and MIP-2. In the crocidolite group, apoptosis and the levels of all cytokines were higher than in the chrysotile group, at comparable concentrations. Neutralization of IL-1ß andIL-6, but not MIP-2, inhibited apoptosis and necrosis, especially in the cells exposed to crocidolite fibers. CONCLUSIONS: Both crocidolite and chrysotile asbestos fibers induced apoptosis and produced an acute inflammatory response characterized by elevated levels of IL-1ß, IL-6 and MIP-2 in cultured mouse PMC. IL-1ß and IL-6, but not MIP-2, were shown to contribute to asbestos-induced injury, especially in the crocidolite group.

Occupational exposure profile of Pb, Mn, and Cd in nonferrous Brazilian sanitary alloy foundries.

In addition to the primary components of alloys, approximately 5% of the formulation may contain other metals, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic, manganese (Mn), iron, phosphorus, and nickel. Workers in the foundries are exposed to several compounds; therefore, it is important to assess the levels of injury that may reflect an additive, synergistic, or antagonistic effect caused by these compounds. The mean values of the environmental evaluation of the facilities range from 16.65 to 40.31 µg m(-3) for Pb, 0.99 to 1.73 µg m(-3) for Cd, and 0.91 to 1.70 µg m(-3) for Mn. The mean values of the metal concentrations for furnace, mold, melting, and automatic melting activities range from 15.37 to 19.26 µg m(-3) for Pb, 7.07 to 9.14 µg m(-3) for Cd, and 8.83 to 16.00 µg m(-3) for Mn. Biological samples were divided into two groups: control (n = 38) and exposed (n = 45). The obtained data are3.41 ± 3.40 and 14.89 ± 7.82 µg dL(-1) for Pb, 0.90 ± 0.80 and 1.91 ± 1.90 µg g(-1) creatinine for Cd, and 0.51 ± 0.40 and 3.17 ± 1.93 µg g(-1) creatinine for Mn. Statistical analysis showed significant differences (p < 0.05). Positive linear correlations were established between metal concentrations in the air and the biological matrixes: Pb (r = 0.68; p < 0.001), Cd (r = 0.81; p = 0.17), and Mn (r = 0.12; p < 0.03). Regression analysis showed that professional activities can interfere with element exposure profiles in occupational settings. The analysis in the event of exposure to metals in these companies allowed investigating whether the simultaneous exposure leads to biological damage even if the levels of the compounds are within the exposure limits that are considered to be safe.

Evaluation of cellular alterations and inflammatory profile of mesothelial cells and/or neoplastic cells exposed to talc used for pleurodesis.

Introdution: To determine the role of Pleural Mesothelial Cells (PMC) and/or Neoplasic Cells (NC) in the initiation and regulation of acute inflammatory response after exposure to talc for evaluating inflammatory mediators and cellular alterations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PMC cultures, human lung (A549) and breast (MCF7) adenocarcinoma cells were divided in 5 groups: 100% PMC, 100% NC, 25% PMC + 75% NC, 50% of each type and 75% PMC + 25% NC. All groups were exposed to talc and measured IL-6, IL-1ß, IL-10, TNF-α, TNFRI, pH, LDH, apoptosis and necrosis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: One-way Anova. RESULTS: High IL-6, IL-1ß and TNFRI levels were found in PMC and NC exposed to talc. IL-6 was higher at the points of more confluence of PMC. The highest levels of IL-1ß and TNFRI were found in mixed cultures. In pure cultures TNFRI was higher in A549 followed by PMC and MCF7. LDH was higher in A549 than PMC. The lowest pH was found in 100% NC. All cell line exposed to talc reduced viability and increased necrosis. Apoptotic cells exposed to talc were higher in pure cultures of NC than in PMC. Mixed cultures of PMC and A549 showed lower levels of apoptosis in cultures with more NC. CONCLUSIONS: PMC after talc exposure participates in the inflammatory process contributing to production of molecular mediators, necessary for effective pleurodesis. Talc acted in NC causing higher rates of apoptosis, contributing in a modest way to tumoral decrease. Different types of tumor cells may respond differently to exposure to talc.

O Subsistema Integrado de Atenção à Saúde do Servidor (SIASS) na perspectiva de servidores públicos de Instituições Federais de Ensino Superior / The Brazilian Integrated Health Care Subsystem for Civil Servants (SIASS) from the perspective of federal government employees from Higher Education Institutions

Resumo Introdução: a criação do Subsistema Integrado de Atenção à Saúde do Servidor Público (SIASS) veio em resposta à necessidade de ações em saúde e segurança voltadas para os servidores públicos federais, área que carecia de definições e orientações. Objetivo: analisar a implementação de ações de segurança e saúde no trabalho (SST) no âmbito do SIASS, na perspectiva de servidores públicos federais com cargos técnicos na área de SST lotados em Instituições Federais de Ensino Superior (IFES). Métodos: estudo qualitativo com realização de pesquisa bibliográfica e aplicação de questionário online. Para a análise das respostas dos entrevistados, utilizamos a perspectiva fenomenológica. Resultados: segundo os participantes, o foco de atuação das unidades do SIASS está voltado para perícias médicas, com ausência de ações voltadas para assistência e prevenção. O funcionamento da política se depara com falta de recursos e de equipe técnica. Conclusão: a política materializa legalmente uma oportunidade para sanar as omissões históricas no campo da SST voltada ao serviço público. Porém, as unidades do subsistema não conseguem cumprir o objetivo de garantir o direito à saúde dos servidores. Há necessidade de melhorias e os servidores que já atuam em SST podem ser utilizados como protagonistas nesse processo.

Abstract Introduction: the Brazilian Integrated Health Care Subsystem for Civil Servants (SIASS) was created to meet the occupational safety and health (OSH) needs of federal government employees, area that lacked definitions and guidelines. Objective: to analyze the implementation of occupational safety and health actions within the SIASS, from the perspective of federal government employees with safety and health technical jobs in Higher Education Institutions. Method: qualitative study using literature search and online questionnaire. The respondents' statements were analyzed through a phenomenological approach. Results: according to the participants, the SIASS performance focus on medical examinations, lacking care and prevention actions. The policy lacks resources and technical staff. Conclusion: the policy legally materializes an opportunity to remedy the historical omission regarding OSH in public services. However, the subsystem units are unable to ensure the government employees' right to health. There is need for improvement, and the civil servants already working with OSH can play a key role in this process.

Síndrome de Sjögren: estudo clínico epidemiológico / Sjögren's syndrome: clinic epidemiologic study

Objetivo: identificar os aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos dos pacientes com síndrome de Sjögren (SS) no Serviço de Reumatologia da Fundação Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará (FSCMPA) e em um consultório particular na cidade de Belém-do-Pará. Método: estudo transversal por meio da análise de prontuários de 27 pacientes diagnosticados com síndrome de Sjögren, atendidos no Serviço de Reumatologia da FSCMPA e de um consultório particular especializado em reumatologia, no período de janeiro de 1999 a dezembro de 2008. Resultados: de todos os 27 pacientes, seis (22,2%) tinham diagnóstico de SS primária e 21(77,7%), secundária. Do total, 96,3% eram mulheres. A média de idade foi 60,4 anos (DP±14,3). Todos os pacientes haviam relatado sintomas oculares e 96,3%, sintomas orais, sendo que 81,1% haviam realizado o teste de Shirmer e Rosa Bengala e, desses, 95,3% foram positivos para ambos. Em 81,5% foi realizada a pesquisa de auto-anticorpos e, desses, 55% tinham anti-SSA/RO e anti-SSB/LA negativos. Artrite reumatóide foi a doença associada mais comum (51,8%). Artralgia/artrite foram as mais frequentes manifestações extraglandulares nas formas primárias (83,3% e 63,7%). As comorbidades mais encontradas foram a hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) (31,6%) e a osteoporose (31,6%). Conclusão: os principais achados clínico-epidemiológicos do estudo foram convergentes com o que tem sido reportado na literatura mundial, necessitando haver u?a maior aplicação e uniformização dos consensos diagnósticos, não só em trabalhos científicos, mas também na prática médica dos reumatologistas

Objective: to identify the clinical and epidemiological aspects of patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in the Reumatology Service of ?Fundação Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará? (FSCMPA) and a private practice in Belém of Pará city. Method: cross-sectional study through analysis of medical records of 27 patients diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome treated at the Rheumatology Service of FSCMPA and a private practice specializing in rheumatology, from January, 1999 through December, 2008. Results: of the 27 patients, six (22.2%) were diagnosed with primary SS and 21 (77.7%) secondary. Of the total, 96.3% were women. The mean age was 60.4 years (SD ± 14.3). All patients had ocular symptoms reported and 96.3% oral symptoms, so that, 81.1% had been tested for Shirmer and Rose Bengal, and of these, 95.3% were positive for both. At 81.5% was carried detecting autoantibodies, and of these, 55% had anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La negatives. Rheumatoid arthritis was the most common disease associated (51.8%). Arthralgia / arthritis were the most frequent extraglandular manifestations in primary forms (83.3% and 63.7%). The most frequent comorbidities were systemic arterial hypertension (31.6%) and osteoporosis (31.6%). Conclusion: the main clinical and epidemiological findings were convergent with what has been reported in the world literature, and that there needs to be greater uniformity of application of consensus diagnoses, not only in scientific work, but also in medical practice of rheumatologists.

Determinaçäo de cromo hexavalente no ambiente de trabalho de galvanoplastias e em fluido biológico de trabalhadores / Determination of hexavalent chromium in workplace of electroplating and in the biological fluid of workers

Avaliacäo ambiental, biológica e médica foram realizadas em 17 cromadores de 9 galvânicas do Estado de Säo Paulo, sendo cinco de cormo decorativo e quatro de cromo duro. O ar do ambiente de trabalho foi coletado individual e estacionariamente durante a semana de trabalho. Amostras de urina dos cromadores, foram coletadas no início e final do período de trabalho, encontrando-se uma correlaçäo entre cromo urinário final e cromo no ar de 0,5%. Usou-se a Absorçäo Atômica com Forno de Grafite GFAAS para determinar-se a concentraçäo de cromo no ar (Cr-ar) e cromo urinário (Cr-U). O cromo hexavalente Cr(VI) foi extraido dos filtros de membrana de PVC com porosidade 5µm con o tampäo ácido acético/acetado de sódio, com a complexaçäo do Cr(VI) feita por APDC. O complexo foi extraido com MIK. O limite de detecçäo foi de 1,1µg/L. O Cr-U foi analisado diretamente por GFAAS com o limite de detecçäo 0,50 µg/L utilizando-se como modificador de matríz, nitrato de magnésio hexahidratado. Sem o modificador de matriz o limite de detecçäo foi de 0,14µg/L. As concentraçöes de Cr(VI) no ar nas galvânicas de cromo decorativo variaram de 0,3 a 64,6µg/m3 e nas de cromo duro variaram de 4,1 a 72,8µg/m3, mostrando a inadequaçäode alguns sistemas de exaustäo. 60% dos cromadores das galvânicas de cromo duro tinham o septo nasal perfurado e todos os cromadores avaliados clinicamente tinham alteraçöes nas vias aéreas superiores. O Cr-Uf que é utilizado como indicador biológico para compostos solúveis de cromo hexavalente, em muitos casos seus valores deram menores que o Cr-Ui, necessitando-se de estudo mais aprofundados quanto a esses aspectos, para evitar que o trabalhador possa ser prejudicado com resultados nem sempre condizentes com a sua exposiçäo

Assessoria técnica a empresa F.A.M.E. S.A.-Fábrica de Aparelhos e Material Elétrico / Technical advise to F.A.M.E. S.A.-Fábrica de Aparelhos e Material Elétrico

Este trabalho tem por objetivo, determinar a concentraçäo de cromo e níquel no ambiente de trabalho e em fluído biológico (urina) dos trabalhadores, e avaliaçäo do sistema de exaustäo. Com base nas informaçöes obtidas, säo dadas medidas de controle com a finalidade de minimizar os riscos observados

Relatório de análise de dados das três rodadas realizadas para avaliaçäo ambiental de mercúrio na Indústria Química Eletrocloro S/A / Report on data analysis of three rounds for environmental assessment of mercury at the Indústria Química Eletrocloro S/A

Esta análise permite fazer uma avaliaçäo ambiental e determinar as áreas de riscos. Com base nas informaçöes obtidas säo dadas recomendaçöes, com a finalidade de eliminar ou minimizar os riscos observados