Riesgos hacia los trabajadores y comunidad por liberaciones accidentales de gases densos peligrosos en la ciudad de Los Ángeles (Chile) / Risks to workers and the community for accidental releases of hazardous dense gases in Los Angeles city (Chile)

Se evaluaron riesgos hacia los trabajadores y comunidad por posibles liberaciones accidentales de gases densos peligrosos, desde fuentes de uso y almacenamiento, dentro del radio urbano de Los Ángeles (Chile). Se obtuvo información desde organizaciones públicas, privadas y por trabajo de campo para determinar la ubicación de las fuentes, especificaciones y cantidades de gases. Se consideraron comercializadoras de gases industriales e instalaciones de GLP con estanques mayores o iguales a 2 m³. Se aplicaron las metodologías de evaluación de riesgos de la NTP N° 937 del INSHT (España) y del Programa APELL del PNUMA Los gases identificados en las comercializadoras fueron Ar, CO2, N2O y C2H2. Del análisis utilizando la metodología NTP N° 937 se obtuvo, para los trabajadores evaluados en locales de venta de gases industriales, un nivel de riesgo a priori bajo y una prioridad de acción clase 3 y, en las instalaciones de GLP de distribución masiva, se obtuvo un riesgo moderado con prioridad de acción clase 2. El análisis con metodología APELL arroja que las instalaciones de gas licuado, frente a una fuga de gas, tendrían para la comunidad nivel de consecuencias limitadas, graves y muy graves en el 67, 29 y 3,8% de los casos, respectivamente.

Risks to workers and the community were evaluated for possible accidental releases of hazardous dense gases from sources use and storage, within the urban area in Los Angeles (Chile). Information was obtained from public and private organizations and the field-work to determine the location of the sources, specifications and quantities of gases. Gases trading industries and installations of LPG tanks greater than or equal to 2m³ were considered. Methodologies for risk assessment of the NTP N°937 INSHT (Spain) and UNEP APELL program were applied. The identified gases in the trading industries were Ar, CO2, N2O and C2H2. From the analysis which used the methodology NTP No. 937, for workers evaluated in stores selling industrial gases, a low priori risk level was obtained and a priority for action class 3. In the LPG installations of mass distribution, a moderate risk with priority action class 2 was obtained. The APELL methodology analysis reveals that the liquefied gas installations, in case of gas leaking, would have limited, serious and very serious consequences for the community in 67%, 29% and 3,8% of cases respectively.

Contamination index. A novel parameter for metal and pesticide analyses in maternal blood and umbilical cord

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To evaluate the contamination index of metals and pesticides in pregnant women, and to relate this to perinatal outcomes. METHODS: Descriptive, retrospective, exploratory study, developed from existing secondary data analyses at Level III maternity center. A total of 40 mothers with their newborns (NB), living in a rural area in Botucatu- Brazil and surrounding region. Blood samples from mothers and newborn were collected to determine the total contamination index for metals and pesticides. The concentrations of each metal and each pesticide were determined in blood samples of mothers and their newborns by Rudge's results. After obtaining these concentrations, the total contamination index in mother and NB was calculated, along with its correlation with clinical parameters of NB. RESULTS: There was no correlation (p> 0.05) between maternal contamination index with NB clinical parameters, and NB contamination index versus NB clinical parameters. CONCLUSION: The maternal contamination index of metals and pesticides was not related to perinatal outcomes, but it could be used as baseline parameter in future toxicological studies, regarding to long-term toxic characteristics as persistent organic pollutants, its long half-lives, bioacumulative, and expected to impose serious health effects on humans.

Elemental composition of muscle tissue of wild animals from central region of Poland

In the paper, the contents of calcium [Ca], magnesium [Mg], zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], iron [Fe], manganese [Mn], chromium [Cr], lead [Pb], cadmium [Cd], aluminium [Al], and nickel [Ni] were determined in the meat of roe deers, wild boars, and hares coming from central region of Poland. Measurements were carried out using atomic absorption spectrometry. The ranges of median values found for the concentration of elements were as follows: 89 - 121 [Ca], 235 - 241 [Mg], 19.2 - 28.6 [Zn], 0.93 - 2.07 [Cu], 26.3 - 39.1 [Fe], 0.10 - 0.38 [Mn], 0.04 - 0.31 [Cr], 0.07 - 0.48 [Pb], 0.004 - 0.010 [Cd], 0.31 - 1.26 [Al], and 0.05 - 0.13 [Ni] ig/g, respectively. We stated that the concentrations of Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, and Mn were comparable to their amounts in meat of farm animals. The smallest amounts of hazardous elements, except for Al, were determined in meat of hares, and the highest ones in roe deer meat. Moreover, a large variability in Cr, Pb, and Ni content was found. Generally, there were no significant correlations between the concentration of elements in the meat of wild animals and their age and weight, but some statistically significant and strong correlations between concentrations of elements were stated. Moreover, significant positive correlations were found to exist for the content of Fe and Mn in muscle tissue and liver of hares

[Evaluation of chlorine dispersion from storage unit in a petrochemical complex to providing an emergency response program]

Chlorine gas is a dangerous material that is used in chemical industries. In spite of the attempts for chlorine gas release control, sudden releases still occur in the related installations. Not taking proper emergency measures after chlorine gas dispersion may result in serious harm to health of the personnel and the people residing around the industrial area. The present study considers chlorine gas dispersion scenarios, determines emergency levels and presents an optimized pattern for more effective and faster response with the least required measures for emergency conditions control. In the present paper by using Hazard and Operability Study [HAZOP] and risk matrix the possible scenarios of chlorine gas dispersion in storage tanks unit of a petrochemical complex were considered. Then the intervals of these scenarios were determined with a view to Emergency Response Planning Guideline 1-2-3. With a view to the intensity of pollution extension and the population exposed to risk the scenarios were classified in the four emergency levels defined by Center for Chemical Process Safety [CCPS]. Finally for each class of scenarios with a view to the related emergency level an optimum pattern of response plan in emergency conditions was presented. On the basis of the results of this study, chlorine gas dispersion scenario of the catastrophic explosions of the tank and scrubber system failure in the summer was classified in emergency level 4, in the winter in emergency 3, chlorine gas dispersion due to chlorine lines rupture in the summer and winter in emergency level 3 and chlorine gas dispersion due to leakage of flanges and gaskets in emergency level 2 according to emergency levels of CCPS. The results of this study showed that systematic process risks analysis by use of risks recognition methods such as HZAOP and consequence analysis may have an effective role in recognition of the possible major events. Also by classification of release scenarios in CCPS emergency levels, we can select the best pattern for emergency conditions managements

Comparación de los niveles de contaminación por humo de tabaco ambiental en lugares de trabajo en 4 ciudades de Venezuela / Comparison of environmental tobacco smoke, indoor pollution levels in workplaces in 4 cities in Venezuela

Es bien sabido que el Humo de Tabaco Ambiental (HTA) es un contaminante del aire sumamente peligroso. Este humo contiene alrededor de 4.800 componentes químicos, de los cuales 69 son carcinógenos y muchos otros son irritantes, tóxicos y mutagénicos. Por esta razón Venezuela se ha unido a la lucha mundial contra este enemigo de la salud y para sustentarla se realizó en nuestro país en el año 2006 un estudio de los niveles de contaminación causada por HTA. Con esto se logró comparar la calidad de aire en ambientes cerrados sin prohibición para fumar, o con prohibición parcial (división de área para fumadores y no fumadores), como por ejemplo bares, restaurantes, casinos y transporte; con ambientes con prohibi-ción total para fumar, como universidades y hospitales. Este estudio se realizó midiendo en tiempo real la concentración (µg/m3) de partículas respirables con un diámetro menos a 2,5 µm (PM2.5), estas partículas son liberadas en grandes cantidades por cigarrillos encendidos y están relacionadas con los efectos adversos a la salud que produce el cigarrillo. Se determinó que en los ambientes con prohibición total los niveles de contaminación son 92% más bajos que los ambientes sin prohibición o con una prohibición parcial. Este resultado da a nuestro país el soporte científico para la implementación de políticas Ambientes Libres de Humo de Tabaco, que garanticen a la población un ambiente inocuo.

It is well known that secondhand smoke (SHS) is the main source of pollution in enclosed places to the people, such as: workplaces, public places, public transportation facilities, communities and home. This pollutant contains 4800 chemicals, 69 of which are carcinogens. In addition, many of these substances are toxic, poisonous and mutagenic to the human body. For this reason Venezuela has united to the worldwide fighting against this health hazard. In 2006 our country carried out a study evaluating the pollution levels caused by SHS. In this study was possible to compare air quality in partial or smoking places such as bars, restaurants and in public transport against nonsmoking places such as hospitals and universities. The study was done measuring concentrations (µg/m³) of breathable particles with a diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) in realtime, which are release by a lighted cigarette. Based on the measures taken, it was possible to determine that in free smoke places the pollution levels are 92% lower compare to smoking places. This result gives to our country the scientific support to establish policies for environments smokefree that warranty the public from the adverse health effects of passive smoking in public places.

Waste explosives and other hazardous materials--hazard potential and remedial measures: an overview.

A large amount of energetic materials including propellants, high explosives, pyrotechnics are subjected to disposal either due to expiry of their useful life or rejection in the manufacturing process. The environmental regulations do not allow the hazardous materials for open burning / detonation in view of the health hazard involved in these operations. The present paper describes the hazard potential of energetic materials and associated hazardous chemicals. It also deals with global technological status for remedial measures of hazardous chemicals along with their merits and demerits.

Los tóxicos ambientales y su impacto en la salud de los niños / The toxic environmental and its impact in the health of the children

La relación entre los seres humanos y el ambiente ha variado desde los tiempos remotos hasta la actualidad, y se ha hecho crítica a partir de la segunda mitad del siglo XX. La niñez es el grupo más vulnerable, a causa de su inmadurez anatomofisiológica y su dependencia psicosocial. La contaminación del aire y del agua, las emisiones químicas, el agotamiento del ozono y las consecuencias del cambio climático son los principales problemas relacionados con la salud. Los pediatras deben estar plenamente informados al respecto, puesto que los niños tienen una especial sensibilidad, vulnerabilidad y, en algunos casos, una oportuna capacidad de recuperación ante la acción de diferentes tóxicos ambientales. Nos propusimos revisar en diferentes bases de datos los planteamientos más recientes sobre los efectos de diferentes contaminantes ambientales que amenazan la salud y el desarrollo futuro de los niños.

The relationship between human beings and the environment has changed from ancient times to the present, being more critical since the second half of the 20th century. Children are the most vulnerable group due to their anatomic and physiological immaturity and psychosocial dependence. Air and water pollution, chemical emissions, ozone depletion and the consequences of climate change are the main problems related to it. Pediatricians should be duly informed about it because children have special sensitivity, vulnerability and, in some cases, timely recovery capability in the face of the action by different environmental toxics. We intended to review in a number of databases the most recent statements on the effects of various environmental pollutants that threaten health and future development of children.

Quantificação dos resíduos potencialmente infectantes presentes nos resíduos sólidos urbanos da regional sul de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Gravimetric characterization of potentially infectious material in urban solid waste in southern Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

O objetivo da pesquisa foi o de conhecer a parcela de resíduos potencialmente infectantes ­ aqueles contendo fezes, urina, sangue e fluidos corpóreos ­ de origem domiciliar, presentes nos resíduos sólidos urbanos. Em agosto e setembro de 2002, os resíduos da região Sul de Belo Horizonte foram coletados e levados ao Centro de Tratamento e Disposição Final de Resíduos Sólidos da BR 040, para segregação e quantificação. Os "perfurocortantes" contribuíram com 0,02±0,02 por cento dos resíduos coletados e a presença dos "não-perfurocortantes" foi de 5,47±1,11 por cento. Na categoria "perfurocortante", os aparelhos de barbear predominaram (0,01±0,01 por cento), enquanto que na categoria "não-perfurocortante" as maiores frações foram de papel higiênico (3,00±0,90 por cento), fraldas descartáveis (2,21±1,08 por cento) e absorventes higiênicos (0,22±0,12 por cento). Os resíduos infectantes de origem domiciliar corresponderam ao dobro da fração total (infectante e comum) dos resíduos de unidades de serviços de saúde. A discussão foi feita sob a égide dos perigos à saúde e segurança dos trabalhadores da coleta formal (garis) e informal (catadores de rua e lixões).

Risk assessment of heavy metal pollution in Jacarepaguá coastal lagoon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The purpose of this work is to present risk estimation as an alternative procedure in environmental pollution assessments. The study addresses heavy metal pollution in the coastal lagoon of Jacarepaguß. The results demonstrate that both local human populations and ecological communities are not subjected to undue risks caused by heavy metal exposures in that water body. A procedure to calculate numeric water quality criteria for toxic substances is discussed and the obtained results are compared to Brazilian legal standards.

Factores embriotóxicos tempranos como posible mecanismo de infertilidad en pacientes con aborto habitual y esterilidad sin causa aparente / Embryologic toxic factors as infertility cause in patients habitual abortions with sterility without apparent cause

El objetivo del presente estudio es identificar la presencia de factores embriotóxicos tempranos como causa de infertilidad. Se estudia 15 sueros de pacientes divididos en dos grupos: de abortos habituales y con esterilidad sin causa aparente. Se realizó cultivo de embriones preimplantacionales de ratón que permite identificar en el suero de mujeres agentes embriotóxicos y mutagénicos incompatibles con el desarrollo embrionario.

Manual de toxicologia do refino de petróleo / Toxicology of petroleum refining handbook

A indústria do petróleo caracteriza-se pela multiplicidade de exposiçöes potenciais a agentes tóxicos e, por causa disso, encontra-se em desenvolvimento o Programa de Toxicologia Industrial, previsto na Política de Saúde Ocupacional da PETROBRAS. Deste manual, que muito contribuirá para o desenvolvimento de açöes de proteçäo da saúde contra os riscos químicos nas refinarias, constam os conceitos básicos de Toxicologia necessários à compreensäo do assunto e a aplicaçäo prática das informaçöes sobre extensa relaçäo de substâncias relacionadas ao refino de petroleo