Worker's exposure to radiation in fluoroscopy, assessing and instruments: A systematic literature review.

This review aims to identify and analyze the instruments employed for assessing the overall performance of workers exposed to fluoroscopy during surgical procedures and/or interventional procedures, using the PRISMA methodology. The studies were located through searches conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Lilacs, ScienceDirect, B-ON, EBSCOhost, and EBSCO Discovery Service on March 27, 2023. Additional studies were identified using backward and forward citation techniques. The PEO strategic model was followed. The search spanned studies published between 2012 and 2022. The quality of the studies underwent assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. Out of the 23 studies identified, encompassing 3604 individuals, 12 (52%) addressed the reliability and/or validity of the instruments, while 3 (13%) focused on the development and psychometric testing of the instruments. Only 5 instruments (23%), validated and reliable, exclusively evaluated occupational radiological protection. The predominant dimension covered was knowledge (82%, n = 19). The population was assessed in 18 studies, pre- and post-intervention in 2 studies, and 21 studies provided recommendations or tools for improvement. Individuals in the studies utilized passive dosimeters (ranging from 5% to 98%), thyroid shields (15% to 98%), and aprons or lead skirts/coats (28% to 99%). The evidence quality was moderate (6/8). This study underscores the imperative to enhance compliance with protective and monitoring equipment. Furthermore, additional information is warranted concerning the validity and reliability of the instruments used, as well as the development of instruments that are both valid and reliable.

How can Environmental Health Practitioners contribute to ensure population safety and health during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the relevance of public health professionals all over the world, in particular Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs), who played a major role in the containment of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. However, as in past disasters, their involvement was oriented towards urgent tasks, and did not fully utilize EHPs' competences and skills. Additionally, due to limited resources, during emergencies EHPs may temporarily transition away from their day-to-day role, potentially increasing other public health and safety risk factors without appropriate surveillance or intervention. To overcome this and prepare for possible future pandemics, it is important to identify and discuss the key roles of EHPs in different countries, providing a common framework for practices that can contribute to population safety and health. To this end, an international workgroup was established to discuss current environmental health practices and challenges across different countries during the pandemic. Findings from discussions concluded that, despite the observed differences across the countries, EHPs are one of the main public health emergency preparedness and response actors. However, since resources are still lagging significantly behind need, we argue that the role of these professionals during pandemics should be focused on practices that have higher impact to support population health and safety.

Sound Exposure of Secondary School Music Students During Individual Study.

Music students can be exposed to high sound pressure levels (SPLs) during classes, which can result in hearing damage. However, individual study can also boost their exposure. This short presentation aims to describe the SPLs to which secondary school music students are exposed during individual study, as well as the circumstances in which practice is carried out. The study involved 16 young music students, aged 12-15 yrs old. SPLs were monitored during individual study at school and at the students' homes. Measurements were performed throughout rehearsals over a 3-week period. The results show that music students are exposed to high SPLs during the individual study, with potential for it to increase, depending on the type and features of the rooms used for practice. Students were not entirely aware of the health risks related to exposure to high SPLs during individual practice, and hearing protection was never used by them. These findings denote that hearing conservation programs targeting music students should also focus on the risks to which they are exposed during individual study in different settings.

Assessment and characterization of sound pressure levels in Portuguese neonatal intensive care units.

In the NICU, systematic exposure to sound-pressure above the recommended level can affect both neonates and staff. This study aimed to evaluate the sound pressure levels in three Portuguese NICUs and the noise perceptions of staff. The measurements were performed with a sound-level meter, considering the location of the main sources of noise and the layout of the units. A questionnaire was applied to assess noise perceptions of professionals. Among the staff, 41.1% classified the environment (regarding noise) as "slightly uncomfortable"; 48.4% considered it as "acceptable." The majority (55.5%) considered "equipment" the most annoying source of noise. The results showed that noise levels were excessive in all the evaluated areas of the NICUs, exceeding international guidelines, with levels ranging between 48.7 dBA to 71.7 dBA. Overall, there is a need for more research to verify the effectiveness of some actions and strategies to reduce the effect of noise in the NICU.

Sound Levels and Risk Perceptions of Music Students During Classes.

It is well recognized that professional musicians are at risk of hearing damage due to the exposure to high sound pressure levels during music playing. However, it is important to recognize that the musicians' exposure may start early in the course of their training as students in the classroom and at home. Studies regarding sound exposure of music students and their hearing disorders are scarce and do not take into account important influencing variables. Therefore, this study aimed to describe sound level exposures of music students at different music styles, classes, and according to the instrument played. Further, this investigation attempted to analyze the perceptions of students in relation to exposure to loud music and consequent health risks, as well as to characterize preventive behaviors. The results showed that music students are exposed to high sound levels in the course of their academic activity. This exposure is potentiated by practice outside the school and other external activities. Differences were found between music style, instruments, and classes. Tinnitus, hyperacusis, diplacusis, and sound distortion were reported by the students. However, students were not entirely aware of the health risks related to exposure to high sound pressure levels. These findings reflect the importance of starting intervention in relation to noise risk reduction at an early stage, when musicians are commencing their activity as students.

Significance of Biogenic Amines in Cold-Smoked Fish and Their Relation to Microbiological Characteristics of Products Available in Portuguese Retail Markets.

Studies on microbial characterization of cold-smoked salmon and salmon trout during cold storage were performed on samples available in the Portuguese market. Samples were also classified microbiologically according to guidelines for ready-to-eat (RTE) products. Further investigations on sample variability and microbial abilities to produce tyramine and histamine were also performed. The coefficient of variation for viable counts of different groups of microorganisms of samples collected at retail market point was high in the first 2 wk of storage, mainly in the Enterobacteriaceae group and aerobic plate count (APC), suggesting that microbiological characteristics of samples were different in numbers, even within the same batch from the same producer. This variation seemed to be decreased when storage and temperature were controlled under lab conditions. The numbers of Enterobacteriaceae were influenced by storage temperature, as indicated by low microbial numbers in samples from controlled refrigeration. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Enterobacteriaceae were predominant in commercial products, a significant percentage of which were tyramine and less histamine producers. These results might be influenced by (1) the technological processes in the early stages of production, (2) contamination during the smoking process, and (3) conditions and temperature fluctuations during cold storage at retail market point of sale.