Effect of acute exposure to settleable atmospheric particulate matter emitted by the steel industry on hematology and innate immunity of fat snook (Centropomus parallelus).

The steel industry is a significant worldwide source of atmospheric particulate matter (PM). Part of PM may settle (SePM) and deposit metal/metalloid and metallic nanoparticles in aquatic ecosystems. However, such an air-to-water cross-contamination is not observed by most monitoring agencies. The region of Vitoria City is the main location of iron processing for exports in Brazil, and it has rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas affected by SePM. We have evaluated the effects of SePM on a local representative fish species, the fat snook, Centropomus parallelus. After acclimation, 48 fishes (61.67 ± 27.83 g) were individually exposed for 96 h to diverse levels of SePM (0.0, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 g/L-1). The presence of metals in the blood and several blood biomarkers were analyzed to evaluate the impact of SePM on stress signaling, blood oxygen transport capacity, and innate immune activity. Metal bioaccumulation was measured from blood in two separately analyzed compartments: intracellular (erythrocytes plus white blood cells) and extracellular (plasma). The major metals present at all contamination levels in both compartments were Fe and Zn, followed by Al and Cu, plus traces of 'Emerging metals': Ba, Ce, La, Rb, Se, Sr, and Ti. Emerging metals refer to those that have recently been identified in water as contaminants, encompassing rare earth elements and critical technology elements, as documented in previous studies (See REEs and TCEs in Cobelo-García et al., 2015; Batley et al., 2022). Multivariate analysis revealed that SePM had strong, dose-dependent correlations with all biomarker groups and indicated that blood oxygen-carrying capacity had the highest contamination responsiveness. Metal contamination also increased cortisol and blood glucose levels, attesting to increased stress signaling, and had a negative effect on innate immune activity. Knowledge of the risks related to SePM contamination remains rudimentary. However, the fact that there was metal bioaccumulation, causing impairment of fundamental physiological and cellular processes in this ecologically relevant fish species, consumed by the local human population, highlights the pressing need for further monitoring and eventual control of SePM contamination.

Artisanal mining of monazite and cassiterite in the Amazon: Potential risks of rare earth elements for the environment and human health.

Artisanal mining is intensely carried out in developing countries, including Brazil and especially in the Amazon. This method of mineral exploration generally does not employ mitigation techniques for potential damages and can lead to various environmental problems and risks to human health. The objectives of this study were to quantify the concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) and estimate the environmental and human health risks in cassiterite and monazite artisanal mining areas in the southeastern Amazon, as well as to understand the dynamics of this risk over time after exploitation. A total of 35 samples of wastes classified as overburden and tailings in active areas, as well as in areas deactivated for one and ten years were collected. Samples were also collected in a forest area considered as a reference site. The concentrations of REEs were quantified using alkaline fusion and ICP-MS. The results were used to calculate pollution indices and environmental and human health risks. REEs showed higher concentrations in anthropized areas. Pollution and environmental risk levels were higher in areas deactivated for one year, with considerable contamination factors for Gd and Sm and significant to extreme enrichment factors for Sc. Human health risks were low (< 1) in all studied areas. The results indicate that artisanal mining of cassiterite and monazite has the potential to promote contamination and enrichment by REEs.

Afectación en nariz o garganta en población del área de influencia de una obra de infraestructura vial en la Comuna 14 de Medellín, Colombia / Irritation of the nose or throat in the population of the area of influence of a road infrastructure project in Comuna 14 in Medellín, Colombia / Afetação no nariz ou na garganta da população na área de influência de um projeto de infraestrutura rodoviária na Comuna 14 de Medellín, Colômbia

Resumen Objetivo: identificar condiciones sociodemográficas, ambientales, de vivienda y entorno, relacionadas con afectación en nariz o garganta de población que habitaba el área de influencia de una obra de infraestructura vial urbana. Medellín, Colombia, 2017. Metodología: estudio transversal, con fuente primaria de información. Se aplicó encuesta asistida a 170 adultos, en viviendas seleccionadas mediante muestreo tipo bola de nieve, que habitaran en un perímetro hasta de 1,5 kilómetros del centro de la obra, que aceptaran participar y firmaran el consentimiento informado. Análisis: exploratorios cualitativos y cuantitativos. Cálculo de Razones de prevalencias (RP) y estadístico Chi2 de asociación. Proyecto aprobado por el Comité Institucional de Ética en Humanos de la Universidad CES. Resultados: la prevalencia de afectación en nariz y/o garganta fue del 35,88 %. Se identificó asociación (p<0,05) entre esta afectación, tener menor edad, y ser hombre (RP=0,50. IC=0,29; 0,84). También se asoció a mayor prevalencia de esta afectación, tener mala percepción de calidad del aire durante la obra, realizar actividad física al aire libre, tener hábito tabáquico y una mayor cercanía de la vivienda con la obra. Conclusiones: esta obra de infraestructura vial tuvo una repercusión negativa en la percepción de salud física de los habitantes de su área de influencia, sería necesaria la implementación de estrategias incidir positivamente en la salud pública.

Abstract Objective: To identify sociodemographic, environmental, housing and environmental conditions related to nose or throat involvement of the population that lived in the area of influence of an urban road infrastructure project in Medellín, Colombia, 2017. Methodology: Cross-sectional study, with primary source of information. An assisted survey was applied to 170 adults, in homes selected through snowball sampling, who lived in a perimeter of up to 1.5 kilometers from the center of the work and who agreed to participate and signed informed consent. Analysis: qualitative and quantitative exploratory. Prevalence ratio (PR) calculation and Chi2 statistic association. Project approved by the Institutional Committee for Human Ethics of Universidad CES. Results: Prevalence of irritation of nose and/or throat was of 35.88%. An association (p<0.05) was identified between this condition, being younger, and being male (RP=0.50, CI=0.29; 0.84). Higher prevalence of this condition was also associated with having poor perception of air quality during the construction work, doing physical activity outdoors, having a smoking habit, and the proximity of the home to the construction site. Conclusions: This road infrastructure project had a negative impact on the perception of physical health of the inhabitants of this area of influence. The implementation of strategies to positively impact public health would be necessary.

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar condições sócio-demográficas, ambientais, habitacionais e do ambiente, relacionadas com afetação no nariz ou na garganta da população que habitava na área de influência de um projeto de infraestrutura de estradas urbanas. Medellín, Colômbia, 2017. Metodologia: Estudo transversal, com fonte primária de informação. Uma pesquisa assistida foi aplicada a 170 adultos, em domicílios selecionados por amostragem de tipo de bolas de neve, que residiam em um perímetro de até 1,5 km do centro da obra, que concordaram em participar e assinaram o termo de consentimento informado. Análise: qualitativa e quantitativa exploratória. Cálculo da razão de prevalência (RP) e estatística de associação de Chi2. Projeto aprovado pelo Comitê Institucional de Ética Humana da Universidade CES. Resultados: Prevalência de afetação no nariz ou na garganta de 35,88%. Foi identificada uma associação (p<0,05) entre a variável estudada, ser mais jovem e ser homem (RP=0,50. IC=0,29; 0,84). Também foram associados à maior afetação no nariz ou na garganta, ter uma baixa percepção da qualidade do ar durante o trabalho, fazer atividade física ao ar livre, tabagismo e proximidade da casa com o trabalho. Conclusões: Este trabalho de infraestrutura viária teve um impacto negativo na percepção de saúde dos habitantes de sua área de influência; será necessária a implementação de estratégias para impactar positivamente a Saúde Pública.

Anamnesis ambiental como parte de la consulta pediátrica: estudio piloto / Environmental history-taking as part of pediatric consultations: a pilot study

Introducción. La salud ambiental infantil es la rama de la pediatría que estudia la influencia del medioambiente en la salud y la enfermedad de los niños. Las exposiciones ambientales globales representan una seria amenaza para la salud, lo que justifica una mayor investigación y acción. Objetivo. Evaluar la salud ambiental de una muestra de niños que viven en áreas urbanas y rurales de la ciudad de Uruguaiana, Brasil. Población y métodos. Se incluyeron padres/tutores (n = 714) de niños atendidos en el Policlínico Infantil de la Ciudad de Uruguaiana de enero a octubre de 2021, que respondieron la anamnesis ambiental en pediatría (Sociedad Brasileña de Pediatría). Los datos obtenidos se analizaron según la residencia en zona urbana o rural, o el ingreso familiar. Resultados. Al comparar los habitantes de la zona urbana (n = 660) con los de la zona rural (n = 54), verificamos que entre los de la zona rural fue significativamente mayor la actividad con productos químicos (15 % vs. 32,7 %; p = 0,004), vivir cerca de plantación (7,5 % vs. 74,5 %; p <0,001) o con fuente de contaminación (4,8 % vs. 32,7 %; p <0,001), tener perro (62 % vs. 87,3 %; p <0,001), usar plaguicidas (0,6 % vs. 32,7 %; p <0,001) y exposición a contaminación química (2,6 % vs. 18,2 %; p <0,001). En el área urbana predominó la exposición al tránsito de vehículos cerca de la vivienda (85 % vs. 48,1 %; p <0,001), renta media inferior a 3 salarios mínimos (90 %) y baja escolaridad. Conclusión. Realizar la anamnesis ambiental es fundamental para la detección de amenazas ambientales presentes en los lugares donde los niños y adolescentes viven, aprenden, juegan y estudian.

Introduction. Children's environmental health studies the influence of the environment on health and disease in children. Global environmental exposures pose a serious threat to health, warranting further research and action. Objective. To assess the environmental health of a sample of children living in urban and rural areas in Uruguaiana, Brazil. Population and methods. We included parents/legal guardians (n = 714) of children seen at Policlinica Infantil de Uruguaiana between January and October 2021, who completed the environmental history- taking in pediatrics (Brazilian Society of Pediatrics). Collected data were analyzed based on place of residence (urban or rural) or household income. Results. The comparison between inhabitants of the urban area (n = 660) and the rural area (n = 54) established that, among those living in the rural area, activity with chemical substances (15% versus 32.7%; p = 0.004), living near a plantation (7.5% versus 74.5%; p < 0.001) or near a source of contamination (4.8% versus 32.7%; p < 0.001), having a dog (62% versus 87.3%; p < 0.001), using pesticides (0.6% versus 32.7%; p < 0.001), and exposure to chemical contamination (2.6% versus 18.2%; p < 0.001) were significantly higher. In the urban area, exposure to vehicle traffic near the house (85% versus 48.1%; p < 0.001), an average income below 3 minimum wages (90%), and a low level of education predominated. Conclusion. Environmental history-taking is critical for the detection of environmental threats present in the areas where children and adolescents live, learn, play, and study

Environmental history-taking as part of pediatric consultations: a pilot study. / Anamnesis ambiental como parte de la consulta pediátrica: estudio piloto.

Introduction. Children's environmental health studies the influence of the environment on health and disease in children. Global environmental exposures pose a serious threat to health, warranting further research and action. Objective. To assess the environmental health of a sample of children living in urban and rural areas in Uruguaiana, Brazil. Population and methods. We included parents/legal guardians (n = 714) of children seen at Policlinica Infantil de Uruguaiana between January and October 2021, who completed the environmental historytaking in pediatrics (Brazilian Society of Pediatrics). Collected data were analyzed based on place of residence (urban or rural) or household income. Results. The comparison between inhabitants of the urban area (n = 660) and the rural area (n = 54) established that, among those living in the rural area, activity with chemical substances (15% versus 32.7%; p = 0.004), living near a plantation (7.5% versus 74.5%; p < 0.001) or near a source of contamination (4.8% versus 32.7%; p < 0.001), having a dog (62% versus 87.3%; p < 0.001), using pesticides (0.6% versus 32.7%; p < 0.001), and exposure to chemical contamination (2.6% versus 18.2%; p < 0.001) were significantly higher. In the urban area, exposure to vehicle traffic near the house (85% versus 48.1%; p < 0.001), an average income below 3 minimum wages (90%), and a low level of education predominated. Conclusion. Environmental history-taking is critical for the detection of environmental threats present in the areas where children and adolescents live, learn, play, and study.

Introducción. La salud ambiental infantil es la rama de la pediatría que estudia la influencia del medioambiente en la salud y la enfermedad de los niños. Las exposiciones ambientales globales representan una seria amenaza para la salud, lo que justifica una mayor investigación y acción. Objetivo. Evaluar la salud ambiental de una muestra de niños que viven en áreas urbanas y rurales de la ciudad de Uruguaiana, Brasil. Población y métodos. Se incluyeron padres/tutores (n = 714) de niños atendidos en el Policlínico Infantil de la Ciudad de Uruguaiana de enero a octubre de 2021, que respondieron la anamnesis ambiental en pediatría (Sociedad Brasileña de Pediatría). Los datos obtenidos se analizaron según la residencia en zona urbana o rural, o el ingreso familiar. Resultados. Al comparar los habitantes de la zona urbana (n = 660) con los de la zona rural (n = 54), verificamos que entre los de la zona rural fue significativamente mayor la actividad con productos químicos (15 % vs. 32,7 %; p = 0,004), vivir cerca de plantación (7,5 % vs. 74,5 %; p <0,001) o con fuente de contaminación (4,8 % vs. 32,7 %; p <0,001), tener perro (62 % vs. 87,3 %; p <0,001), usar plaguicidas (0,6 % vs. 32,7 %; p <0,001) y exposición a contaminación química (2,6 % vs. 18,2 %; p <0,001). En el área urbana predominó la exposición al tránsito de vehículos cerca de la vivienda (85 % vs. 48,1 %; p <0,001), renta media inferior a 3 salarios mínimos (90 %) y baja escolaridad. Conclusión. Realizar la anamnesis ambiental es fundamental para la detección de amenazas ambientales presentes en los lugares donde los niños y adolescentes viven, aprenden, juegan y estudian.

[Playful Learning: a tool for Environmental Education]. / Aprendizaje a través de estrategias lúdicas: una herramienta para la Educación Ambiental.

Introduction: Playful learning for environmental education represents a participatory pedagogical mediation that considers the socio-environmental realities in which persons are immersed. Objective: To promote environmental education, through playful, participatory, and flexible methods, to prevent pesticide exposure. Methodology: Using geographic information systems, the distances between schools and bananas plantations were calculated. A playful and constructivism methodology was designed for primary school students (6 - 8.5 years), and their legal guardians. Subsequently, 148 workshops were developed in 37 rural Costa Rican schools, in which 2757 children and 387 adults participated. Results: Thirty-eight percent (38 %) (n=14) of the schools were located at less than 100 meters from banana plantations. Playful communication generated a participatory environment, in which local needs were identified and collective knowledge was built about the effects of pesticide exposure on the environment and human health. Participants were able to identify the main preventive actions to reduce pesticide exposure. Conclusions: Playful, participatory, and flexible methodologies in environmental education facilitate the process of sensitizing first cycle primary school students and their parents from rural communities about the risks of exposure to pesticides. The methodology used can be easily adapted for application in other environmental science studies.

Genética de las fisuras labiopalatinas: una visión general de los factores de riesgo genéticos y ambientales / Genetics of Cleft Lip and Palate: An Overview of Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors / Genética de fissura labial e palatina: urna visão geral de atores de risco genético e ambiental

Resumen: las fisuras labiopalatinas son malformaciones congénitas del sistema estomatognático, se presentan por alteración de las estructuras anatómicas del cráneo, la cara y la cavidad bucal, debido a una falla en la fusión de tejidos en la embriogénesis; las malformaciones pueden ser del labio, el paladar duro, el velo del paladar, la mucosa palatina y en algunos casos de la cavidad nasal; por lo demás, afectan las estructuras que participan en las funciones del lenguaje, el habla y la audición. Objetivo: Identificar los factores genéticos y ambientales asociados a las fisuras labiopalatinas. Metodología: la revisión bibliográfica se realizó en bases de datos académicas PubMed, LILACS, OVID-MEDLINE usando lenguaje normalizado con términos DECS-LILACS: exposición a riesgos ambientales, fisura del paladar, labio leporino, genética, medicina de precisión y síndrome; se aplicaron filtros de búsqueda propios de las bases de datos, tipos de textos científicos e información relevante para la investigación. De acuerdo con los resultados de la búsqueda bibliográfica se encontró que la etiología de las fisuras es multifactorial y se asocia a factores genéticos y ambientales. La identificación de diversos genes relacionados con estas malformaciones ha permitido reconocer oportunamente cuándo una fisura es sindrómica o no sindrómica, lo que lleva a entender la interacción gen por gen, a identificar variantes funcionales y a comprender su importancia etiológica. Conclusiones: el estudio y el conocimiento acerca de los mecanismos moleculares que se encuentran involucrados en la formación de las fisuras labiopalatinas ha tomado fuerza gracias al entendimiento del genoma humano y al desarrollo de herramientas modernas de biología molecular que permiten identificar gran cantidad de datos de secuencia, haciendo que los genes candidatos aumenten constantemente. Esto permitirá un manejo oportuno de la enfermedad, la identificación del riesgo de ocurrencia y un tratamiento especializado mediante la medicina de precisión.

Abstract: cleft lip and palate are congenital malformations of the stomatognathic system; they occur due to an alteration of the anatomical structures of the skull, face and oral cavity, due to a failure in the fusion of tissues in embryogenesis; malformations can be of the lip, hard palate, soft palate, palatal mucosa, and in some cases of the nasal cavity; moreover, they affect the structures involved in the functions of language, speech, and hearing. Objective: To identify the genetic and environmental factors associated with cleft lip and palate. Methodology: the bibliographic review was carried out in PubMed, LILACS, OVID-MEDLINE academic databases using standardized language with decs-lilacs terms: exposure to environmental risks, cleft palate, cleft lip, genetics, precision medicine and syndrome; Search filters of the databases, types of scientific texts and information relevant to the research were applied. According to the results of the bibliographic search, it was found that the etiology of the fissures is multifactorial and is associated with genetic and environmental factors. The identification of various genes related to these malformations has made it possible to timely recognize when a cleft is syndromic or non-syndromic, which leads to understanding gene-by-gene interaction, identifying functional variants and understanding their etiological importance. Conclusions: the study and knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms that are involved in the formation of cleft lip and palate has gained strength thanks to the understanding of the human genome and the development of modern molecular biology tools that allow the identification of large amounts of sequence data, causing the candidate genes to increase constantly.

Resumo: as fissuras labiopalatais são malformações congénitas do sistema estomatognático, ocorrem por alterado das estruturas anatómicas do crânio, face e cavidade oral, por falha na fusão dos tecidos na embriogênese; as malformações podem ser do lábio, palato duro, palato mole, mucosa palatina e, em alguns casos, da cavidade nasal; caso contrário, afetam as estruturas envolvidas nas funções da linguagem, fala e audição. Objetivo: Identificar os fatores genéticos e ambientais associados á fissura labiopalatal. Metodologia: a revisão bibliográfica foi realizada nas bases de dados académicas PubMed, LILACS, OVID-MEDLINE utilizando linguagem normalizada com termos DECS-LILACS: exposição a riscos ambientais, fenda palatina, lábio leporino, genética, medicina de precisão e síndrome; foram aplicados filtros de busca das bases de dados, tipos de textos científicos e informados relevantes para a pesquisa. Segundo os resultados a partir da pesquisa bibliográfica, foi constatado que a etiologia das fissuras é multifatorial e está associada a fatores genéticos e ambientais. A identificado de vários genes relacionados a essas malformações permitiu reconhecer em curto tempo quando urna fissura é sindrómica ou não sindrômica, o que leva ao entendimento da interação gene a gene, identificado de variantes funcionais e compreensão de sua importância etiológica. Conclusóes: o estudo e conhecimento sobre os mecanismos moleculares encontrados envolvidos na formação da fissura labiopalatal ganhou força graças á compreensão do genoma humano e o desenvolvimento de ferramentas modernas de biologia molecular que permitem a identificado de grandes quantidades de dados de sequênces, fazendo com que os genes candidatos aumentem constantemente. Isso permitirá a gestão atempada da doença, identificado do risco de ocorrência e tratamento especializado através da medicina de precisão.

Environmental Health Risk Perception: Adaptation of a Population-Based Questionnaire from Latin America.

BACKGROUND: Environmental risk assessments and interventions to mitigate environmental risks are essential to protect public health. While the objective measurement of environmental hazards is important, it is also critical to address the subjective perception of health risks. A population's perception of environmental health hazards is a powerful driving force for action and engagement in safety and health behaviors and can also inform the development of effective and more sustainable environmental health policies. To date, no instruments are available to assess risk perception of environmental health hazards in South America even though there are many concerning issues in the region, including mining. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to adapt and validate an environmental health risk perception questionnaire in a Chilean population affected by mining activity among other risks frequently reported in Latin American countries and included the collection of information on trust on public information sources. METHODS: We adapted an Australian risk perception questionnaire for validation in an adult population from a Chilean mining community. This adaptation included two blinded translations (direct, inverse), a pre-test study (n = 20) and a review by environmental health experts. Principal Component Analyses (PCA) was used to identify factors within major domains of interest. The Bartlett test of sphericity, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure and the Cronbach α test were used to assess the instrument's validity and reliability. The instrument was pilot tested in 205 adults from a mining community in Chañaral. RESULTS: The final adapted questionnaire proved to be a good instrument to measure risk perception in a community chronically exposed to mining waste. For community risks, four factors explained 59.4% of the variance. "Global Issues" (30.2%) included air pollution, contamination of mining, ozone layer depletion and vector diseases. For personal risks, the first two components explained 59.5% of the variance, the main factor (36.7%) was "unhealthy behaviors within the household". For trust in information, the first factor (36.2%) included as main sources "Media and authorities". The Cronbach α ranged between 0.68 and 0.75; and the KMO test between 0.7 to 0.79 for community and personal risks and trust. CONCLUSIONS: The final questionnaire is a simple, reliable and useful instrument that can assist in evaluating environmental health risk perceptions in Latin American countries.

Artisanal and Small Gold Mining and Petroleum Production as Potential Sources of Heavy Metal Contamination in Ecuador: A Call to Action.

Mining and petroleum production are the source of many elements and base materials fundamental for our modern way of life. The flip side of these keystone industries is the environmental degradation they can cause if not properly managed. Metallic mining and petroleum production can contaminate the local ecosystem with sediments, chemicals used in the industrial processes and heavy metals, part of the metallic ore or oil reservoir. The objective of this project was to analyze the spatial distribution of the presence of different potentially hazardous elements that make up the metallic deposits and oil reservoirs in Ecuador, focused mainly on artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) districts. Additionally, we were interested in analyzing this information under the local political and administrative contexts which are key to determining how likely it is that mismanagement of the local mineral deposits and petroleum exploitation projects will end up causing environmental degradation. An extensive and intensive literature search was conducted for information on the presence and concentration of 19 potentially harmful elements. We analyzed data on 11 metallic deposits throughout Ecuador and a major oilfield in the Ecuadorian Amazon basin. We used geographic information systems to analyze the spatial distribution of these reservoirs and their mineral compositions. The results indicated a widespread distribution and high concentration of elements potentially harmful for human health, such as mercury, cadmium and arsenic, throughout the metallic deposits in Ecuador. This is particularly true for long-exploited ASGM districts, such as Ponce-Enríquez, Portovelo-Zaruma and Nambija. This study highlights the importance of understanding geological diversity and its potential risks to better protect the biological diversity and public health of its inhabitants. Furthermore, we consider our work not as a call to stop ASGM mining nor petroleum production, but on the contrary as a strong call to plan every mining and petroleum production project considering these risks. Moreover, our work is a call to action by the local government and authorities to stop corruption and fulfill their duties overseeing the activities of mining and petroleum companies, stopping illegal mining, helping ASGM communities to improve their environmental standards, finding alternative income sources and protecting the local environment.

Pharmaceutical compound removal efficiency by a small constructed wetland located in south Brazil.

The fate of pharmaceuticals during the treatment of effluents is of major concern since they are not completely degraded and because of their persistence and mobility in environment. Indeed, even at low concentrations, they represent a risk to aquatic life and human health. In this work, fourteen pharmaceuticals were monitored in a constructed wetland wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) assessed in both influent and effluent samples. The basic water quality parameters were evaluated, and the removal efficiency of pharmaceutical, potential for bioaccumulation, and the impact of WWTP were assessed using Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler (POCIS) and biofilms. The pharmaceutical compounds were quantified by High Performance Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The sampling campaign was carried out during winter (July/2018) and summer (January/2019). The WWTP performed well regarding the removal of TSS, COD, and BOD5 and succeeded to eliminate a significant part of the organic and inorganic pollution present in domestic wastewater but has low efficiency regarding the removal of pharmaceutical compounds. Biofilms were shown to interact with pharmaceuticals and were reported to play a role in their capture from water. The antibiotics were reported to display a high risk for aquatic organisms.

El desafío ambiental: enseñanzas a partir de la COVID-19 / The environmental challenge: teachings with COVID-19 as a starting point

Las cuestiones ambientales están ligadas a la emergencia de epidemias. La crisis que enfrenta hoy el mundo ha tenido su origen en las constantes perturbaciones ambientales, lo que se ha reflejado en las preocupaciones manifestadas por la Organización de las Naciones Unidas en cada celebración del Día Mundial del Medio Ambiente. Los ecosistemas degradados no pueden ofrecer servicios ecológicos que garanticen bienestar y salud; así, una crisis lleva a otra. En este artículo se expone cómo al romperse el equilibrio natural que protege al hombre de múltiples riesgos, este queda expuesto a más de un millón de microorganismos patógenos desconocidos que podrían cruzar la barrera de las especies, tal es el caso del nuevo virus SARS-CoV-2; a ello se suma la amenaza del cambio climático, que es un impulsor de muchos riesgos. Los problemas sanitarios estarán siempre sujetos a la interacción de cada civilización con su entorno, lo que depende, en esencia, del carácter de la relación hombre-naturaleza.

The environmental questions are linked to the emergency of epidemics. The crisis that world faces today has had its origin in the constant environmental interferences, what has been reflected in the concerns manifested by the United Nations Organization in each celebration of the Environment World Day. The degraded ecosystems cannot offer ecological services that guarantee well-being and health; this way, a crisis takes to another. In this work it is exposed how men are exposed to more than a million of unknown pathogens microorganisms that could cross the barrier of the species when breaking the natural balance that protects him of multiple risks, such is the case of the SARS-CoV-2 new virus; this comes on top of the threat of the climatic change that is an instigator of many risks. Health problems will always be subject to the interaction of each civilization with their environment, what depends, in essence, of the character in man-nature relationship.

Methodology to Prioritize Chilean Tailings Selection, According to Their Potential Risks.

For centuries, Chile has been a territory with significant mining activity, resulting in associated social benefits and impacts. One of the main challenges the country faces today is the presence of a great number of mine tailings containing heavy metals, such as Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb, As, Cd, and Fe, which make up a potential risk for the population. This study is intended to develop a methodology for determining tailings requiring urgent treatment in Chile, based on risks associated with heavy metals. Geochemical data from 530 Chilean tailings were compared to the Dutch norm and the Canadian and Australian soil quality guidelines for residential use. Additionally, criteria about residents and water bodies were used, considering a 2-km area of influence around tailings. To do this, QGIS (Böschacherstrasse 10a CH-8624 Grüt (Gossau ZH),Zurich, Switzerland), a geospatial tool, was used to geolocate each deposit, considering regions, communes, rivers, lakes, and populated areas. To evaluate potential ecological contamination risks, Hakanson's methodology was used. Results revealed the presence of 12 critical tailings in Chile that require urgent treatment. From the 530 tailings evaluated, 195 are located at less than 2 km from a populated area and 154 at less than 2 km from a water body. In addition, 347 deposits require intervention: 30 on Cu, 30 on Cr, 13 on Zn, 69 on Pb, 138 on As, 1 on Cd, and 5 on Hg.

Dynamic assessment of economic and environmental performance index and generation, composition, environmental and human health risks of hospital solid waste in developing countries; A state of the art of review.

Many studies have been conducted on hospital solid waste management (HSWM) throughout the world, especially developing countries. This interdisciplinary study aims to summarize the available knowledge on the health and environmental risks of hospital solid waste (HSW) and also, develop a dynamic associational assessment among hospital solid waste generation rate (HSWGR), hospital solid waste composition (HSWC), gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, and environmental performance index (EPI) in some developing countries for the first time. The results of this study showed that researchers from India, China, Pakistan, Brazil, and Iran had found more evidence about the health, economic, and environmental issues in HSW than the other developing countries. The literature showed that the highest and lowest reported HSWGR (in national average level) belonged to Ethiopia (6.03) and India (0.24) kg bed -1 day-1, respectively. It has also been shown that all studied countries except Serbia, have higher levels of hazardous waste in their HSWC, based on the WHO's standard. Furthermore, the quantity and quality of HSW in developing countries depend on the service provided by the hospital, type of hospital, HSWM system, and the level of regional economic and culture. The association analysis showed that the EPI and GDP per capita of developing countries were significantly (p-value <0.05) associated with HSWGR, non-hazardous HSW, and hazardous HSW by the Spearman coefficients equal to 0.389, 0.118, -0.118, and 0.122, 0.216, and -0.346, respectively. However, it can be concluded that GDP per capita and EPI have a weak correlation with hazardous HSW and non-hazardous HSW. Moreover, HSW has many hazardous health and environmental risks such as dioxin and furan, that must be controlled and managed through implementing programs and policies based on sustainable development. As a final point, we believed that the present study can be considered to be a guide for future studies on HSWM in developing countries.

Exposure to Mercury in Workers and the Population Surrounding Gold Mining Areas in the Mojana Region, Colombia.

In Colombia, the inhabitants of the Mojana region have historically been subjected to high levels of environmental and occupational exposure to mercury; however, there are few robust data on the magnitude of this exposure and associated factors. This study aimed to describe the levels of mercury in the workers and inhabitants in this region, and to identify the main sociodemographic and occupational factors that are associated with this exposure. A cross-sectional study was conducted, in which mercury levels were determined in biological samples (blood, urine, hair) from 1119 people in the Mojana region. A questionnaire was also administered, which was adapted from the Global Mercury Assessment. Linear regression models were adjusted for the natural logarithm of mercury levels in blood, urine, and hair, using the factors that were explored as independent variables. The study reports high mercury levels in 35.0% of blood samples (95% CI 31.9⁻38.1%), 28.8% (95% CI 24.9⁻32.8%) of urine samples, and 56.3% (95% CI 53.1⁻59.5%) of hair samples. The reported source of water for consumption was associated with high levels of mercury (p-value < 0.05). We provide evidence of high levels of mercury exposure for the population in the Mojana region.

CALIDAD BACTERIOLÓGICA DEL AGUA DE LOS RÍOS MANAURE Y CASACARÁ, DEPARTAMENTO DEL CESAR, COLOMBIA / BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF THE WATER OF THE MANAURE AND CASACARA RIVERS, DEPARTMENT OF CESAR, COLOMBIA

Se evaluó la calidad microbiológica del agua de los ríos Manaure y Casacará (departamento del Cesar, Colombia) durante la temporada de lluvias y de sequía. Se estimaron las concentraciones de coliformes totales, coliformes fecales, enterococos fecales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Salmonella a través del método del Sustrato Definido. Los valores de coliformes totales y coliformes fecales se compararon con la normatividad colombiana (Resolución 2115 del 2007 y Decretos 1594 del 1984 y 3930 de 2010). Los resultados de los parámetros microbiológicos evaluados fueron variables para ambos ríos en las dos épocas climáticas, siendo mayores en la temporada de sequía. Se determinó que la presencia de las bacterias indicadoras de contaminación fecal y potencialmente patógenas en los ríos estudiados se debe a los vertimientos aledaños de aguas residuales domésticas, agrícolas y asentamientos humanos que condicionan la calidad y el uso de recurso hídrico establecido por la normatividad colombiana.

The microbiological quality of the water of the Manaure and Casacará rivers (department of Cesar, Colombia) was evaluated during the rainy and dry season. The concentrations of total coliforms, fecal coliforms, fecal enterococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella were determined through the Defined Substrate method. The values of total coliforms and fecal coliforms were compared with the Colombian regulations (Resolution 2115 of 2007 and decrees 1594 of 1984 and 3930 of 2010). The results of the microbiological parameters evaluated were variable for both rivers, being higher in the dry season. It was determined that the presence of fecal contamination indicators and potentially pathogenic bacteria in the studied rivers is due to the surrounding discharges of domestic and agricultural wastewater, and to human settlements that condition the quality and use of water resources established by Colombian regulations.

Situación epidemiológica de la intoxicación por sustancias químicas en el departamento del meta-colombia, periodo 2009-2014 / Epidemiological situation of poissoning with chemical substances in the department of meta-colombia, period 2009-2014

Introducción: La intoxicación por sustancias químicas es un problema de salud pública, que afecta a la población de los municipios del departamento del Meta. Objetivo: Describir la situación epidemiológica de la intoxicación por sustancias químicas en el Meta. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, utilizando base de datos estatales de salud pública (2009-2014) constituida por 5.208 casos de intoxicación reportadas en este periodo, se calcularon la incidencia de periodo y la tasa de mortalidad; se analizaron variables epidemiológicas de morbilidad, mortalidad, tipo de sustancia, ubicación geográfica, tipo y vía de exposición, edad y sexo. Resultados: Los plaguicidas ocasionan el mayor número de intoxicaciones del Meta, causando el 68% de la incidencia y el 66% de la mortalidad, otro tipo de sustancias causan el 27,7% de los casos de morbilidad y 34% de la mortalidad. El 52,1% de las intoxicaciones ocurren de manera accidental, seguidas por la intención suicida y ocupacional con el 21,2% y 18,1% respectivamente; las vías de exposición fueron la oral, la respiratoria y la dérmica. Discusión: Meta es un departamento caracterizado por alta producción agrícola y una frontera agrícola en expansión, lo cual explicaría la elevada incidencia de los plaguicidas, la utilización de sustancias químicas en suicidios ocurren debido al fácil acceso que se tiene de las sustancias, la exposición ocupacional está ligada a la actividad agrícola y pecuaria, la exposición accidental ocurre por manejo inadecuado de sustancias químicas en las viviendas y la contaminación ambiental. Conclusiones: la actividad agropecuaria del Meta, junto con actividades cotidianas como la limpieza y el control de plagas en las viviendas, traen consigo la utilización de sustancias químicas, esta proximidad permite la exposición a estas sustancias y la posterior intoxicación que generan morbilidad y mortalidad humana.

Introduction: Chemical poisoning is a public health problem, affecting the population of the municipalities of Meta. Objective: To describe the epidemiological situation of chemical poisoning in the department of Meta. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, using statal public health data bases (2009-2014) consisting of 5,208 cases of poisoning reported in this period. The incidence, morbidity, mortality, substance type, geographic location, type and route of exposure, age and sex were analyzed. Results: Pesticides cause the highest number of poisonings of the Meta, causing 68% of incidence and 66% of mortality, and other types of substances cause 27.7% of cases of morbidity and 34% of mortality. 52.1% of the poisonings occur accidentally, followed by suicidal and occupational intent with 21.2% and 18.1% respectively; the routes of exposure were oral, respiratory and dermal. Discussion: Meta is a department characterized by high agricultural production and agricultural frontier expansion, which would explain the high incidence of pesticides, the use of chemicals in suicides occur due to the easy access of substances; occupational exposure is linked to agricultural and livestock activities, accidental exposure occurs through improper handling of chemicals in homes and environmental pollution. Conclusions: Agricultural activity in the department of Meta, along with everyday activities such as cleaning and pest control in homes bring the use of chemicals, this proximity allows exposure to these substances and the subsequent intoxication which generates morbidity and human mortality.

Avaliação dos riscos ambientais na sala de abate de um matadouro de bovinos / Environmental risk assessment in the killing floor of a bovine abattoir

RESUMO Estudo não experimental, descritivo qualitativo, que objetivou identificar os riscos ambientais que possam comprometer a saúde ou representar risco de acidentes no trabalho em matadouros. Foi baseado na análise dos processos de trabalho e dos aspectos físico-ambientais da sala de abate de um matadouro de bovinos. Utilizou-se um instrumento de coleta de informações baseado nas legislações, considerando biossegurança. Encontraram-se locais úmidos, ruídos excessivos, alternância de temperaturas e o trabalho determinado pelo número de animais abatidos; que geram problemas de caráter físico e psíquico, destacando-se cortes, lesões por esforços repetitivos, estresse e contaminação por patógenos.

ABSTRACT This study is non-experimental, qualitative descriptive, and aimed to identify the environmental conditions and work process that may increase the risk of accidents and represent damage to the worker's health. It was based on the analysis of the work processes and environmental aspects on the killing floor of a cattle slaughterhouse. We used an observation script, based upon laws and Biosafety. The results show humidity, loud noises, temperature alternation and working speed determined by the number of animals slaughtered; which generates physical and psychological problems, especially repetitive strain injuries, depression, stress, and contamination by biological agents.

Riscos físico, químico e biológico em portuários e potencialidades para alterações respiratórias / Physical, chemical and biological hazards to port workers and their potential to cause respiratory disorders* / Riesgos físico, químico y biológico en portuarios; y potencialidades de alteraciones respiratorias

Objetivou-se identificar as fontes de exposição dos trabalhadores portuários avulsos aos riscos químico, físico e biológico no ambiente laboral, com potenciais para alterações da função respiratória. Estudo de caráter quantitativo, exploratório, com técnica observacional não-participante e direta de trabalhadores de um porto naval do sul brasileiro. A coleta de dados ocorreu de julho a dezembro de 2014, sendo realizadas 87 observações de 66 trabalhadores. Realizou-se análise descritiva dos dados, por meio de frequência absoluta e percentual. As fontes predominantes de exposição ao risco físico foram frio, umidade e radiação não ionizante. As fontes de exposição ao risco químico decorreram da movimentação de grãos, fertilizantes e gases combustíveis, e o risco biológico observado foi a presença de pombos. O trabalhador portuário está exposto a fontes de riscos ocupacionais à saúde respiratória que variam conforme as cargas, atividades laborais e locais de trabalho (AU).

The present study aimed to identify the sources of chemical, physical and biological hazards to which temporary port workers are exposed in the work environment, which may cause respiratory disorders. Quantitative and exploratory study with direct nonparticipant observation of workers from a maritime port in Southern Brazil. Data was collected from July to December 2014, and 87 observations of 66 workers were made. Descriptive statistics was performed with absolute and relative frequencies (percentage). The predominant sources of physical hazards were cold, moisture and non-ionizing radiation. The sources of chemical hazard were associated with the handling of grains, fertilizers and combustible gases, and the biological hazard observed was the presence of pigeons. Port workers are exposed to occupational hazards that pose respiratory health risks, depending on the type of cargo, activities and workplace (AU).

Se objetivó identificar las fuentes de exposición de trabajadores portuarios expuestos a riesgos químico, físico y biológico en su ámbito laboral, con potenciales de alteración de la función respiratoria. Estudio cuantitativo, exploratorio, aplicando técnica observacional no participante y directa de trabajadores de un puerto naval del sur brasileño. Datos recolectados de julio a diciembre de 2014, habiendo sido realizadas 87 observaciones de 66 trabajadores. Se realizó análisis descriptivo de los datos, mediante frecuencia absoluta y porcentual. Las fuentes predominantes de exposición al riesgo físico fueron: frío, humedad y radiación no ionizante. Las fuentes de exposición al riesgo químico derivaron del traslado de granos, fertilizantes y gases combustibles; y el riesgo biológico observado fue la presencia de palomas. El trabajador portuario está expuesto a fuentes de riesgos laborales para su salud respiratoria, los cuales varían en función de las cargas, actividades laborales y lugares de trabajo (AU).

Efectividad de Guía de Buenas Prácticas en la bioseguridad hospitalaria / Effectiveness of Guide of Good Practical in the hospital bioseguridad

Introducción: la bioseguridad, componente vital del sistema de garantía de la calidad, está encaminada a lograr actitudes y conductas que disminuyan el riesgo del trabajador de adquirir infecciones en el medio laboral. Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad de una guía de buenas prácticas en el manejo de la bioseguridad hospitalaria. Métodos: estudio experimental de intervención con antes y después, en unidades de mayor riesgo biológico del hospital "Mártires del 9 de abril" de Sagua la Grande, Villa Clara, durante 2015. El universo fue de 56 profesionales de enfermería, a los que se aplicó una encuesta y se les realizó una observación participante. Se recogió además el criterio de especialistas de grupos nominales. La intervención consistió en la implementación de una guía de buenas prácticas en el manejo de la bioseguridad. Resultados: consideraron tener insuficientes conocimientos sobre la bioseguridad, el 57,14 por ciento adquirió los conocimientos por cursos de capacitación, el 94,65 por ciento reflejó la necesidad de la guía. Los aspectos evaluados antes de aplicada la guía no alcanzaron más que el 46,42 por ciento, logrando después más del 80,35 por ciento. La evaluación de la guía resultó ser de 94,65 por ciento. Conclusiones: la guía de buenas prácticas en el manejo de la bioseguridad hospitalaria aplicada resultó efectiva en el mejoramiento del nivel de conocimientos de los profesionales de enfermería que trabajaban en las unidades de mayor riesgo biológico(AU)

Introduction: Biosecurity, vital system component quality assurance, is aimed at achieving attitudes and behaviors that reduce the risk of getting infections worker in the workplace. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a guide of good practices in the management of hospital biosecurity. Methods: An experimental intervention study was conducted before and after in units of biological risk of Martyrs Hospital April 9, Sagua la Grande, Villa Clara, in 2015. The universe was 56 nurses, who a survey was applied and was made to a participant observation. the criterion of specialists Nominal groups were also collected. The intervention consisted of the implementation of a code of good practices in the management of biosafety. Results: They considered to have insufficient knowledge about biosecurity, 57.14 percent acquired knowledge by training courses, the 94.65 percent reflected the need for the guide. The aspects evaluated before applied the guide did not reach more than 46.42 percent, achieved after more than 80.35 percent. The evaluation guide of 94.65 percent was found to be. Conclusions: good practice guide in the management of hospital biosecurity applied was effective in improving the level of knowledge of nurses working in units greater biological risk(AU)

Riscos ambientais no CTI: um estudo sobre suas consequências nos profissionais de enfermagem / Environmental risks in the ICU: A study on its consequences on nursing professionals

Este estudo trata dos tipos de Riscos a que são submetidos os Enfermeiros e Técnicos de Enfermagem que trabalham em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva em um Hospital Universitário do município do Rio de Janeiro. O Objetivo Geral: Descrever os Riscos Ambientais presentes no CTI caracterizandoTipo, Nível e Origem. Objetivo Especifico: Identificar respostas nos Corpos dos profissionais a partir de como e por que esses riscos a que são submetidos podem causar adoecimentos; Elaborar indicadores de Riscos Ambientais para os profissionais de Enfermagem a partir de suas respostas. O Método: Trata-se de um estudo quali-quantitativo, organizado a luz de Bardin , a partir das respostas da equipe de Enfermagem , utilizando instrumentos para a produção de dados . O estudo foi submetido ao Comitê de Ética para o cumprimento dos aspectos éticos , em atendimento a Resolução 466/12 do Conselho Nacional de Saúde (CNS) através da Plataforma Brasil com número CAAE : 62656116330015258. Os dados foram coletados no mês de março de 2017. A amostra foi composta de 06 enfermeiros e 08 técnicos de Enfermagem totalizando 14 participantes. Os resultados produzidos são indicadores de que a UTI é um espaço de Risco que faz o profissional adoecer sob diferentes aspectos: biológicos, físicos , comportamentais, ergonômicos e sofrimentos mentais . A proposta do estudo foi a criação de um produto acadêmico a fim de contribuir em melhorias na saúde do profissional de Enfermagem

This work study the kinds of Risks that the Nurses and the Nursing Technicians are submitted when working in an Intensive Care Unit of a University Hospital at the Rio de Janeiro city. The General Objective is to identify the Environmental Risks present in the ICU, showing their kinds, their levels and their origins. The Specific Objective is to identify among the professional staff how and why these risks can cause illness, presenting back the indicators of Environmental Risks to Nursing professionals based on their answers. The Method used is a qualitative and quantitative research, organized using Bardin's methods, from the answers of the Nursing team, supported by data mining tools. This study was submitted to the Ethics Committee for ethical compliance check according with Resolution 466/12 of the National Health Council (CNS) through the Brazilian Platform number CAAE : 62656116330015258.. The data were collected in March 2017. The sample was composed of 6 nurses and 8 Nursing technicians totaling 14 participants. The results produced indicates that the ICU is a risk space that makes the professional fall ill in different aspects: biological, physical, behavioral, ergonomic and mental. The proposal of this study is the creation of an academic product in order to contribute on improving of the health of the professional Nursing