Thyroid homeostasis in B6C3F1 mice upon sub-chronic exposure to trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I).

Trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I) is a fire suppressant gas with potential for use in low global-warming refrigerant blends. Data from studies in rats suggest that the most sensitive health effect of CF3I is thyroid hormone perturbation, but the rat is a particularly sensitive species for disruption of thyroid homeostasis. Mice appear to be less sensitive than rats but still a conservative model with respect to humans. The purpose of this study was to test tolerance and thyroid response to CF3I in B6C3F1 male mice. Male mice were exposed to CF3I for 6 h per day, for 28 days, via whole body exposure at concentrations of 2500, 5000 and 10,000 ppm. A 16-day recovery period was included to evaluate reversibility. No adverse clinical signs were observed throughout the study, and body weights were unaffected by exposure. CF3I exposure had no effect on thyroid histology. An increase in relative thyroid weight was observed at 10,000 ppm on day 28 but not in a separate group of animals evaluated on day 29, and thyroid weight was not different from controls at 44 days. Slight and sporadic changes in serum triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone were observed but did not follow a consistent pattern with respect to timing, dose, or direction. Overall, exposure at up to 10,000 ppm (1.0%) of CF3I gas for 28 days produced no overt general toxicity and only transient, recoverable effects on thyroid weight and hormones at certain concentrations. On the basis of the effect of CF3I exposure on the thyroid, including evaluation of thyroid histopathology, the no observed adverse effect level for this study is 10,000 ppm. Considering the apparently greater toxicity reported in prior studies in male rats, our data suggest a species difference between rats and mice in terms of susceptibility to CF3I-induced thyroid hormone perturbation.

Queimadas e saúde pública no Estado do Tocantins

Trata o tema queimadas no estado do Tocantins quanto seus impactos aos danos ambientais e à saúde pública no estado. Diferencia termos queima, queimadas, incêndio florestal. A saúde pública da população é afetada com a poluição ambiental provocada por queimadas. Trata dados estatísticos desses impactos no setor saúde e vigilância ambiental bem como a alteração ao meio ambiente e ao impacto na saúde. Trata dos instrumentos de alerta e das atividades de educação em saúde para combate aos agravos provocados pelos problemas respiratórios causados pelas queimadas, bem como a situação a junção de infecções respiratórias agudas e da COVID. Debatedores: 1. Lusy Almeida - Bióloga, especialista em Vigilância em Saúde Ambiental e coordenadora de Vigilância em Saúde Ambiental - Vigilância Sanitária (SMS/Palmas) 2. Cléber José Borges Sobrinho - Gestor de Emergências e doutorando em Ciências Ambientais, Comandante Operacional do Corpo de Bombeiros Militar do Estado do Tocantins 3. Silene Miranda Lima - Engenheira Ambiental, responsável pela Vigilância em Saúde de Populações Expostas a Poluentes Atmosféricos no Estado do Tocantins / Secretaria de Estado da Saúde Moderadora: Adriane Valadares - Bióloga e conselheira do Conselho Regional de Biologia 4ª região Objetivos: - Discutir sobre a importância do efeito das queimadas na saúde pública; - Mobilizar a população, profissionais de saúde, educação, meio ambiente, dentre outros; - Orientar sobre medidas preventivas para combater o fogo e proteger a saúde. Iniciativa: ETSUS Apoio: CRBio 04 e ATOBio

The deliberate killing of a sheep with a fire extinguisher: a case report and experimental reconstruction study.

The morphological findings of a sheep deliberately killed with a powder fire extinguisher in an act of cruelty are described. The animal was orally insufflated with the powder of a 6 kg fire extinguisher having the working pressure of 15 bar. This led to rupture of the esophagus and rumen, followed by rupturing of the abdominal wall. Furthermore, powder was applied rectally into the large intestine and vaginally into the genital tract. For a better understanding of the lesion patterns and of the course of events, fire extinguishers were used in an experimental case reconstruction study on sheep carcasses. Rupture of the rumen and abdominal wall could only be reproduced after intraesophageal insufflation but not after oral insufflation. Therefore, an esophageal application has to be considered in the killed sheep. Esophageal rupture in sheep carcasses could not be reproduced by oral or by esophageal application of the fire extinguisher. Nevertheless, in isolated fresh ovine esophagi, compressed air of less than 1 bar was sufficient to induce tissue separation in the esophageal wall. The described case reveals parallels with findings in rarely reported accidents with or in suicides committed with chemical fire extinguishers.

Playing with fire. Understanding how experiencing a fire in an immersive virtual environment affects prevention behavior.

A potentially effective way to influence people's fire prevention behavior is letting them experience a fire in an immersive virtual environment (IVE). We analyze the effects of experiencing a fire in an IVE (versus an information sheet) on psychological determinants of behavior-knowledge, vulnerability, severity, self-efficacy, and locus of control-based mainly on arguments from Protection Motivation Theory and the Health Belief Model. Crucial in our setup is that we also relate these determinants to actual prevention behavior. Results show that IVE has the hypothesized effects on vulnerability, severity, and self-efficacy, and an unexpected negative effect on knowledge. Only knowledge and vulnerability showed subsequent indirect effects on actual prevention behavior. There remains a direct positive effect of IVE on prevention behavior that cannot be explained by any of the determinants. Our results contradict the implicit assumption that an induced change in these psychological determinants by IVE, necessarily implies a change in behavior. A recommendation for research on the effects of IVE's is, whenever possible, to study the actual target behavior as well.

Reseña historica de la Gerencia de Seguridad Industrial, ambiente e higiene ocupacional del Instituto Nacional de Higiene "Rafael Rangel" / Historical Overview Industrial Safety, environment and occupational of The National Institute of Hygiene "Rafael Rangel"

La Seguridad Industrial en el INHRR nace con la conformación del primer Comité de Higiene y Seguridad Industrial en el año 1997, cumpliendo con la Norma COVENIN 2270-95 "Conformación de Comités de Seguridad Industrial". En el año 1999, se asigna la creación de la Unidad de Seguridad Laboral y Ambiente a partir del Programa de Seguridad Laboral y Ambiente. Esta Unidad estaba adscrita a la Gerencia de Recursos Humanos del INHRR. El personal que conformó esta Unidad desde sus inicios hasta la actualidad, se ha caracterizado por ser un equipo multidisciplinario con experiencia en distintas áreas técnicas de la Institución y con conocimientos sólidos en trabajos como seguridad de laboratorio químico y biológico, entre otros. Profesionales altamente capacitados, comprometidos, con entrega, ética, mística de trabajo, calidad de servicio y sentido de pertenencia por la Institución. Posteriormente se integra al equipo de trabajo un Médico Ocupacional y una Enfermera Laboral con la finalidad de prestar la atención a los trabajadores y trabajadores de la Institución. En el año 1999, aproximadamente se crea la Brigada de Control de Emergencias de la Institución cumpliendo con la normativa nacional vigente. Dichos integrantes de esta brigada siempre han contado con capacitación o actualización continua en áreas de Combate y Supresión de Incendio Nivel I y II, Materiales Peligrosos Nivel Respondedor y Operaciones, Rescate Básico Nivel I, Primeros Auxilios Nivel I, Técnicas de Desalojo, Reanimación Cardio Pulmonar, entre otros. El 1ero de septiembre del 2013, mediante Punto de Cuenta al Consejo N° 01, Sesión N° 30 de fecha 10/10/2013, fue creada funcional y organizacionalmente la Gerencia de Seguridad Industrial, Ambiente e Higiene Ocupacional, adscrita a la Presidencia del Instituto, cuya función principal es velar por la seguridad laboral, industrial y ambiental tanto de las trabajadoras, trabajadores como instalaciones y el entorno de la Institución, enfatizando en las acciones preventivas, promoviendo la cultura de seguridad y prevención en la Institución, asesorando a las diferentes unidades en materia de seguridad laboral, salud y ambiente, realizando gestiones de manejo de desechos bioinfecciosos, planes de reciclaje de papel, capacitando al personal de la Institución en materia de seguridad, laboral y ambiente, apoyo e intercambio de saberes con Organismos del Estado, en otras actividades, todas estas enmarcadas en el fiel cumplimiento de las leyes, normativas y reglamentaciones vigentes en el País.

The Industrial Safety in the INHRR was born with the conformation of the first Committee of Hygiene and Industrial Safety in the year 1997, fulfilling with the Norm COVENIN 2270-95 "Conformation of Committees of Industrial Security". In 1999, the creation of the Occupational Safety and Environment Unit was assigned based on the Workplace Safety and Environment Program. This Unit was attached to the Human Resources Management of the INHRR. The staff that made up this Unit from its beginnings to the present, has been characterized as a multidisciplinary team with experience in different technical areas of the Institution and with solid knowledge in safe chemical and biological laboratory work, among others. Highly trained professionals, committed, with dedication, ethics, work mystique, quality of service and sense of belonging by the Institution. Later, an Occupational Physician and a Labor Nurse were integrated into the work team in order to provide care to the workers and workers of the Institution. In 1999 approximately the Emergency Control Brigade of the Institution was created, complying with the current national regulations. These members of this Brigade have always had training or continuous updating such areas of Combat and Suppression of Fire Level I and II, Hazardous Materials Level Responder and Operations, Basic Rescue Level I, First Aid Level I, Techniques of Eviction, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation among others. On September 1, 2013, through Point of Account to the Board N ° 01, Session N ° 30 dated 10/10/2013 the Management of Industrial Safety, Environment and Occupational Hygiene was created functionally and organizationally, attached to the Presidency of the Institute , whose main function is to ensure the occupational, industrial and environmental safety of both workers, workers and facilities and the environment of the institution, emphasizing preventive actions, promoting the culture of safety and prevention in the institution, advising the different units in matters of occupational safety, health and environment, carrying out management of bioinfectious waste management, paper recycling plans, training the staff of the institution on safety, labor and environment, support and exchange of knowledge with the State Agency, in other activities, all activities framed in faithful compliance with the laws, regulations and regulations in force in the country.

Autoimmune Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis Diagnosed after Exposure to a Fire Extinguisher Containing Silica Powder.

We herein report a case of autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) diagnosed after one-time exposure to silica powder. Owing to the misuse of a silica-containing fire extinguisher and the inhalation of large amounts of its powder, the patient experienced prolonged cough and visited our hospital. The findings of chest computed tomography and surgical lung biopsy specimens led to the diagnosis of PAP. Interestingly, the presence of anti-GM-CSF antibody was detected; therefore, both autoimmune characteristics and exposure to large amounts of silica may have caused the development of PAP in this patient. This case provides important insight into the mechanisms leading to the onset of PAP.

On Radical-Induced Ignition in Combustion Systems.

This article reviews recent theoretical developments on incipient ignition induced by radical runaway in systems described by detailed chemistry. Employing eigenvalue analysis, we first analyze the canonical explosion limits of mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen, yielding explicit criteria that well reproduce their characteristic Z-shaped response in the pressure-temperature plot. Subsequently, we evaluate the role of hydrogen addition to the explosion limits of mixtures of oxygen with either carbon monoxide or methane, demonstrating and quantifying its strong catalytic effect, especially for the carbon monoxide cases. We then discuss the role of low-temperature chemistry in the autoignition of large hydrocarbon fuels, with emphasis on the first-stage ignition delay and the associated negative-temperature coefficient phenomena. Finally, we extend the analysis to problems of nonhomogeneous ignition in the presence of convective-diffusive transport, using counterflow as an example, demonstrating the canonical similarity between homogeneous and nonhomogeneous systems. We conclude with suggestions for potential directions for future research.

Acute liver failure caused by occupational exposure to HCFC-123: Two case reports.

RATIONALE: Hydrochlorofluorocarbon 123 (HCFC-123, Freon123; 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane) has been widely used in refrigeration and heat-transfer applications as a substitute for chlorofluorocarbons due to its lower ozone-depleting potentials. Occupational exposure to HCFC-123 may cause mild reversible hepatoxicity, but no fatal cases have been reported yet. PATIENT CONCERNS: In this report, we present cases of severe hepatitis with fatal outcome by HCFC-123. Two industrial workers from a manufacturing factory of fire extinguishers which use HCFC-123 were presented with diarrhea, fever, myalgia, and jaundice. Patients had been repeatedly exposed to the liquid form of HCFC-123 for the past three weeks before flare of symptoms. DIAGNOSIS: The blood biochemistry tests showed acute cholestatic hepatitis and liver biopsy findings indicated inflammatory hepatocellular injury. The diagnosis of HCFC-123 induced hepatitis was made. INTERVENTIONS: The treatment for both patients were generally supportive. The second patient went through hemodialysis, ventilatory care, and artificial liver support therapy (molecular adsorbent recirculating system) at intensive care unit. OUTCOMES: One patient recovered uneventfully, whereas the other patient showed rapid deterioration leading to acute liver failure complicated with cerebral edema, subdural hemorrhage, and death on hospital day 10. LESSONS: The HCFC-123-induced hepatitis showed similarities with halothane hepatitis, both of which may share pathophysiologic mechanisms. Exposure to HCFC-123 needs to be listed as a potential cause of acute liver failure, and to be considered in patients with acute hepatitis of uncertain etiology and negative viral serology.

Detection, extinguishing, and monitoring of a coal fire in Xinjiang, China.

Coal fire is a global catastrophe. Xinjiang suffers the most severe coal fire in China and even in the world. Coal firefighting work has been being conducted for decades in Xinjiang. In this paper, coal fire detection, extinguishing, and monitoring approaches that were derived from coal firefighting experience are introduced in detail by taking the Fifth Fire Area (FFA) of the Heshituoluogai coal fire for instance. We first introduce the geology and fire situation in the FFA. Before developing efficient strategies to extinguish it, magnetic and self-potential methods are adopted to delineate the extent of the fire. A composite index is proposed to better indicate the fire. The comprehensive coal firefighting method is illustrated in detail, which consists of surface cooling, excavation and leveling, borehole drilling, borehole water injection and grouting, and loess backfill. The subsequent temperature and CO monitoring records show that the fire is extinguished successfully without burnback. The methodology presented here provides guidance and reference for putting out other coal fires around the world.

A Fire Extinguisher Death: The Macklin Effect.

We present the case of an adult white man found dead in a psychiatric institution with fine white powder (monoammonium phosphate) deposited over the entire face after he insufflated the contents of a dry chemical fire extinguisher. Fine white powder was present within the mouth and sinuses and lined the upper airways. On opening the thoracic cavity, approximately 500 g of fine white powder was present within the right thoracic cavity. The esophagus was ruptured. Traumatic emphysema of the posterior sternum wall was present (pneumomediastinum). The ethmoid bones were fractured by the barotrauma. On polarization of the lung tissue, birefringent material was noted deposited along the bronchovascular sheaths and in a subpleural distribution. Death was probably due to a combination of barotrauma and asphyxia.This case study provides strong evidence in support of the etiology and pathophysiology of the Macklin effect. It also provides for the first visual evidence of the phenomenon.

Fatality During Servicing of Fire Extinguisher.

Fire extinguisher is an integral part of emergency responses to small fires. Different types of fire extinguisher exists; cartridge-based fire extinguisher is commonly used. Despite their intended use for safety, such devices can become dangerous if not properly handled or maintained. This case report describes the death of a soldier from the explosion of a cartridge-based fire extinguisher during routine servicing. The case is the first reported in the medical literature. A safety device like fire extinguisher can become dangerous if not handled with care and due steps should be taken for the maintenance of such devices before being operated in the public domain.

Suicide by Fire Extinguisher Powder Ingestion: A Case Report.

A 51-year-old man committed suicide by swallowing the contents of a fire extinguisher. A few hours after his suicide attempt, he was referred to the medical center for poisoning. At the time of admission, the patient was conscious with stable vital signs. The patient complained of burning lips and mouth, mentioning diarrhea. Initial treatments included gastric lavage with activated charcoal, while paraclinical measures were requested. The patient had undergone hypernatremia (Na: 152 mEq/l) and metabolic alkalosis. Treatment focused on the adjustment of sodium level and alkalosis. On the first day of hospitalization, the patient experienced recurrent episodes of tonic-clonic seizure along with the loss of consciousness. On the third day of hospitalization, the patient developed respiratory arrest followed by cardiac arrest and death.

Situação dos extintores de incêndio em estabelecimentos comerciais do município de Vitória da Conquista, Bahia / Contidition of fire extinghishers in some commercial buildings in the municipality of Vitória da Conquista, Bahia / Situación de los extintores de incendio de establecimientos comerciales del municipio de Vitória da Conquista, Bahia

Fogo é necessário para a humanidade, entretanto, muitas vezes, fica fora de controle e passa a ser um agente causador de incêndios, destruição do meio ambiente e mortes, seja na área urbana ou na área rural. Os extintores de incêndio são aparelhos destinados a combater o princípio de incêndio. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar, nos estabelecimentos comerciais de Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brasil, se os extintores portáteis de combate a incêndio estão instalados de acordo com as normas vigentes de proteção, enfatizando a instalação, a visibilidade e se estão desobstruídos. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa, executado mediante a técnica de observação, que envolveu 30 estabelecimentos comerciais. Utilizou-se a técnica de observação descritiva, por ser uma importante fonte de coleta de informações sobre o objeto de análise proposto ­ os extintores portáteis de incêndio. Os resultados mostraram que todos os estabelecimentos comerciais observados tinham extintores. Todos eles (100%) estavam obstruídos e 80% sem sinalização. Concluiu-se que os extintores de incêndio dos 30 estabelecimentos comerciais de Vitória da Conquista encontravam-se em desacordo com as normas vigentes, no tocante à instalação, localização, sinalização, visibilidade e desobstrução.

Fire is a necessity to mankind. However, fire is also a threat because when out of control it causes deaths, destructions and damages to rural and urban environments. Fire extinguishers are equipment used to fight the beginning of fire. The objective of this study was to verify whether the portabel fire extinguishers installed in the commercial buildings of Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brasil are in compliance to regulatory norms with emphasis on installation, visibility and unblock aspects. It´s a descriptive exploratory study with a qualitative approach, executed through the technique of observation, comprising 30 commercial buildings. It was used the technique of descriptive observation because this is an important source of information collection about the subject under analysis - portable fire extinguishers. The results shows that all observed commercial buildings have extinguishers installed. All of them (100%) were obstructed and 80% have no indication of safety sign. It was possible to conclude that the fire extinguishers of the 30 commercial establishments of Vitória da Conquista were not compliance to regulatory norms regarding installation, localization, signalization, visibility and unblock.

Fuego es necesario para la humanidad, todavía, cuando fuera de control, provoca incendios, destrucción del medio ambiente y muertes tanto en áreas urbanas como rurales. Los extintores son aparatos que se destinan al combate del principio de incendio. El objetivo de este trabajo fue averiguar en los establecimientos comerciales de Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brasil, si los extintores portátiles de combate a incendio están instalados en consonancia con las normas reglamentares, con énfasis en aspectos relacionados con la instalación, con la visibilidad y con la desobstrucción. Tratase de un estudio exploratorio descriptivo, con abordaje cualitativo, ejecutado mediante la técnica de observación, que envolvió 30 estabelecimientos comerciales. Fue utilizada la técnica de observación descriptiva por ser una importante fuente de recopilación de informaciones sobre el objeto de análisis propuesto ­ los extintores portátiles de incendio. Los resultados muestran que todos los estabelecimientos comerciales observados tenían extintores. Pero, el 100% de estos estaban obstruidos y el 80% no estaban señalizados. Concluyóse que la los extintores de incendio de los 30 establecimientos comerciales de Vitória da Conquista estaban en desacuerdo con las normas reglamentares en lo que se refiere a la instalación, localización, señalización, visibilidad y desobstrucción.

ASLO positivo é diagnóstico de Febre Reumática?

O ASLO (Anticorpo antiestreptolisina O) é um anticorpo que o nosso organismo produz para combater o estreptococo durante ou logo após uma infecção de garganta. Portanto, ela serve apenas para dizer se a criança teve infecção por esta bactéria. Na ausência das manifestações típicas da Febre Reumática (FR), a ASLO não tem nenhum valor para o diagnóstico desta doença. Oitenta por cento das crianças com infecção de garganta pelo estreptococo apresentam elevação da ASLO, porém somente 3% delas poderão apresentar Febre Reumática.
Os títulos de ASLO podem variar com a idade, estações climáticas e áreas geográficas. Títulos de 200 a 300 unidades Todd/ml são comuns em crianças sadias na idade escolar; após uma faringite estreptocócica, o pico de resposta imune é alcançado em quatro a seis semanas (geralmente entre a segunda e terceira semana da FR). O teste pode manter níveis elevados por meses, mesmo após infecções estreptocócicas não complicadas. Os títulos do anticorpo diminuem rapidamente nos primeiros meses e, após o sexto mês, passam a cair lentamente.

Revaluation of stockpile amount of PFOS-containing aqueous film-forming foam in Japan: gaps and pitfalls in the stockpile survey.

Stockpiles of perfluoro-octane sulfonic acid (PFOS) containing aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) have the potential to be emitted by leaching, spills, and during use in fire response and other processes. Several studies have discussed the high levels of stockpiled PFOS-containing AFFF and the risk they pose to the environment; however, there are large gaps in the amounts in Japan compared with other countries. For example, 300 tons are stockpiled in Canada, 2200-2600 tons in Switzerland, 1400 tons in Norway, and 19,000 tons in Japan from their reports for publication. The gap is considered to be a result of lack of surveys of several important sources. In this study, we revaluated the stockpile of AFFF in Japan to verify the reported value and identify the source of this gap based on information available in peer-reviewed papers, governmental reports, and business reports. The major reason for the gap between Japan and other countries was considered to be the survey of stockpiles in car-parking facilities, which accounted for 46.7% of the total amounts in Japan, but were not considered in other countries. These stockpiles indicate a high potential for accidental leaching or spilling of the AFFF by careless storage. Therefore, it is recommended that continual surveys of the AFFF stockpile in car-parking facilities be conducted in the rest of the world.