Brazilian Thoracic Society recommendations for the diagnosis and monitoring of asbestos-exposed individuals.

Asbestos was largely used in Brazil. It is a mineral that induces pleural and pulmonary fibrosis, and it is a potent carcinogen. Our objective was to develop recommendations for the performance of adequate imaging tests for screening asbestos-related diseases. We searched peer-reviewed publications, national and international technical documents, and specialists' opinions on the theme. Based on that, the major recommendations are: Individuals exposed to asbestos at the workplace for ≥ 1 year or those with a history of environmental exposure for at least 5 years, all of those with a latency period > 20 years from the date of initial exposure, should initially undego HRCT of the chest for investigation. Individuals with pleural disease and/or asbestosis should be considered for regular lung cancer monitoring. Risk calculators should be adopted for lung cancer screening, with a risk estimate of 1.5%.

Association between fine particulate matter and the peak expiratory flow of schoolchildren in the Brazilian subequatorial Amazon: a panel study.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to high levels of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM(2.5)) resulting from biomass burning is frequent in the subequatorial Amazon region. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether or not current exposure to PM(2.5) in the Brazilian Amazon has adverse effects on the daily peak expiratory flow (PEF) of schoolchildren. METHODS: The study design consisted of a panel comprising 309 children aged 6 to 15 years from the same school. PEF was measured daily, except weekends and holidays, from August to December 2006. Each child contributed to the study up to 67 daily measurements. All together there were 19115 PEF measures. Participation rate was 90%. Daily measurements of PM(2.5), temperature, and humidity as well as passive smoking, and subject features were regarded in the statistical analysis. Various exposures of PM(2.5) were considered throughout the analysis, among them 24-hour, 12-hour, 6-hour, and 5-hour means. To account for subject responses to confounders, mixed effects models were applied. The effects were evaluated considering air pollution levels on the current day or at 1- or 2-day lags and the averages of 0-1-day lags, 1-2-day lags and 0-, 1-, and 2-day lags. RESULTS: The 24-hour PM(2.5) means ranged from 6.39 to 99.91 µg/m(3). The adjusted models for the entire group of children revealed adverse effects. For instance, for an increase of 10 µg/m(3) in PM(2.5,) the reduction in the PEF average varied between 0.26 l/min (95% Confidence Interval (CI): -0.49; -0.04) and 0.38 l/min (95% CI: -0.71; -0.04). Restricted to the subgroup of non-asthmatic children, classified as such according to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire, there was a reduction in the PEF ranging from 0.38 l/min (95% CI: -0.63; -0.13) to 0.53 l/min (95% CI: -0.90; -0.16) for an increase of 10 µg/m(3) in PM(2.5). There was no significant effect in the asthmatic group. When stratified by time of the day children were at school, the concurrent effects of air pollution on PEF were not significant, whereas the 6-hour exposure from 0 am to 5:30 am was significant for both morning and afternoon groups. Finally, the 24-hour mean lagged effect was only significant for the afternoon group of children. For an increase of 10 µg/m(3) in PM(2.5,) there was a reduction in the PEF that ranged from 0.41 l/min (95% CI: -0.76; -0.06) to 0.49 l/min (95% CI: -0.91; -0.07). CONCLUSION: Exposure to current levels of PM(2.5) in the Brazilian Amazon was associated with reductions in the lung function of schoolchildren. The adverse effects were more consistent in non-asthmatic children and with respect to the 6-hour mean from 0 am to 5.30 am.

Genetic polymorphisms and their effects on the severity of silicosis in workers exposed to silica in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Silicosis is a pneumoconiosis characterized by fibrosis of the lung parenchyma caused by inhalation of silica particles. Genetic factors might play a role in the severity silicosis. We sought to evaluate the influence of polymorphisms in the ACE, FAS, FASLG, NOS2, IL1RN, FAM13A, TGFB1, and TNF genes on the severity of silicosis. METHODS: Nine polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR in a sample of 143 patients with silicosis in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients (40%) were classified as having simple silicosis and 86 (60%) were classified as having complicated silicosis. The TT genotype of rs1800469 in the TGFB1 gene showed a protective effect for complicated silicosis (OR = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.14-0.92; p = 0.028) when compared with the other two genotypes (CC+CT). The polymorphic T allele of rs763110 in the FASLG gene (OR = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.31-0.99; p = 0.047), as well as a dominant model for the T allele (TT+CT: OR = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.15-0.96; p = 0.037), also showed a protective effect. When patients with simple silicosis despite having been exposed to silica for a longer time (> 44,229 hours) were compared with patients with complicated silicosis despite having been exposed to silica for a shorter time, the T allele of rs763110 in the FASLG gene (OR = 0.20; 95% CI, 0.08-0.48; p < 0.0001), as well as dominant and recessive models (OR = 0.06; 95% CI, 0.00-0.49; p = 0.01 and OR = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06-0.77; p = 0.014, respectively), showed a protective effect against the severity of silicosis. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that rs1800469 polymorphisms in the TGFB1 gene and rs763110 polymorphisms in the FASLG gene are involved in the severity of silicosis. Given the lack of studies relating genetic polymorphisms to the severity of silicosis, these results should be replicated in other populations.

Prevalence and factors associated with respiratory symptoms among civil construction workers: an occupational health surveillance proposal.

BACKGROUND: The civil construction industry is associated with the some of the highest morbidity and mortality rates in Brazil. Despite their epidemiological relevance, occupational health surveillance actions within the primary care setting still exhibit weaknesses. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of and factors associated with respiratory symptoms among civil construction workers in Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional analytic study conducted with 545 civil construction workers to analyze occupational health surveillance actions. Presence of respiratory symptoms was investigated by means of the British Medical Research Council questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. The Mantel-Haenszel χ 2 test was used for bivariate analysis and Poisson regression for multivariate analysis. The significance level was set to 5%. RESULTS: Most participants were young adults and almost half exhibited respiratory symptoms. The odds to develop cough were higher for the participants exposed to chemicals (PR=1.70; 95%CI 1.22-2.37). The odds to develop wheezing were higher for the participants who had not undergone pre-employment spirometry (PR=1.57; 95%CI 1.17-2.10). CONCLUSION: Biological monitoring of civil construction workers might be useful to improve occupational health surveillance actions within the primary care setting.

INTRODUÇÃO: O setor da construção civil é um dos que mais adoecem e matam trabalhadores no Brasil. Apesar da relevância epidemiológica, ainda são frágeis as ações de vigilância em saúde do trabalhador na Atenção Básica. OBJETIVO: Analisar a prevalência e os fatores associados a sintomas respiratórios em trabalhadores da construção civil de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, analítico, realizado com 545 trabalhadores da construção civil, de modo a qualificar as ações de vigilância em saúde do trabalhador. A presença de sintomas respiratórios foi determinada através do instrumento British Medical Research Council. Realizou-se o teste do χ 2 de Mantel Haenszel na análise bivariada e regressão de Poisson na análise multivariada. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos participantes é de adultos jovens. Quase metade dos participantes foram classificados como sintomático-respiratórios. Trabalhadores expostos a substâncias químicas apresentaram maiores chances para a ocorrência de tosse (RP=1,70; IC95% 1,22­2,37) e expectoração (RP=1,63; IC95% 1,14­2,23). Trabalhadores que não realizaram os testes espirométricos nos exames admissionais obtiveram maiores chances de apresentar sibilos (RP=1,57; IC95% 1,17­2,10). CONCLUSÃO: O monitoramento biológico dos trabalhadores da construção civil pode servir como uma importante ferramenta para a qualificação das ações de vigilância em saúde do trabalhador na Atenção Básica.

Brazilian Thoracic Society recommendations for the diagnosis and monitoring of asbestos-exposed individuals

ABSTRACT Asbestos was largely used in Brazil. It is a mineral that induces pleural and pulmonary fibrosis, and it is a potent carcinogen. Our objective was to develop recommendations for the performance of adequate imaging tests for screening asbestos-related diseases. We searched peer-reviewed publications, national and international technical documents, and specialists' opinions on the theme. Based on that, the major recommendations are: Individuals exposed to asbestos at the workplace for ≥ 1 year or those with a history of environmental exposure for at least 5 years, all of those with a latency period > 20 years from the date of initial exposure, should initially undego HRCT of the chest for investigation. Individuals with pleural disease and/or asbestosis should be considered for regular lung cancer monitoring. Risk calculators should be adopted for lung cancer screening, with a risk estimate of 1.5%.

Mesothelioma mortality in Brazil, 1980-2003.

Although asbestos causes asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, it remains widely used in Brazil, mostly in cement-fiber products. We report the Brazilian mesothelioma mortality trend 1980-2003, using records of the national System of Mortality Information of DATASUS, including all deaths with IX International Disease Classification (ICD9) codes 163.n--pleura cancer during the period 1980-1995; and ICD10 codes c45.n--mesotheliomas and c38.4--pleura cancer for the years 1996-2003. Mesothelioma mortality rates increased over the period studied, from 0.56 to 1.01 deaths per 1,000,000 [corrected] habitants. The total number of mesothelioma deaths nationwide in the period studied was 2,414; the majority (1,415) were in the Southeast region. Mortality was highest among males and people over age 65. Given the history of asbestos exposure in Brazil, our findings support the need for policies that limit or ban the use of this product.

Incompletude da variável profissão/ocupação nos bancos de síndrome gripal, síndrome respiratória aguda grave e mortalidade, Brasil, 2020-2021 / Incompleteness of the profession/occupation variable in the flu-like syndrome, severe acute respiratory syndrome and mortality databases, Brazil, 2020-2021

Resumo Objetivo: descrever a incompletude da informação sobre profissão/ocupação nas bases de dados de síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG), síndrome gripal (SG) e no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) no Brasil. Métodos: estudo descritivo utilizando os bancos de dados de SRAG, SG e SIM. Calcularam-se percentuais de incompletude na variável profissão/ocupação segundo sexo, macrorregiões e unidades da federação, em 2020-2021. Resultados: o percentual de incompletude foi de 94,7% no banco de SG; 97,7% no de SRAG; e 17,0% no SIM. Em todas as macrorregiões a incompletude foi superior a 91,0% nos bancos de SG e SRAG; e superior a 13,0% no SIM. Todas as unidades da federação apresentaram percentuais de incompletude acima de 90,0% para SG; de 74,0% para SRAG; e de 6,8% para óbitos. Amapá apresentou maior percentual de incompletude na base de dados de SG (98,1%); Rio Grande do Sul (99,4%) na de SRAG; e Alagoas (45,0%) no SIM. Conclusões: observaram-se elevados percentuais de incompletude da variável profissão/ocupação nos sistemas de informação estudados. Recomenda-se uma articulação intersetorial, envolvendo representantes dos governos e dos trabalhadores, para formulação de estratégias que contornem a falta de informação sobre ocupação/profissão nas bases de dados relevantes para a vigilância em saúde.

Abstract Objective: to describe the incomplete filling out of the profession/occupation variable in the flu-like syndrome, severe acute respiratory syndrome and mortality databases in Brazil. Methods: descriptive study with secondary data from flu-like syndrome (FLS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and mortality databases (SIM). We calculeted the absolute and relative filling frequencies of the profession/occupation variable according to State, gender, regions, and federative units, for 2020 and 2021. Results: we found a 94.7% incompleteness on the FLS database, 97.7% of missing profession/occupation data on the SARS, and 17.0% on the SIM database. Incompleteness frequency was above 91.0% in all Brazilian regions for FLS and SARS. Incompleteness on the mortality database was over 13.0%. All federative units presented incompleteness above 90.0% for FLS, 74.0% for SARS, and 6.8% for mortality in all genders. Higher levels of missing data were found in the states of Amapá for FLS (98.1%), Rio Grande do Sul for SARS and Alagoas (45.0%) for mortality (99.4%). Conclusions: all databases showed a high incompleteness of the profession/occupation variable. We recommend an articulation between the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labor and workers' representations to solve this lack of data on occupation/profession in public databases.

Air pollution and respiratory diseases in the Municipality of Vitória, Espírito Santo State, Brazil.

In Brazil, increasing air pollution in urban areas has led to a rise in respiratory diseases among children and the elderly and has also been the main cause of hospital admissions. This study aims to evaluate the air pollution levels in Vitória, capital of Espírito Santo State, Brazil, in comparison to Brazilian legislation and recent World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, analyzing the spatial distribution of asthma cases treated at local outpatient services. A descriptive epidemiological study was performed with daily records on air pollution and outpatient treatment for respiratory diseases from 2001 to 2003, for children under 6 years of age. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to identify asthma distribution in the municipality. Air pollution levels were relatively low when compared to the Brazilian legislation and WHO guidelines. Only mean PM10 and NO2 exceeded the annual quality standard. The three highest asthma outpatient treatment rates were observed in the districts of São José, Jabou, and Morro do Quadro.

Calor y carga de enfermedades: impactos y proyecciones futurasen capitales de la Amazonía Legal / Heat and burden of diseases: impacts and future projections in capitals of the Legal Amazon

FUNDAMENTOS: Bajo la influencia del cambio climático crece la exposición ambiental al calor y a la contaminación, exacerbados por eventos extremos, incrementando el riesgo de mortalidad en áreas vulnerables. En este trabajo se evaluaron los efectos presentes (2000-2019) y futuros del calor sobre la carga de enfermedades cardiovasculares (en personas con 45 años o más), respiratorias (en personas con 60 años o más) y por todas las causas (en personas con 1 año o más) en capitales de la Amazonía Legal (Brasil). MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio ecológico. Se estimaron inicialmente, para el período 2000-2019, el riesgo relativo (RR) de exposición-respuesta relacionado a los efectos de la temperatura sobre los años de vida potencialmente perdidos (AVPP) mediante el modelo de regresión lineal generalizada (GLM), combinado con el modelo no lineal de desfasajes (lag) distribuidos (DLNM); y las fracciones de AVPP atribuibles al calor desde la perspectiva prospectiva (forward). Posteriormente los resultados fueron estimados en período base (1970-2005) y proyectados a futuro en los niveles específicos de calentamiento y períodos: 1,5 ºC (2010-2039), 2 ºC (2040-2069) y 4 ºC (2070-2099), considerando los datos de temperatura del modelo climático regional WCRP CORDEX en escenario RCP8.5. RESULTADOS: Entre 2000-2019 el RR de AVPP se incrementó significativamente en las capitales ante la exposición al calor y las marcadas amplitudes térmicas, con los mayores efectos sobre las enfermedades respiratorias en Río Blanco (14%), por todas las causas en Manaos (12%) y cardiovasculares en Cuiabá (9%). Comparado con el período base, el período 2040-2069 mostró el mayor aumento (10,40 veces) de la fracción de número de AVPP atribuibles al calor en la región, con predominio de las causas cardiovasculares. Los hallazgos encontrados no fueron totalmente concluyentes, la baja precisión de los intervalos de confianza estimados no mostró significancia en el efecto negativo.(AU)

BACKGROUND: Under the influence of climate change, environmental exposure to heat and pollution grows, exacerbated by extreme events, increasing the risk of mortality in vulnerable areas. We aimed to evaluate the present (2000-2019) and future effects ofheat on the burden of cardiovascular (in people aged 45 years or older), respiratory (in people aged 60 years or older) and all-cause (in people aged 1 year or more) diseases in capitals of the Legal Amazon (Brazil). METHODS: An ecological study was conducted to initially estimate, for the period 2000-2019, the relative risk (RR) of exposure-response related to the effects of temperature on years of life potentially lost (YLL) using the generalized linear regression model (GLM), combined with the distributed non-linear lag model (DLNM); and the fractions of YLL attributable to heat from the prospective perspective (forward). Subsequently, the results were estimated in the baseline period (1970-2005) and projected into the future in the specific levels of warming and periods: 1.5 ºC (2010-2039), 2 ºC (2040-2069) and 4 ºC (2070-2099), considering the temperature data from the WCRP CORDEX regional climate model in RCP8.5 scenario. RESULTS: The RR of YLL increased significantly in the capitals due to exposure to heat and marked thermal amplitudes between 2000-2019, with the major effects on respiratory diseases in Río Blanco (14%), due to all causes in Manaus (12%) and cardiovascular in Cuiabá (9%). Compared with the baseline period, the period 2040-2069 showed the largest increase (10.40 times) in the fraction of the number of YLL attributable to heat in the region, with the predominance of cardiovascular diseases. The findings were not completely conclusive, the low precision of the estimated confidence intervals did not show the significance of the negative effect of heat.(AU)

Genetic polymorphisms and their effects on the severity of silicosis in workers exposed to silica in Brazil / Polimorfismos genéticos e seus efeitos na gravidade da silicose em trabalhadores expostos à sílica no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: Silicosis is a pneumoconiosis characterized by fibrosis of the lung parenchyma caused by inhalation of silica particles. Genetic factors might play a role in the severity silicosis. We sought to evaluate the influence of polymorphisms in the ACE, FAS, FASLG, NOS2, IL1RN, FAM13A, TGFB1, and TNF genes on the severity of silicosis. Methods: Nine polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR in a sample of 143 patients with silicosis in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Results: Fifty-seven patients (40%) were classified as having simple silicosis and 86 (60%) were classified as having complicated silicosis. The TT genotype of rs1800469 in the TGFB1 gene showed a protective effect for complicated silicosis (OR = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.14-0.92; p = 0.028) when compared with the other two genotypes (CC+CT). The polymorphic T allele of rs763110 in the FASLG gene (OR = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.31-0.99; p = 0.047), as well as a dominant model for the T allele (TT+CT: OR = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.15-0.96; p = 0.037), also showed a protective effect. When patients with simple silicosis despite having been exposed to silica for a longer time (> 44,229 hours) were compared with patients with complicated silicosis despite having been exposed to silica for a shorter time, the T allele of rs763110 in the FASLG gene (OR = 0.20; 95% CI, 0.08-0.48; p < 0.0001), as well as dominant and recessive models (OR = 0.06; 95% CI, 0.00-0.49; p = 0.01 and OR = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06-0.77; p = 0.014, respectively), showed a protective effect against the severity of silicosis. Conclusions: It appears that rs1800469 polymorphisms in the TGFB1 gene and rs763110 polymorphisms in the FASLG gene are involved in the severity of silicosis. Given the lack of studies relating genetic polymorphisms to the severity of silicosis, these results should be replicated in other populations.

RESUMO Objetivo: A silicose é uma pneumoconiose caracterizada por fibrose do parênquima pulmonar causada por inalação de partículas de sílica. Fatores genéticos podem desempenhar um papel na gravidade da silicose. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar a influência de polimorfismos dos genes ACE, FAS, FASLG, NOS2, IL1RN, FAM13A, TGFB1 e TNF na gravidade da silicose. Métodos: Nove polimorfismos foram genotipados por meio de PCR em uma amostra composta por 143 pacientes com silicose no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Resultados: A silicose foi classificada em simples em 57 (40%) dos pacientes e em complicada, em 86 (60%). O genótipo TT do polimorfismo rs1800469 do gene TGFB1 teve efeito protetor contra a silicose complicada (OR = 0,35; IC95%: 0,14-0,92; p = 0,028) em comparação com os outros dois genótipos (CC+CT). O alelo T polimórfico do polimorfismo rs763110 do gene FASLG (OR = 0,56; IC95%: 0,31-0,99; p = 0,047) e um modelo dominante do alelo T (TT+CT: OR = 0,37; IC95%: 0,15-0,96; p = 0,037) também tiveram efeito protetor. Quando se compararam os pacientes que tinham silicose simples com um tempo maior de exposição à sílica (> 44.229 horas) àqueles que tinham silicose complicada com um tempo menor de exposição à sílica, o alelo T do polimorfismo rs763110 do gene FASLG (OR = 0,20; IC95%: 0,08-0,48; p < 0,0001) e modelos dominantes e recessivos (OR = 0,06; IC95%: 0,00-0,49; p = 0,01 e OR = 0,22; IC95%: 0,06-0,77; p = 0,014, respectivamente) tiveram efeito protetor contra a gravidade da silicose. Conclusões: Polimorfismos rs1800469 do gene TGFB1 e polimorfismos rs763110 do gene FASLG parecem estar envolvidos na gravidade da silicose. Como há poucos estudos que tenham estabelecido relações entre polimorfismos genéticos e a gravidade da silicose, esses resultados devem ser replicados em outras populações.

Early Diagnosis of Respiratory Abnormalities in Asbestos-Exposed Workers by the Forced Oscillation Technique.

BACKGROUND: The current reference test for the detection of respiratory abnormalities in asbestos-exposed workers is spirometry. However, spirometry has several shortcomings that greatly affect the efficacy of current asbestos control programs. The forced oscillation technique (FOT) represents the current state-of-the-art technique in the assessment of lung function. This method provides a detailed analysis of respiratory resistance and reactance at different oscillatory frequencies during tidal breathing. Here, we evaluate the FOT as an alternative method to standard spirometry for the early detection and quantification of respiratory abnormalities in asbestos-exposed workers. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Seventy-two subjects were analyzed. The control group was composed of 33 subjects with a normal spirometric exam who had no history of smoking or pulmonary disease. Thirty-nine subjects exposed to asbestos were also studied, including 32 volunteers in radiological category 0/0 and 7 volunteers with radiological categories of 0/1 or 1/1. FOT data were interpreted using classical parameters as well as integer (InOr) and fractional-order (FrOr) modeling. The diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by investigating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Exposed workers presented increased obstruction (resistance p<0.001) and a reduced compliance (p<0.001), with a predominance of obstructive changes. The FOT parameter changes were correlated with the standard pulmonary function analysis methods (R = -0.52, p<0.001). Early respiratory abnormalities were identified with a high diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.987) using parameters obtained from the FrOr modeling. This accuracy was significantly better than those obtained with classical (p<0.001) and InOr (p<0.001) model parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The FOT improved our knowledge about the biomechanical abnormalities in workers exposed to asbestos. Additionally, a high diagnostic accuracy in the diagnosis of early respiratory abnormalities in asbestos-exposed workers was obtained. This makes the FOT particularly useful as a screening tool in the context of asbestos control and elimination. Moreover, it can facilitate epidemiological research and the longitudinal follow-up of asbestos exposure and asbestos-related diseases.

[Indicator of socio-environmental vulnerability in the Western Amazon. The case of the city of Porto Velho, State of Rondônia, Brazil]. / Indicador de vulnerabilidade socioambiental na Amazônia Ocidental. O caso do município de Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brasil.

The accelerated process of urbanization in the State of Amazônia associated with changes in the patterns of exploitation of natural resources have resulted in several types of environmental impacts, such as urban air pollution produced by forest fires which alters the relationship between urban and rural areas and establishes new vulnerabilities. The scope of this study is to analyze the socio-environmental vulnerability in relation to forest fires and health effects in the urban area of Porto Velho, located in the Brazilian Amazon region. Data was analyzed using a synthetic indicator combining income and education aspects, housing infrastructure, environmental exposure and health effects. The findings indicate that 51% of the resident population, i.e. around 157,000 inhabitants, is exposed to conditions of high and extreme environmental vulnerability. Analysis of the dimensions used to construct the synthetic indicator reveals an intense heterogeneity in terms of socio-environmental vulnerability in the urban area of the city of Porto Velho. These results highlight the need for integrated actions from different government departments in order to enhance health promotion, ecological sustainability and also reduce social inequalities in health.

Formação profissional como ação estratégica para implementação da Política Nacional de Saúde do Trabalhador e da Trabalhadora / Professional qualification as a strategic action for the implementation of the Brazilian Workers' Health Policy

Resumo Introdução: a criação da Rede Nacional de Atenção Integral à Saúde do Trabalhador é considerada a principal estratégia para a Política Nacional de Saúde do Trabalhador e da Trabalhadora. O Ministério da Saúde priorizou a qualificação profissional das equipes dos centros de referência em saúde do trabalhador, considerados nucleares na rede. Foi firmado um convênio com o Centro de Estudos da Saúde do Trabalhador e Ecologia Humana, da Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, para o desenvolvimento de um Curso de Especialização em Saúde do Trabalhador na modalidade a distância. Objetivo: descrever e analisar o desenvolvimento do curso no período de 2006 a 2015. Métodos: análise documental. Resultados: o curso ocorreu nas regiões Norte, Nordeste, Centro-Oeste e Sudeste, com 1.703 inscritos, 70% de concluintes aprovados e evasão de 28%. Valorizou-se a opinião dos profissionais participantes sobre o curso e o material didático e analisou-se sua relação com a política e o desempenho dos alunos e tutores. Conclusão: o processo pioneiro cumpriu os objetivos abrindo novos caminhos para ações em saúde do trabalhador e identificando evidências positivas da capacitação sobre os serviços e a rede.

Abstract Introduction: the creation of the National Workers' Health Comprehensive Care Network is considered the main strategy for the Brazilian Workers' Health Policy. The Ministry of Health prioritized the professional training of the teams from workers' health reference centers, which are considered crucial within the network. The Ministry of Health signed an agreement with the Centre of Studies for Worker's Health and Human Ecology of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation National School of Public Health, aiming at organizing a distance education course on Workers' Health. Objective: to describe and analyze the course development from 2006 to 2015. Methods: documentary analysis. Results: the course was held in the North, Northeast, Midwest and Southeast regions of Brazil, with 1,703 enrollees, from which 70% were approved and 28% dropped out. The participants' opinions about the course and its materials were taken into account. We analyzed the relationship between the course and the workers' health policy, as well as the performance of students and tutors. Conclusion: the courses pioneering process achieved its objectives, carving new paths for actions in workers' health, and making it possible to identify positive evidence of the training on services and the network.

Prevalência e fatores associados a sintomas respiratórios em trabalhadores da construção civil: uma proposta de vigilância em saúde do trabalhador / Prevalence and factors associated with respiratory symptoms among civil construction workers: an occupational health surveillance proposal

INTRODUÇÃO: O setor da construção civil é um dos que mais adoecem e matam trabalhadores no Brasil. Apesar da relevância epidemiológica, ainda são frágeis as ações de vigilância em saúde do trabalhador na Atenção Básica. OBJETIVO: Analisar a prevalência e os fatores associados a sintomas respiratórios em trabalhadores da construção civil de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, analítico, realizado com 545 trabalhadores da construção civil, de modo a qualificar as ações de vigilância em saúde do trabalhador. A presença de sintomas respiratórios foi determinada através do instrumento British Medical Research Council. Realizou-se o teste do χ2 de Mantel Haenszel na análise bivariada e regressão de Poisson na análise multivariada. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos participantes é de adultos jovens. Quase metade dos participantes foram classificados como sintomático-respiratórios. Trabalhadores expostos a substâncias químicas apresentaram maiores chances para a ocorrência de tosse (RP=1,70; IC95% 1,22­2,37) e expectoração (RP=1,63; IC95% 1,14­2,23). Trabalhadores que não realizaram os testes espirométricos nos exames admissionais obtiveram maiores chances de apresentar sibilos (RP=1,57; IC95% 1,17­2,10). CONCLUSÃO: O monitoramento biológico dos trabalhadores da construção civil pode servir como uma importante ferramenta para a qualificação das ações de vigilância em saúde do trabalhador na Atenção Básica.

BACKGROUND: The civil construction industry is associated with the some of the highest morbidity and mortality rates in Brazil. Despite their epidemiological relevance, occupational health surveillance actions within the primary care setting still exhibit weaknesses. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of and factors associated with respiratory symptoms among civil construction workers in Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional analytic study conducted with 545 civil construction workers to analyze occupational health surveillance actions. Presence of respiratory symptoms was investigated by means of the British Medical Research Council questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. The Mantel-Haenszel χ2 test was used for bivariate analysis and Poisson regression for multivariate analysis. The significance level was set to 5%. RESULTS: Most participants were young adults and almost half exhibited respiratory symptoms. The odds to develop cough were higher for the participants exposed to chemicals (PR=1.70; 95%CI 1.22­2.37). The odds to develop wheezing were higher for the participants who had not undergone pre-employment spirometry (PR=1.57; 95%CI 1.17­2.10). CONCLUSION: Biological monitoring of civil construction workers might be useful to improve occupational health surveillance actions within the primary care setting.

Acute effects of particulate matter and black carbon from seasonal fires on peak expiratory flow of schoolchildren in the Brazilian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: Panel studies have shown adverse effects of air pollution from biomass burning on children's health. This study estimated the effect of current levels of outdoor air pollution in the Amazonian dry season on peak expiratory flow (PEF). METHODS: A panel study with 234 schoolchildren from 6 to 15 years old living in the municipality of Tangará da Serra, Brazil was conducted. PEF was measured daily in the dry season in 2008. Mixed-effects models and unified modelling repeated for every child were applied. Time trends, temperature, humidity, and subject characteristics were regarded. Inhalable particulate matter (PM10), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and black carbon (BC) effects were evaluated based on 24-hour exposure lagged by 1 to 5 days and the averages of 2 or 3 days. Polynomial distributed lag models (PDLM) were also applied. RESULTS: The analyses revealed reductions in PEF for PM10 and PM2.5 increases of 10 µg/m(3) and 1 µg/m(3) for BC. For PM10, the reductions varied from 0.15 (confidence interval (CI)95%: -0.29; -0.01) to 0.25 l/min (CI95%: -0.40; -0.10). For PM2.5, they ranged from 0.46 (CI95%: -0.86 to -0.06) to 0.54 l/min (CI95%:-0.95; -0.14). As for BC, the reduction was approximately 1.40 l/min. In relation to PDLM, adverse effects were noticed in models based on the exposure on the current day through the previous 3 days (PDLM 0-3) and on the current day through the previous 5 days (PDLM 0-5), specially for PM10. For all children, for PDLM 0-5 the global effect was important for PM10, with PEF reduction of 0.31 l/min (CI95%: -0.56; -0.05). Also, reductions in lags 3 and 4 were observed. These associations were stronger for children between 6 and 8 years old. CONCLUSION: Reductions in PEF were associated with air pollution, mainly for lagged exposures of 3 to 5 days and for younger children.

[Asbestos, danger and invisibility: perception of environmental risks and health of the residents of Bom Jesus da Serra/Bahia state]. / Amianto, perigo e invisibilidade: percepção de riscos ambientais e à saúde de moradores do município de Bom Jesus da Serra/Bahia.

It is important for society as a whole to know how environmentally exposed populations understand and respond to technological chemical risks. This study aimed to analyze the perception of environmental risks and health of the residents of BJS/BA, which is an area especially subjected to environmental exposure to asbestos in Brazil. Mixed questionnaires were used on residents who attend the "Family Health Program" of this city. The subjects of the study were selected according to the following characteristics: specific age groups--one group from 20 to 35 and the other group over 60; sex; length of time and location of dwelling. The intentional sample reached comprised 83 individuals. The results showed that there was general concern about contamination by dust in the air, but general denial of the environmental risks related to asbestos. With respect to health risks, there was lack of visibility by the majority of informants regarding greater risk of getting cancer and pulmonary diseases, mainly for the group of the residents close to the mine and elderly ex-workers.

[Ground-clearing fires in the amazon and respiratory disease]. / As queimadas na região amazônica e o adoecimento respiratório.

The intentional burning of forest biomass commonly known as "ground-clearing fires" is an age-old and widespread practice in the country and is seen as a major contributor to global emissions of greenhouse gases. However, global awareness of their potential impact is relatively recent. The occurrence of large ground-clearing fires in the Brazilian and international scenarios drew attention to the problem, but the measures taken to prevent and/or control the fires are still insufficient. In the Amazon region, with distinct geographical and environmental features from the rest of the country, with its historic process of land occupation, every year the ground-clearing fires expose larger portions of the population making them vulnerable to its effects. In this context, this non-systematic review presents the papers written over the past five years about the fires in the Brazilian Amazon and respiratory illness. The main objective is to provide information for managers and leaders on environmental issues about the problems related to biomass burning in the Amazon region.