published_or_final_version / Environmental Management / Master / Master of Science in Environmental Management

The purpose of this paper is the examination of previous STS-based frameworks for rational risk evaluation and the role of Fukushima residents as co-creators of new technical codes in safety and risk. To accomplish this task, the causes of nuclear refugees’ uncertainty and distrust towards the industry and the applicability of frameworks for scientific proceduralism and democratic rationalization by Kristin Shrader-Frechette and Andrew Feenberg to this issue will be discussed.

Introdução. A presença de partículas metálicas finas na atmosfera urbana é preocupante considerando que um significativo acúmulo desses elementos no ar ambiente tem sido registrado nas últimas décadas. As informações sobre os teores de metais nas emissões de escapamentos dos veículos automotores são bastante limitadas, não sendo encontradas referências nacionais específicas sobre o tema. Objetivo: Caracterizar experimentalmente as frações fina e grossa de partículas (PM10), e os metais que compõem essas partículas emitidas na exaustão dos veículos dos ciclos Otto e Diesel.Método: Foram ensaiados dois veículos do ciclo Otto em um dinamômetro de chassi, seguindo ciclo de condução e sistema de amostragem padronizado pela norma NBR 6601 (2005): e dois veículos do ciclo Diesel, em ensaio de aceleração livre segundo a norma NBR 13037 (2001) e em operação em marcha lenta. As partículas com diâmetro ≤10 foram selecionadas e as frações fina e grossa obtidas por impactação em filtros de policarbonato, sendo sua composição elementar (elementos com Z >10) obtida pela técnica analítica de espectroscopia de raio-X (PIXE). Resultados: Os veículos a µm diesel apresentaram uma emissão média de partículas (PM10) coletada no fluxo sem diluição de aproximadamente 20,166 mg/m3, os veículos a gasolina de 0,411 gm/m3 e a álcool de 0,142 gm/m3 coletadas no fluxo de diluição. Os principais metais identificados na exaustão foram Al, Si, K, Ca, Mn, Fé, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pt e Pb, com algumas variações em função do tipo de combustível e veículo ensaiado. A média das concentrações total de PM10 presente na exaustão dos veículos ensaiados. Conclusão. Os veículos a diesel são os maiores emissores de material particulado, seguidos pelos veículos a gasolina e álcool, respectivamente. A avaliação das partículas amostradas alerta para o fato de que nos três tipos de veículos a maior parte das emissões é pertencente à fração fina. Considerando que os metais identificados podem fixar-se às partículas finas e penetrar no organismo humano e que alguns compostos metálicos, além de apresentarem efeitos carcinogênicos, são também potentes alergogênicos e sensibilizantes, deve ser ressaltada a necessidade de controle destas emissões para veículos em uso no Brasil de modo evitar danos à saúde. / Introduction: The presence of fine metal particles in the urban atmosphere is a big concern considering that a significant accumulation of these elements has been registered during the last decades. Information about metal level in the tailpipe is scarce and specific Brazilian emission references are basically inexistent. Objective. Experimentally characterize fine and coarse PM10 particles and their metal constituents in the combustion exhaust of Otto and Diesel vehicles. Methods. Two Otto vehicles were essayed on a chassis dynamometer following a standard driving cycle using a sampling system in accordance with the NBR 6601 (2005); and two Diesel vehicles were essayed both in free acceleration tests according to the NBR 13037 (2001) standard and at idle rpm. The particles with diameter ≤10 µm were separated in the fine and coarse fraction by impaction in polycarbonate filters, and their elementary composition were determined by X-ray spectrometry (PIXE). Results. The diesel vehicles presented a PM10 particle average emission of 0,207 g/m3, whereas the gasoline vehicle presented 0,411 gm/m3 and the ethanol vehicle presented an average emission of 0,142 gm/m3 . The main metals identified in the emission were Al, Si, K, Ca, Mn, Fé, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pt and Pb, with some variations in function of both the type of fuel and vehicle essayed. The average concentration of the fine fraction corresponded to more than 60% of the total concentration of PM10 in the vehicle exhaust. Conclusion. The diesel vehicles are the highest particulate emitters, followed by the gasoline vehicles and ethanol vehicles in this order. The evaluation of the sampled particles alerts for the fact that for all the three types of vehicles the major part of the particle emitted is in the fine fraction of particle size range. Considering, that the metals identified by the analyses can penetrate in the human organism by adhering to fine particles. It is a fact that some metallic compounds in addition to presenting carcinogenic effects are also powerful allergen and sensitizer, it should be emphasized the need of in use vehicle emission control as a means of voiding harms to the population health.

Introdução. A presença de partículas metálicas finas na atmosfera urbana é preocupante considerando que um significativo acúmulo desses elementos no ar ambiente tem sido registrado nas últimas décadas. As informações sobre os teores de metais nas emissões de escapamentos dos veículos automotores são bastante limitadas, não sendo encontradas referências nacionais específicas sobre o tema. Objetivo: Caracterizar experimentalmente as frações fina e grossa de partículas (PM10), e os metais que compõem essas partículas emitidas na exaustão dos veículos dos ciclos Otto e Diesel.Método: Foram ensaiados dois veículos do ciclo Otto em um dinamômetro de chassi, seguindo ciclo de condução e sistema de amostragem padronizado pela norma NBR 6601 (2005): e dois veículos do ciclo Diesel, em ensaio de aceleração livre segundo a norma NBR 13037 (2001) e em operação em marcha lenta. As partículas com diâmetro ≤10 foram selecionadas e as frações fina e grossa obtidas por impactação em filtros de policarbonato, sendo sua composição elementar (elementos com Z >10) obtida pela técnica analítica de espectroscopia de raio-X (PIXE). Resultados: Os veículos a µm diesel apresentaram uma emissão média de partículas (PM10) coletada no fluxo sem diluição de aproximadamente 20,166 mg/m3, os veículos a gasolina de 0,411 gm/m3 e a álcool de 0,142 gm/m3 coletadas no fluxo de diluição. Os principais metais identificados na exaustão foram Al, Si, K, Ca, Mn, Fé, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pt e Pb, com algumas variações em função do tipo de combustível e veículo ensaiado. A média das concentrações total de PM10 presente na exaustão dos veículos ensaiados. Conclusão. Os veículos a diesel são os maiores emissores de material particulado, seguidos pelos veículos a gasolina e álcool, respectivamente. A avaliação das partículas amostradas alerta para o fato de que nos três tipos de veículos a maior parte das emissões é pertencente à fração fina. Considerando que os metais identificados podem fixar-se às partículas finas e penetrar no organismo humano e que alguns compostos metálicos, além de apresentarem efeitos carcinogênicos, são também potentes alergogênicos e sensibilizantes, deve ser ressaltada a necessidade de controle destas emissões para veículos em uso no Brasil de modo evitar danos à saúde. / Introduction: The presence of fine metal particles in the urban atmosphere is a big concern considering that a significant accumulation of these elements has been registered during the last decades. Information about metal level in the tailpipe is scarce and specific Brazilian emission references are basically inexistent. Objective. Experimentally characterize fine and coarse PM10 particles and their metal constituents in the combustion exhaust of Otto and Diesel vehicles. Methods. Two Otto vehicles were essayed on a chassis dynamometer following a standard driving cycle using a sampling system in accordance with the NBR 6601 (2005); and two Diesel vehicles were essayed both in free acceleration tests according to the NBR 13037 (2001) standard and at idle rpm. The particles with diameter ≤10 µm were separated in the fine and coarse fraction by impaction in polycarbonate filters, and their elementary composition were determined by X-ray spectrometry (PIXE). Results. The diesel vehicles presented a PM10 particle average emission of 0,207 g/m3, whereas the gasoline vehicle presented 0,411 gm/m3 and the ethanol vehicle presented an average emission of 0,142 gm/m3 . The main metals identified in the emission were Al, Si, K, Ca, Mn, Fé, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pt and Pb, with some variations in function of both the type of fuel and vehicle essayed. The average concentration of the fine fraction corresponded to more than 60% of the total concentration of PM10 in the vehicle exhaust. Conclusion. The diesel vehicles are the highest particulate emitters, followed by the gasoline vehicles and ethanol vehicles in this order. The evaluation of the sampled particles alerts for the fact that for all the three types of vehicles the major part of the particle emitted is in the fine fraction of particle size range. Considering, that the metals identified by the analyses can penetrate in the human organism by adhering to fine particles. It is a fact that some metallic compounds in addition to presenting carcinogenic effects are also powerful allergen and sensitizer, it should be emphasized the need of in use vehicle emission control as a means of voiding harms to the population health.

The high incidence of pathogens is one of the main causes for impaired surface water quality designations in the United States. Pathogen presence in fresh water is monitored through the detection of indicator bacteria. Indicator bacteria concentrations, spatial and temporal variability, and microbial risks were evaluated in two rural watersheds, the Bosque and Leon Rivers, and one predominantly urban watershed, the San Jacinto River, all in Texas. Human health risk was predicted from contaminated waters as indicated by ingestion of Escherichia coli found in surface water for contact recreation scenarios. The watersheds were chosen because many segments were previously placed on the 303 (d) list (published by the TCEQ) for failing the indicator bacteria standards. Predominantly urban areas of the San Jacinto River and rural portions of the Bosque and Leon Rivers, where Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) are numerous, were compared to relatively pristine rural watersheds. Spatial analysis of the watersheds with E.coli concentrations exceeding the single sample (394 MPN/100mL) and the geometric mean standards (126 MPN/100mL) indicated that land use is a significant factor influencing the incidence of bacterial concentrations. Non-agricultural rural areas of the watersheds, such as forests and rangelands, had significantly lower E.coli concentrations compared to the agricultural areas and urban land uses. Human health risk due to ingestion of E.coli as an indicator organism indicated a similar pattern to that of their concentrations in that urban and agricultural areas had a greater risk compared to the other rural areas of the watersheds. The risk estimate for urban and agricultural areas exceeded the acceptable limit of one in ten thousand (10^-4), indicating a potential for adverse health effects to humans. Temporal variability in the watersheds as a function of streamflow, rainfall, and temperature indicated a positive correlation between bacterial concentration and high streamflow, rainfall and temperature. The positive correlation for these effects was greater in the rural areas compared to urban areas, indicating the presence of multiple factors responsible for E.coli concentrations in urban areas. Thus, land use was confirmed to be a major factor contributing to the presence of indicator bacteria in surface waters.

This report investigates possible health effects due to improper disposal of waste and the awareness within a community. The aim was also to investigate what is needed for a pro-environmental behavior in a rural area (Mutomo) within a developing country (Kenya). Waste management in developing countries has been and still remains a challenge, waste is left in nature and this has the potential for negative health effects on people and animals as well as degrading land and aquatic ecosystems. The used method was qualitative and for data collection in-depth interviews were conducted with help of an interpreter, interviewing guide, and a recording device. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using NVivo and thematic analysis. The result shows that all participants were aware of the health risks connected to waste. Much concern was raised amongst the community members, especially for the children’s health. All participants had a positive attitude towards re-collecting, re-using and recycling of waste, for the community members this was if a gain of income was obtained. Also the lack of responsibility by the general public was brought up by many participants as a social norm. To conclude if pro-environmental behavior is to be reached in Mutomo there has to be; (i) available systems for the public, (ii) a collective thought of responsibility in every community member, (iii) education on the issue in three steps (knowledge, comprehension and prevention) but most importantly (iv) the living standards has to be raised for those people that are most frequently affected.

During a risk assessment undertaken in a factory dealing with fiber reinforced plastic products in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia, styrene was identified as the most potential hazard in the factory. It was therefore chosen to focus the rest of the risk assessment on this chemical. The purpose of this risk assessment was to find out which negative health effects styrene could have on the factory workers, especially on the laminators who are dealing daily with styrene at a close range during lamination through hand lay-up. This was investigated theoretically through a literature research and practically through measurements of styrene in the air in the factory. The styrene doses were measured on two occasions at several distances away from the potential sources. These measurements were high compared with dose-response relationships found in the literature and various national occupational exposure limit values with regards to styrene. The calculated risk quotient (RQ) was also greater than one and it is therefore likely that styrene has negative health effects on the workers in the factory. The various negative health effects identified in the literature were then included in a risk matrix were they were ranked according to the probability that they would have a negative effect on the factory workers. Hearing- and colourvision effects were ranked as very likely, effects on the central nervous system and the respiratory system as well as livertoxicity were classified as likely and genotoxicity was ranked as a possible negative health effect. In the future it would be interesting to talk to the current laminators and do health check-ups to see if they are suffering from any of the suggested negative health effects. It would also be interesting to follow them on a longterm basis to see if their health is changing and if this can be linked to the styrene handling in the factory. / Vid en riskbedömning i en fabrik i nordvästra Malaysia identifierades styren som den största hälsofaran för fabriksarbetarna, framförallt laminerarna eftersom de ofta hanterar styren på nära håll. Det valdes därför att fokusera den resterande riskbedömningen just på styren och dess möjliga negativa hälsoeffekter. Syftet med studien var att ta reda på om styren kan ha en negativ effekt på fabriksarbetarnas hälsa. Detta undersöktes teoretiskt genom en litteraturstudie och praktiskt genom mätningar av styrenhalten i fabriken. Vid två tillfällen mättes styrenhalten i fabriken. De uppmätta halterna jämfördes sedan med de dos-responssamband som funnits vid litteraturstudien, samt med olika nationella hygieniska gränsvärden för styren. De uppmätta värdena visade sig vara höga jämfört med de funna i litteraturen. Det bidrog tillsammans med den beräknade riskkvoten som visade sig vara större än ett, till slutsatsen att styren har en negativ effekt på fabriksarbetarnas hälsa. De möjliga negativa hälsoeffekter som identifierats i litteraturen rangordnas med hjälp av en riskmatris enligt sannolikheten att de skulle utgjöra en risk för arbetarna i fabriken. Effekter på hörseln och färgseendet ansågs vara mycket sannolikt, effekter på centrala nervsystemet (CNS) och levern samt irritation av andningssystemet ansågs sannolika och att styren skulle vara genotoxiskt ansågs möjligt. Övriga hälsoeffekter ansågs osannolika eller mycket osannolika. I framtida studier skulle det vara intressant att diskutera med de nuvarande laminerarna och undersöka dem medicinskt för att se om de har påverkats utav några av de förväntade hälsoeffekterna. Det vore också intressant att följa dessa arbetare under en längre tid för att se om deras hälsa ändras på något sätt som skulle kunna kopplas till styrenhanteringen i fabriken.

Background: Wind turbines are a form of renewable energy, which generate electricity from wind energy, a practice dating back over 100 years. More recently, large-scale wind energy developments have started to employ one or several industrial wind turbines, which produce the majority of wind energy in Ontario. The production of electricity from the movement of industrial wind turbine motor blades creates both mechanical and aerodynamic noise. This type of environmental noise is a growing public health concern, especially for residents living close to industrial wind turbines. A body of evidence now exists to suggest that industrial wind turbine noise can impair health and contribute to annoyance and sleep disturbance. However, in Ontario, little is known about how industrial wind turbines impact people living in their vicinity. Objectives: This investigation was a cross-sectional study involving eight Ontario communities that contain greater than ten industrial wind turbines. The objectives of this study were to explore the association between proximity to industrial wind turbines and self-reported health effects, specifically quality of life (both physical and mental health) and sleep disturbance, in residents living close to wind turbines. Dose-response relationships were also explored in an attempt to investigate acceptable exposure levels and appropriate setback distances for industrial wind turbines. Methods: Eight wind farms in Ontario were selected for analysis. For this cross-sectional study, the ???Quality of Life and Renewable Energy Technologies Study??? survey was used to measure the impact of industrial wind turbines on health. Using Canada Post???s Unaddressed Admail Service, surveys were sent to 4,876 residences near industrial wind turbines in these eight communities. Survey responses were sent back to the University of Waterloo and data from the surveys were used for analysis. Descriptive analyses were performed and multiple regression models were run to investigate the effect of the main independent variable of interest (distance to nearest industrial wind turbine) on the various outcome variables. Descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations were performed on a number of dependent and independent variables including age, sex, time in home, number of industrial wind turbines within 2,000 meters and sleep and health outcomes. Results: In total, 412 surveys were returned (8.45% response rate); 16 of these survey respondents did not provide their home address. Therefore, 396 surveys were included in the analysis. The mean self-reported distances of survey respondents to wind farms was 2,782 meters +-3,950 meters (range: 0.40-55,000 meters). The mean calculated distance from residence to the closest industrial wind turbine was 4,523 meters +-4,420 meters (range: 316-22,661 meters). The difference between the calculated and perceived distance measurements was statistically significant (P<0.001) with survey respondents reporting that they live, on average, 1,741 meters closer to wind farms than they actually do. The relationship between Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and ln(distance) was found to be statistically significant (P=0.01) when controlling for age, gender and county, meaning that as distance increased (move further away from an industrial wind turbine), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index decreased (i.e. sleep improved) in a logarithmic relationship. Among the eight Wind Turbine Syndrome index variables, the relationship between vertigo and ln(distance) was statistically significant (P<0.001) when controlling for age, gender, and county. Additionally, the relationship between tinnitus and ln(distance) approached statistical significance (P=0.08) when controlling for age, gender and county. Both vertigo and tinnitus were worse among participants living closer to industrial wind turbines. Conclusion: Study findings suggest that industrial wind turbines could have an impact on health. Using a sample of rural Ontario residents (although not necessarily representative of the target population), this study explored the quality of life (both physical and mental health) and sleep disturbance of residents living in the vicinity of industrial wind turbines. However, because of study limitations, there are many questions still to be answered before firm conclusions can be drawn. Based on the findings of this study it is recommended that further studies be carried out to examine the effects of low-level stressors, such as industrial wind turbine noise, on health. Specifically, study findings suggest that future research should focus on the effects of industrial wind turbine noise on sleep disturbance and symptoms of inner ear problems. Although the study findings could suggest that there is a possible association between various health outcomes and how far someone lives from an industrial wind turbine, it is important to remember that there are limitations to these conclusions.

INTRODUÇÃO: Cabeleireiros estão expostos a um grande número de produtos químicos no ambiente de trabalho. Um destes produtos é o formaldeído, que causa irritação das vias respiratórias, sensibilidade imunológica imediata, mutagênese e carcinogênese. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a exposição de cabeleireiros ao formaldeído e estudar os efeitos agudos e prolongados da exposição sobre os sintomas e a função pulmonar. MÉTODOS: Estudamos prospectivamente 41 cabeleireiros antes, após a exposição imediata ao formaldeído durante procedimento de alisamento capilar e após 6 meses. Foram coletados dados sobre sintomas e realizada espirometria no ambiente de trabalho. As concentrações de formaldeído no ar e de ácido fórmico na urina foram determinadas. RESULTADOS: A média da idade foi de 39 ± 11 anos, 70,7% eram mulheres e 70,7% eram não tabagistas. Cada procedimento durou de 30 a 90 minutos, 81% foram realizados com equipamentos de proteção. A concentração de formaldeído no ambiente de trabalho variou de 0,1 ppm a 5,0 ppm (md=0,4 ppm). A concentração de ácido fórmico na urina aumentou após a exposição (1,31 ± 0,91 mg/L versus 1,96 ± 0,90 mg/L; p<0,001). Observou-se uma associação entre a concentração de formaldeído no ambiente de trabalho e os níveis de ácido fórmico na urina após a exposição (rs=0,33; p=0,03). Sintomas pré-exposição estiveram presentes em 29% e após exposição ao formaldeído em 71% dos cabeleireiros. Lacrimejamento, irritação ocular e nasal, coriza, irritação na garganta, tosse seca, espirros simples, dispneia e cefaleia aumentaram imediatamente após a exposição (p<0,05). Não houve alteração dos valores da espirometria após a exposição (p>0,05). No período de seguimento, os cabeleireiros utilizaram produtos contendo formaldeído 48 vezes (3-192), com tempo de exposição de 45 horas (4,5-225). Após 6 meses da primeira avaliação, houve um aumento adicional na frequência e intensidade da maioria dos sintomas. Mais da metade da amostra referiu apresentar lesões de mucosa nasal. Houve associação entre o tempo de exposição ao formaldeído no seguimento e o aumento da intensidade da irritação nasal (rs=0,309; p=0,050). Não houve mudança nos parâmetros da espirometria no seguimento (p>0,05). CONCLUSÕES: A exposição aguda e crônica ao formaldeído causou efeitos adversos à saúde dos cabeleireiros, porém sem impacto sobre a função pulmonar. A exclusão do formaldeído do ambiente de trabalho pode melhorar a saúde desses trabalhadores. / BACKGROUND: Hairdressers are exposed to a large number of chemicals in the workplace. One of these products is formaldehyde, which causes respiratory irritation, immediate immunological sensitivity, mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the exposure of hairdressers to formaldehyde and to study the short and long term exposure on symptoms and lung function. METHODS: We studied 41 hairdressers before, immediately after exposure to formaldehyde in the procedure of hair straightening and after 6 months. Data on symptoms were collected and spirometry was performed in the workplace. Concentrations of formaldehyde in the workplace and formic acid in the urine were determined. RESULTS: The mean age was 39 ± 11 years, 70.7% were women and 70.7% were nonsmokers. The procedures lasted between 30 and 90 minutes, 81% were performed with protective equipment. The formaldehyde concentration in the working environment ranged from 0.1 ppm to 5.0 ppm (md=0.4 ppm). The concentration of formic acid in the urine increased after exposure (1.31 ± 0.91 mg/L versus 1.96 ± 0.90 mg/L, p<0.001). There was an association between the formaldehyde concentration in workplace and the levels of formic acid in urine after exposure (rs=0.33, p=0.03). Symptoms were present in 29% of the hairdressers before and in 71% and after exposure to formaldehyde. Lacrimation, nasal and eye irritation, runny nose, sore throat, dry cough, sneezing, dyspnea and headache increased after exposure (p<0.05). There was no change in spirometric values after exposure (p>0.05). During followup the hairdressers used products containing formaldehyde 48 times (3-192) with an estimated exposure time of 45 hours (4.5-225). After 6 months of the first assessment there was a further increase in frequency and intensity of most symptoms. More than half of the sample reported lesions of the nasal mucosa. An association between length of exposure to formaldehyde in the follow-up and increased intensity of nasal irritation was observed (rs=0.309, p=0.050). There was no change in spirometry after 6 months (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Short and long term occupational exposure of hairdressers to formaldehyde was associated with adverse health effects, with no impact on lung function. The exclusion of the substance of the work environment can improve worker health.

INTRODUÇÃO: Cabeleireiros estão expostos a um grande número de produtos químicos no ambiente de trabalho. Um destes produtos é o formaldeído, que causa irritação das vias respiratórias, sensibilidade imunológica imediata, mutagênese e carcinogênese. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a exposição de cabeleireiros ao formaldeído e estudar os efeitos agudos e prolongados da exposição sobre os sintomas e a função pulmonar. MÉTODOS: Estudamos prospectivamente 41 cabeleireiros antes, após a exposição imediata ao formaldeído durante procedimento de alisamento capilar e após 6 meses. Foram coletados dados sobre sintomas e realizada espirometria no ambiente de trabalho. As concentrações de formaldeído no ar e de ácido fórmico na urina foram determinadas. RESULTADOS: A média da idade foi de 39 ± 11 anos, 70,7% eram mulheres e 70,7% eram não tabagistas. Cada procedimento durou de 30 a 90 minutos, 81% foram realizados com equipamentos de proteção. A concentração de formaldeído no ambiente de trabalho variou de 0,1 ppm a 5,0 ppm (md=0,4 ppm). A concentração de ácido fórmico na urina aumentou após a exposição (1,31 ± 0,91 mg/L versus 1,96 ± 0,90 mg/L; p<0,001). Observou-se uma associação entre a concentração de formaldeído no ambiente de trabalho e os níveis de ácido fórmico na urina após a exposição (rs=0,33; p=0,03). Sintomas pré-exposição estiveram presentes em 29% e após exposição ao formaldeído em 71% dos cabeleireiros. Lacrimejamento, irritação ocular e nasal, coriza, irritação na garganta, tosse seca, espirros simples, dispneia e cefaleia aumentaram imediatamente após a exposição (p<0,05). Não houve alteração dos valores da espirometria após a exposição (p>0,05). No período de seguimento, os cabeleireiros utilizaram produtos contendo formaldeído 48 vezes (3-192), com tempo de exposição de 45 horas (4,5-225). Após 6 meses da primeira avaliação, houve um aumento adicional na frequência e intensidade da maioria dos sintomas. Mais da metade da amostra referiu apresentar lesões de mucosa nasal. Houve associação entre o tempo de exposição ao formaldeído no seguimento e o aumento da intensidade da irritação nasal (rs=0,309; p=0,050). Não houve mudança nos parâmetros da espirometria no seguimento (p>0,05). CONCLUSÕES: A exposição aguda e crônica ao formaldeído causou efeitos adversos à saúde dos cabeleireiros, porém sem impacto sobre a função pulmonar. A exclusão do formaldeído do ambiente de trabalho pode melhorar a saúde desses trabalhadores. / BACKGROUND: Hairdressers are exposed to a large number of chemicals in the workplace. One of these products is formaldehyde, which causes respiratory irritation, immediate immunological sensitivity, mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the exposure of hairdressers to formaldehyde and to study the short and long term exposure on symptoms and lung function. METHODS: We studied 41 hairdressers before, immediately after exposure to formaldehyde in the procedure of hair straightening and after 6 months. Data on symptoms were collected and spirometry was performed in the workplace. Concentrations of formaldehyde in the workplace and formic acid in the urine were determined. RESULTS: The mean age was 39 ± 11 years, 70.7% were women and 70.7% were nonsmokers. The procedures lasted between 30 and 90 minutes, 81% were performed with protective equipment. The formaldehyde concentration in the working environment ranged from 0.1 ppm to 5.0 ppm (md=0.4 ppm). The concentration of formic acid in the urine increased after exposure (1.31 ± 0.91 mg/L versus 1.96 ± 0.90 mg/L, p<0.001). There was an association between the formaldehyde concentration in workplace and the levels of formic acid in urine after exposure (rs=0.33, p=0.03). Symptoms were present in 29% of the hairdressers before and in 71% and after exposure to formaldehyde. Lacrimation, nasal and eye irritation, runny nose, sore throat, dry cough, sneezing, dyspnea and headache increased after exposure (p<0.05). There was no change in spirometric values after exposure (p>0.05). During followup the hairdressers used products containing formaldehyde 48 times (3-192) with an estimated exposure time of 45 hours (4.5-225). After 6 months of the first assessment there was a further increase in frequency and intensity of most symptoms. More than half of the sample reported lesions of the nasal mucosa. An association between length of exposure to formaldehyde in the follow-up and increased intensity of nasal irritation was observed (rs=0.309, p=0.050). There was no change in spirometry after 6 months (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Short and long term occupational exposure of hairdressers to formaldehyde was associated with adverse health effects, with no impact on lung function. The exclusion of the substance of the work environment can improve worker health.