O estudo da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) é um método que vem sendo usado para a análise da função autonômica cardiovascular frente aumentos da poluição atmosférica por material particulado (MP) em diversas populações, porém esse efeito em controladores de tráfego e taxistas permanece pouco compreendido especialmente durante o exercício. Objetivos: O presente estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar a resposta autonômica, ao repouso e ao exercício, frente variações da concentração de poluição (MP2,5) em indivíduos cronicamente expostos. Métodos: Foram estudados 75 trabalhadores da cidade de São Paulo divididos em grupo trabalhadores do tráfego (GTT; n=57) e grupo de trabalhadores florestais (GTF; n=18), posteriormente os 75 sujeitos foram novamente divididos pela presença ou ausência de comorbidades dando origem ao grupo hipertensão e/ou diabetes (GHD; n=21) e grupo sem comorbidades (GSC; n=54). As medidas de MP2,5 foram realizadas por monitoramento individual da exposição ao poluente e as avaliações ambulatoriais da VFC foram realizadas em 4 dias diferentes, tanto ao repouso quanto durante o exercício leve. Resultados: Foi observado que aumentos de 10g/m 3 de PM2,5 levam a redução de HFms2 ao repouso no GTT sem nenhuma alteração durante o exercício. Por outro lado o GTF não apresentou mudanças durante o repouso, entretanto, durante o exercício o aumento do poluente leva a redução parassimpática (RMSSD), além disso, uma variável observada como interveniente nessa mudança foi a carga horária diária de trabalho exercida. Quando separados por comorbidades o GHD apresentou redução parassimpática ao repouso (HFms2 e HFnu) além de aumento simpático (LFnu) e ao exercício redução predominantemente parassimpática (RMSSD, LFms2, HFms2), já o GSC apresentou somente redução do LFms2 ao repouso sem alterações no exercício. Conclusão: Pequenos aumentos nas concentrações de MP2,5 levaram a alterações autonômicas em sujeitos cronicamente expostos, além disso essas alterações são mais evidentes nos sujeitos portadores de hipertensão e diabetes do que nos indivíduos saudáveis / The study of heart rate variability (HRV) is a method that has been used for the analysis of cardiovascular autonomic function front air pollution increases by particulate matter (PM) in many populations, but the effect on traffic controllers and taxi drivers remains poorly understood especially during exercise. Objectives: This study aimed evaluate the autonomic response, at rest and during exercise, compared to variations in the pollution concentration (PM2, 5) in chronically exposed subjects. Methods: We studied 75 workers of the city of São Paulo divided into group traffic workers (GTT, n=57) and group of forest workers (GTF, n=18), subsequently the 75 subjects were again divided by comorbidities presence or absence leading the group hypertension and/or diabetes (GHD, n=21) and group without comorbidities (GSC, n=54). PM2,5 measures were performed by individual monitoring of pollutants exposure and ambulatory HRV ratings were performed on 4 different days, both at rest and during light exercise. Results: We found that 10g/m3 of PM2,5 increases lead to HFms2 reduction at rest in GTT with no change during exercise. Moreover GTF showed no changes at rest, however, during exercise, pollutant increased leads to parasympathetic reduction (RMSSD) and the daily workload performed also observed as a intervener variable in this change. When separated by the comorbidities, GHD decreased parasympathetic at rest (HFms2 and HFnu) as well as increased sympathetic (LFnu) and exercise predominantly parasympathetic (RMSSD, LFms2, HFms2), the GSC has had only reduced LFms2 at rest without changes in exercise. Conclusion: Small increases in the PM2,5 concentrations led autonomic changes in subjects chronically exposed furthermore these changes are more evident in subjects with hypertension and diabetes than in healthy individuals

Introdução: A exposição ocupacional ao ruído tem sido um tema estudado para diferentes ocupações. Na atividade de teleatendimento também tem sido referido como um fator de risco com repercussões à saúde. Objetivo: Identificar a presença de perdas auditivas em operadores de teleatendimento da central de reservas de uma empresa aérea. Métodos: Realizado estudo epidemiológico transversal e longitudinal. O estudo transversal compreendeu os últimos audiogramas de 589 operadores distribuídos de acordo com o sexo, faixa etária (18 a 30, 31 a 43, mais de 44 anos), e tempo na função (01 a 35, 36 e 60, mais 61 meses). Foram avaliados os audiogramas de 387 operadores que estavam na empresa há mais de 3 anos, através de um estudo longitudinal, comparando os audiogramas referenciais e finais no período de 1999 a 2006. Resultados: Identificou-se o predomínio do sexo feminino, prevalência de perdas auditivas de 6,0% com 3,1% de PAIR e 2,9% por outras causas. Para as perdas auditivas sexo não se mostrou um fator de risco significativo (p>0,05). Observa-se um risco maior para as faixas etárias de 31 a 43 e de 41 a 55 anos de idade e tempo de serviço maior de 61 meses com chance de 3,35 (IC95%: 1,31 8,57) quando comparados com o tempo de serviço menor do que 36 meses. A comparação entre as médias mostrou um aumento significante dos limiares com exceção da freqüência de 1K na orelha direita. Conclusões: Operadores de teleatendimento na empresa estudada apresentaram rebaixamento dos limiares auditivos em todas as freqüências. A exposição ocupacional por ruído ambiental e uso de headset dos operadores de teleatendimento necessita de estudos longitudinais detalhados para definição das repercussões auditivas e extra-auditivas / Introduction: Occupational noise exposure has been a subject studied for various occupations. At call centers, it has also been referred to as a healthhazardous risk factor. Aim: Identify the presence of hearing loss in operators of an airline company call center. Methodology: Cross-section and longitudinal epistemological study has been carried out. The cross-section study considered the latest audiograms of 589 operators divided according to gender, age (18 to 30, 31 to 43, over 44), and employment time (01 to 35, 36 to 60, over 61 months). The longitudinal study considered the audiograms of 387 operators who have been with the company for over 3 years, comparing referencial and final audiograms of the period between 1999 and 2006. Results: A predominance of 6.0% hearing loss, with 3.1% of NIHL and 2.9% by other causes, has been noticed in females. For hearing losses, gender has not turned out to be a significant risk factor (p>0.05). There is a greater risk for ages between 31 and 43, and 41 and 55, having been with the company for over 61 months, of 3.35 (IC95%: 1.31 - 8.57) when compared to those who have been with the company for less than 36 months. The comparison between the averages has shown a significant rise of threshold with the exception of 1K frequency in the right ear. Conclusions: Call center operators in the airline company at stake have shown lowering of hearing threshold in all frequencies. Noise-induced occupational exposure and the use of headsets by call center operators demand further, more detailed longitudinal studies to define the hearing and extra-hearing repercussions

A artrite idiopática juvenil (AIJ) constitui um grupo heterogêneo de doenças que se caracteriza por inflamação crônica em uma ou mais articulações, com diagnóstico em menores de 16 anos de idade. A poluição atmosférica tem sido responsabilizada pelo aumento da morbidade e mortalidade em doenças cardiorrespiratórias, mas poucos estudos avaliaram os efeitos da exposição prolongada sobre doenças inflamatórias crônicas. Alguns estudos demonstram associação entre fumo e início da doença reumatológica em adultos e outros mostram associação de mães fumantes durante a gravidez com desenvolvimento de AIJ nos filhos. Entretanto, existem poucos estudos na literatura avaliando a exposição à poluição do ar e AIJ. Objetivo: avaliar a influência de poluentes ambientais inalatórios como fatores de risco no desenvolvimento da AIJ em pacientes residentes na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, acompanhados em um serviço terciário de Reumatologia Pediátrica. Metodologia: Este foi um estudo retrospectivo, do tipo caso-controle, que incluiu 66 pacientes com AIJ e 124 controles saudáveis, semelhantes em idade e gênero, residentes na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, desde a gestação até o diagnóstico da doença. Um questionário estruturado e com alto índice de confiabilidade (índice kappa para teste-reteste 0,80) avaliou dados demográficos, fatores relacionados à gestação e ao período perinatal, exposição ocupacional materna durante a gravidez a partículas inaláveis e/ou vapor volátil, exposição ao tabaco e exposição à inalação ambiental durante a gravidez e após o nascimento (presença de atividades industriais, pedreiras ou postos de gasolina perto do domiícilio/ trabalho/ creche/ escola). Foram também analisados poluentes troposféricos nos dois períodos: material particulado (PM10), dióxido de enxofre (SO2), dióxido de nitrogênio (NO2), ozônio (O3) e monóxido de carbono (CO). Resultados: Durante a gravidez, o fumo fetal (OR= 3,43, IC 95%: 1,45-8,12, p=0,005) e a exposição ocupacional materna (OR= 13,69, IC95%: 4,43-42,27, p < 0,001) se mostraram fatores de risco independentes para AIJ. Em contrapartida, o fato de a mãe trabalhar fora de casa (OR= 0,06, IC 95%: 0,02- 0,16, p < 0,001) e o ganho de peso ideal da mãe (OR = 0,36, IC 95%: 0,16-0,83, p= 0,017) apresentaram associação negativa. Para o período após o nascimento até o diagnóstico de AIJ, fumo passivo (OR= 3,6, IC 95%: 1,76- 7,31, p < 0,0001) e exposição ao ozônio durante o segundo ano de idade (OR= 2,76, IC 95%: 1,20-6,37, p= 0,017) foram fatores de risco independentes e significativos para o diagnóstico da AIJ. Conclusão: O fumo passivo, a exposição ao ozônio no segundo ano de vida e a exposição ocupacional materna são destacados como importantes fatores de risco para a AIJ / Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by chronic inflammation in one or more joints with onset in children under 16 years of age. Air pollution has been blamed for increased morbidity and mortality in cardiorespiratory diseases, but few studies have evaluated the effects of prolonged exposure on chronic inflammatory diseases. Some studies show an association between smoking and onset of rheumatologic illness in adults, and others show an association of smoking mothers during pregnancy with the development of JIA in children. However, there are few studies in the literature to date evaluating exposure to air pollution and JIA. Objective: To evaluate the influence of exposure to inhalable environmental factors during pregnancy and after birth until JIA diagnosis in residents of the São Paulo metropolitan area. Methods: Case-control study comprising 66 JIA patients and 124 healthy controls matched by age and gender, living in the Sao Paulo metropolitan area until JIA diagnosis, and whose mothers had resided in this region during pregnancy. A structured and reliable questionnaire (kappa index for test-retest was 0.80) assessed demographic data, gestational and perinatal-related factors, mothers\' work-related exposure during pregnancy to inhalable particles and / or volatile vapor, exposure to inhalable elements during pregnancy and after birth (work-related exposure to inhalable particles and/or volatile vapor, exposure to tobacco and the presence of industrial activities, quarries or gas stations near the home/ work/ daycare/ school). Tropospheric pollutants included: particulate matter (PM10), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO). Results: During pregnancy, fetal smoking (OR=3.43, 95%CI: 1.45-8.12, p=0.005) and mothers\' work-related exposure (OR=13.69, 95%CI: 4.43-42.27, p < 0.001) were independent significant risk factors for JIA diagnosis. In contrast, working mother (OR=0.06, 95% IC: 0.02-0.16, p < 0.001) and ideal mother weight gain (OR=0.36, 95% IC:0.16-0.83, p=0.017) presented a negative association. After birth until JIA diagnosis, secondhand smoking (OR=3.6, 95% IC: 1.76-7.31, p < 0.0001) and exposure to O3 during the second year of age (OR=2.76, 95% IC: 1.20-6.37, p=0.017) were independent and significant risk factors for JIA diagnosis. Conclusion: Secondhand smoking, exposure to O3 during the second year of age and mothers\' work-related exposure are highlighted as important risk factors to JIA

O estudo da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) é um método que vem sendo usado para a análise da função autonômica cardiovascular frente aumentos da poluição atmosférica por material particulado (MP) em diversas populações, porém esse efeito em controladores de tráfego e taxistas permanece pouco compreendido especialmente durante o exercício. Objetivos: O presente estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar a resposta autonômica, ao repouso e ao exercício, frente variações da concentração de poluição (MP2,5) em indivíduos cronicamente expostos. Métodos: Foram estudados 75 trabalhadores da cidade de São Paulo divididos em grupo trabalhadores do tráfego (GTT; n=57) e grupo de trabalhadores florestais (GTF; n=18), posteriormente os 75 sujeitos foram novamente divididos pela presença ou ausência de comorbidades dando origem ao grupo hipertensão e/ou diabetes (GHD; n=21) e grupo sem comorbidades (GSC; n=54). As medidas de MP2,5 foram realizadas por monitoramento individual da exposição ao poluente e as avaliações ambulatoriais da VFC foram realizadas em 4 dias diferentes, tanto ao repouso quanto durante o exercício leve. Resultados: Foi observado que aumentos de 10g/m 3 de PM2,5 levam a redução de HFms2 ao repouso no GTT sem nenhuma alteração durante o exercício. Por outro lado o GTF não apresentou mudanças durante o repouso, entretanto, durante o exercício o aumento do poluente leva a redução parassimpática (RMSSD), além disso, uma variável observada como interveniente nessa mudança foi a carga horária diária de trabalho exercida. Quando separados por comorbidades o GHD apresentou redução parassimpática ao repouso (HFms2 e HFnu) além de aumento simpático (LFnu) e ao exercício redução predominantemente parassimpática (RMSSD, LFms2, HFms2), já o GSC apresentou somente redução do LFms2 ao repouso sem alterações no exercício. Conclusão: Pequenos aumentos nas concentrações de MP2,5 levaram a alterações autonômicas em sujeitos cronicamente expostos, além disso essas alterações são mais evidentes nos sujeitos portadores de hipertensão e diabetes do que nos indivíduos saudáveis / The study of heart rate variability (HRV) is a method that has been used for the analysis of cardiovascular autonomic function front air pollution increases by particulate matter (PM) in many populations, but the effect on traffic controllers and taxi drivers remains poorly understood especially during exercise. Objectives: This study aimed evaluate the autonomic response, at rest and during exercise, compared to variations in the pollution concentration (PM2, 5) in chronically exposed subjects. Methods: We studied 75 workers of the city of São Paulo divided into group traffic workers (GTT, n=57) and group of forest workers (GTF, n=18), subsequently the 75 subjects were again divided by comorbidities presence or absence leading the group hypertension and/or diabetes (GHD, n=21) and group without comorbidities (GSC, n=54). PM2,5 measures were performed by individual monitoring of pollutants exposure and ambulatory HRV ratings were performed on 4 different days, both at rest and during light exercise. Results: We found that 10g/m3 of PM2,5 increases lead to HFms2 reduction at rest in GTT with no change during exercise. Moreover GTF showed no changes at rest, however, during exercise, pollutant increased leads to parasympathetic reduction (RMSSD) and the daily workload performed also observed as a intervener variable in this change. When separated by the comorbidities, GHD decreased parasympathetic at rest (HFms2 and HFnu) as well as increased sympathetic (LFnu) and exercise predominantly parasympathetic (RMSSD, LFms2, HFms2), the GSC has had only reduced LFms2 at rest without changes in exercise. Conclusion: Small increases in the PM2,5 concentrations led autonomic changes in subjects chronically exposed furthermore these changes are more evident in subjects with hypertension and diabetes than in healthy individuals

estudo da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) é um método que vem sendo usado para a análise da função autonômica cardiovascular frente aumentos da poluição atmosférica por material particulado (MP) em diversas populações, porém esse efeito em controladores de tráfego e taxistas permanece pouco compreendido especialmente durante o exercício. Objetivos: O presente estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar a resposta autonômica, ao repouso e ao exercício, frente variações da concentração de poluição (MP2,5) em indivíduos cronicamente expostos. Métodos: Foram estudados 75 trabalhadores da cidade de São Paulo divididos em grupo trabalhadores do tráfego (GTT; n=57) e grupo de trabalhadores florestais (GTF; n=18), posteriormente os 75 sujeitos foram novamente divididos pela presença ou ausência de comorbidades dando origem ao grupo hipertensão e/ou diabetes (GHD; n=21) e grupo sem comorbidades (GSC; n=54). As medidas de MP2,5 foram realizadas por monitoramento individual da exposição ao poluente e as avaliações ambulatoriais da VFC foram realizadas em 4 dias diferentes, tanto ao repouso quanto durante o exercício leve. Resultados: Foi observado que aumentos de 10g/m3 de PM2,5 levam a redução de HFms2 ao repouso no GTT sem nenhuma alteração durante o exercício. Por outro lado o GTF não apresentou mudanças durante o repouso, entretanto, durante o exercício o aumento do poluente leva a redução parassimpática (RMSSD), além disso, uma variável observada como interveniente nessa mudança foi a carga horária diária de trabalho exercida. Quando separados por comorbidades o GHD apresentou redução parassimpática ao repouso (HFms2 e HFnu) além de aumento simpático (LFnu) e ao exercício redução predominantemente parassimpática (RMSSD, LFms2, HFms2), já o GSC apresentou somente redução do LFms2 ao repouso sem alterações no exercício. Conclusão: Pequenos aumentos nas concentrações de MP2,5 levaram a alterações autonômicas em sujeitos cronicamente expostos, além disso essas alterações são mais evidentes nos sujeitos portadores de hipertensão e diabetes do que nos indivíduos saudáveis / The study of heart rate variability (HRV) is a method that has been used for the analysis of cardiovascular autonomic function front air pollution increases by particulate matter (PM) in many populations, but the effect on traffic controllers and taxi drivers remains poorly understood especially during exercise. Objectives: This study aimed evaluate the autonomic response, at rest and during exercise, compared to variations in the pollution concentration (PM2, 5) in chronically exposed subjects. Methods: We studied 75 workers of the city of São Paulo divided into group traffic workers (GTT, n=57) and group of forest workers (GTF, n=18), subsequently the 75 subjects were again divided by comorbidities presence or absence leading the group hypertension and/or diabetes (GHD, n=21) and group without comorbidities (GSC, n=54). PM2,5 measures were performed by individual monitoring of pollutants exposure and ambulatory HRV ratings were performed on 4 different days, both at rest and during light exercise. Results: We found that 10g/m3 of PM2,5 increases lead to HFms2 reduction at rest in GTT with no change during exercise. Moreover GTF showed no changes at rest, however, during exercise, pollutant increased leads to parasympathetic reduction (RMSSD) and the daily workload performed also observed as a intervener variable in this change. When separated by the comorbidities, GHD decreased parasympathetic at rest (HFms2 and HFnu) as well as increased sympathetic (LFnu) and exercise predominantly parasympathetic (RMSSD, LFms2, HFms2), the GSC has had only reduced LFms2 at rest without changes in exercise. Conclusion: Small increases in the PM2,5 concentrations led autonomic changes in subjects chronically exposed furthermore these changes are more evident in subjects with hypertension and diabetes than in healthy individuals

Les éléments trace métalliques (ETM) sont des polluants qui sont sources de préoccupations majeures à cause de leurs toxicités et de leurs propriétés cumulatives. Certains d’eux peuvent être cancérogènes. La métropole de Sfax, située au sud de la Tunisie, a été touchée par des rejets et émissions d’ETM depuis des décennies. Plusieurs études ont confirmé que la pollution métallique est principalement d’origine anthropique, liée en particulier aux activités industrielles. Cela présente un risque sur la santé des habitants, particulièrement pour ceux qui sont également exposés par leur métier dans des procédés industriels. L’objectif de cette étude est d’évaluer les risques sanitaires associés à l’exposition professionnelle dans les industries qui manipulent des ETM dans leurs processus de production, en suivant l’approche de l’évaluation des risques sanitaires. Dans ce but, cinq entreprises qui utilisent des métaux comme matière première pour produire une variété de produits métalliques, ont accepté d’adhérer à notre étude. Les métaux qui étaient explorés sont Al, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb. Des modèles mathématiques de prédiction des expositions professionnelles aux agents chimiques ont été utilisés pour estimer les concentrations des ETM dans l’air intérieur pour 15 postes différents. Des prélèvements atmosphériques ont été effectués afin de comparer les concentrations prédites à celles mesurées, en utilisant des prélèvements individuels ou sur postes fixes. Finalement, des prélèvements urinaires ont été collectés chez 61 travailleurs afin d’évaluer le lien entre l’excrétion des ETM et les niveaux atmosphériques. Globalement, les estimations des concentrations atmosphériques avaient une bonne concordance avec les valeurs mesurées sur l’ensemble des postes de travail. Des meilleures prédictions ont été trouvées pour certaines activités, en particulier pour des processus de découpage des tôles et de soudures. Les valeurs qui correspondent au 90ème percentile de la distribution de l’exposition ont été utilisées pour le calcul du « interaction-based hazard index HIint » pour évaluer les risques associés aux mélanges d’ETM. Un excès de risque total de cancer a été aussi calculé. Les résultats ont montré des expositions élevées qui peuvent provoquer des pathologies respiratoires, avec un HIint allant jusqu’à 93,6. Les niveaux les plus élevés sont attribués à la soudure à l'arc à l'électrode enrobée et au débitage et cisaillage des tôles. Ces risques augmentent à cause de l’effet synergique qui existe entre Cr, Ni et Cu. Des risques élevés de cancer du poumon et du rein ont été encore démontrés (risque total vie entière de cancer pour les ouvriers exposés : 3.7×10-4). Ce travail montre que les modèles mathématiques peuvent prédire correctement les niveaux d’exposition des ETM dans l’air intérieur pour plusieurs processus de la métallurgie. Ce résultat est intéressant pour aider les différents acteurs pour piloter de manière efficiente les systèmes de surveillance et la réduction des expositions dans ce secteur économique. Des progrès en matière d’hygiène industrielle sont nécessaires dans ce secteur industriel pour minimiser le risque sanitaire élevé auquel sont actuellement exposés les travailleurs concernés / Trace metallic elements (TMEs) are pollutants of great concern even in trace amounts because of their toxicity and cumulative property. Some of them can be carcinogenic. The Sfax metropolis, located in the southern region of Tunisia, has been affected by releases of TMEs for decades. Several studies confirmed that this pollution is predominantly originated from anthropogenic sources, mainly from industrial activities. It represents a threat to the health of residents, particularly for those also exposed during occupational activities in industrial processes. The present study aims to assess health risks associated with occupational exposure in industries handling TMEs in their production processes, following the human health risk assessment approach. To this end, five companies using raw material containing TMEs to produce a variety of metallic products accepted to participate to the study. The metals that were investigated are Al, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb. Mathematical models for estimating occupational exposure to chemicals were used to predict indoor air TME exposure levels in 15 different job tasks. Air monitoring was conducted in order to compare the predicted workplace air concentrations versus the direct measured ones, using both workplace-fixed monitors and personal samplers. And finally, urine samples were collected from 61 workers to assess whether TMEs excretion correlate with job exposure levels. Globally, the predicted air estimates relate well with measured concentrations over the whole set of job tasks. Better predictions were found for certain activities, in particular for steel cutting and welding processes. The values that correspond to the 90th percentile of the exposure distribution were then used in the interaction-based hazard index HIint to assess health risks associated with the mixtures of TMEs. Total cancer risk was also investigated. Results showed high exposures for metals that may elicit respiratory conditions, with a HIint reaching 93.6, the highest levels being for the shielded metal arc welding and metal shearing and slitting tasks. The risk is enhanced by a synergetic effect between Cr, Ni and Cu. High risks of lung and kidney cancers were demonstrated (the predicted life-long total cancer risk for exposed workers is 3.7×10-4). This work shows that mathematical models can be accurate in predicting TME airborne exposure levels for several processes in the metallurgic industry, a result that is of interest to help the different stakeholders to monitor efficiently exposure surveillance and abatement. Progress in industrial hygiene is needed in this industrial sector to reduce the high level of health risks currently experienced by the metalworking workers

<p>The objective of the dissertation was to study the cabin environment, and identify personal and environmental risk factors, associated with symptoms, and perception of cabin air quality. Another objective was to study if ban of smoking, and increased relative air humidity on intercontinental flights, could have a beneficial health effect. The studies were performed among Scandinavian cabin crew in one Airline Company. Office workers from the same company served as controls. Exposure differed between cruise and non-cruise conditions. Air humidity was very low during intercontinental flights (3-8%). Concentration of moulds, bacteria, formaldehyde, and ozone was low. Tobacco smoking increased respirable particles in the cabin air, from 3 to 49 mg/m3, and increased cotinine in urine. The ETS-exposure was highest in the aft part of the cabin. Symptoms and environmental complaints were more common among flight crew than office workers. We could identify personal factors of importance, and certain conditions that could be improved, to achieve a better cabin environment. There was an association between symptoms and environmental perceptions and work stress, lack of influence on working condition, and a history of atopy. After ban on smoking in aircraft, there was a decrease of ocular and general symptoms, and increased tear-film stability in aircrew. Air humidification reduced headache and ocular, nasal, and dermal dryness symptoms, increased tear-film stability, and increased nasal patency. Our result indicates that ETS and low air humidity are important environmental factors in aircraft, and that atopy, and work stress could be significant risk factors for symptoms and environmental perceptions.</p>

The objective of the dissertation was to study the cabin environment, and identify personal and environmental risk factors, associated with symptoms, and perception of cabin air quality. Another objective was to study if ban of smoking, and increased relative air humidity on intercontinental flights, could have a beneficial health effect. The studies were performed among Scandinavian cabin crew in one Airline Company. Office workers from the same company served as controls. Exposure differed between cruise and non-cruise conditions. Air humidity was very low during intercontinental flights (3-8%). Concentration of moulds, bacteria, formaldehyde, and ozone was low. Tobacco smoking increased respirable particles in the cabin air, from 3 to 49 mg/m3, and increased cotinine in urine. The ETS-exposure was highest in the aft part of the cabin. Symptoms and environmental complaints were more common among flight crew than office workers. We could identify personal factors of importance, and certain conditions that could be improved, to achieve a better cabin environment. There was an association between symptoms and environmental perceptions and work stress, lack of influence on working condition, and a history of atopy. After ban on smoking in aircraft, there was a decrease of ocular and general symptoms, and increased tear-film stability in aircrew. Air humidification reduced headache and ocular, nasal, and dermal dryness symptoms, increased tear-film stability, and increased nasal patency. Our result indicates that ETS and low air humidity are important environmental factors in aircraft, and that atopy, and work stress could be significant risk factors for symptoms and environmental perceptions.

Occupational exposure limits are known to have different distribution values around the world. In recent years occupational exposure limits were reviewed in Lithuania and other Eastern European countries. The changes in occupational exposure limits should influence the hood flow rate. However even today the projectors continue using the same air flow rate equations that were developed years ago. The engineering methods are no longer compatible with sanitary standards. The major dangers resulting from this approach are the occupational exposure limits exceed allowed quotas in workplace or the energy consumption is harmfully inefficient. It is crucial to compare the treatment of occupational exposure limits among various countries and the different existing methods of calculating exhaust air flow rate. Additionally, it is important to consider the factors that may compromise the reliability of this study. Lithuania's occupational exposure limits are in general lower than in other countries. The ratio of occupational exposure limits is about 1:100 in different countries.Exhaust air flow should be inversely proportional to occupational exposure limits. It was found that volumetric exhaust flow rate have a circular dependence on occupational exposure limits by making comparison among different countries. The purpose of this study is to draw attention to the issue of small countries to use the volumetric exhaust air flow rate equations of big countries (USA, Russia, Germany etc.)... [to full text]

Bushfires are an integral part of the Australian environment, and consequently Australian fire fighters are regularly confronted with the challenge of bushfire fighting activities. Bushfires can be extensive and long-lasting, and as a result fire fighters can be exposed to bushfire smoke for long periods without respite. Anecdotal evidence suggests that bushfire smoke exposure can lead to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In an optimal environment, fire fighters are equipped with respirators and protective filters to prevent the inhalation of the air toxics in bushfire smoke. Yet, reports from the fire ground indicate that the protective filters are not effective in preventing the inhalation of bushfire smoke. As a result, fire fighters have increasingly expressed concern about the ineffective equipment and the resultant respiratory symptoms during and after bushfire fighting. This research aims to establish a scientific data base to support the anecdotal evidence. The objectives of the research were: (1) to identify and quantify the air toxics in Western Australian bushfire smoke; (2) to profile the acute respiratory health effects associated with bushfire smoke exposure; (3) to assess the effectiveness of three different types of filters under controlled conditions in a smoke chamber, and in the field during fuel reduction burn-off; (4) to formulate recommendations for reducing fire fighters' exposure to bushfire smoke; and (5) to inform policy decision makers about the most effective form of respiratory protective equipment for bushfire fighting. Exposure trials were conducted in an experimental setting utilising bushfire smoke conditions in a smoke chamber and during prescribed burn-offs. Repeated measurements of respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function and oximetry were undertaken before and after bushfire smoke exposure. In addition, personal air sampling inside the respirators was undertaken to quantify and compare the levels of filtered air toxics. The analysis of the collected data demonstrated that, of those compared, the particulate/organic vapour formaldehyde filter was most effective in protecting fire fighters' respiratory health during the smoke exposure period of maximally 120 minutes. Further research would be useful to determine the v effectiveness of the filters under more realistic conditions during bushfire fighting activities. The findings of this research have resulted in a policy review in Western Australia. In 2006, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia (FESA) reviewed its Bush Fire Smoke Exposure Standard Operational Procedures 51, and now issues the recommended particulate/organic vapour/formaldehyde filters to the 1,000 FESA career fire fighters. The use of protective equipment for bushfire fighters is inadequately regulated worldwide and the recommendation implemented by FESA can be seen as proactive and in advance of national and international best practice. In conclusion, this project was instrumental in the translation of public health research into best practice that protects occupational health, without the need for the lengthy process of legislative reform. Fire fighter organisations in other countries with high frequencies of bushfires could learn from this example, and move to review their policies and introduce adequate personal protection for fire fighters.