Browsing by Author "Ribeiro, Edna"
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- Biomonitorização da exposição profissional ao crómio hexavalente: contributo para proposta de valores-limite biológicosPublication . Pinhal, Hermínia; Nogueira, Ana; Santos, Sílvia; Ribeiro, Edna; Ladeira, Carina; Viegas, SusanaO crómio hexavalente (Cr ( VI ) ) é um agente cancerígeno para o ser humano, estando na origem de cancro no pulmão. As indústrias em que ocorre exposição ao Cr ( VI ) incluem a produção, utilização e soldadura de metais e ligas contendo crómio. O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar os resultados de monitorização ambiental e biológica da exposição profissional ao Cr ( VI ) no âmbito da participação portuguesa na Iniciativa Europeia de Biomonitorização Humana (HBM4EU ). O estudo envolveu 50 trabalhadores expostos a Cr ( VI ) e 27 controlos. Realizou-se monitorização ambiental, por amostragem pessoal do ar, para estudar a exposição a Cr ( VI ) e monitorização biológica ( urina e eritrócitos ). Os resultados obtidos neste estudo sugerem que os pintores são o grupo com maior exposição externa e interna ao Cr ( VI ). Os trabalhadores dos banhos eletrolíticos apresentam uma exposição relevante, quando comparada com o valor limite de exposição de 0,005 mg/m3 apesar de consideravelmente inferior à dos pintores. Os resultados das medições de Cr-U pós-turno, quando agregados ao nível do grupo profissional apresentaram boa correlação ( ρ=0,63 ) com a fração respirável de Cr ( VI ) no ar, apoiando a utilização do Cr-U para a biomonitorização da exposição ao Cr ( VI ) nos locais de trabalho. A diferente cinética dos indicadores biológicos estudados pode ser a razão pela qual não se verificou uma boa correlação entre Cr-U pós-turno e Cr-RBC ( ρ<0,5 ), no entanto podem fornecer informação complementar relevante para a prevenção.
- HBM4EU chromates study - Overall results and recommendations for the biomonitoring of occupational exposure to hexavalent chromiumPublication . Santonen, Tiina; Porras, Simo P.; Bocca, Beatrice; Bousoumah, Radia; Duca, Radu Corneliu; Galea, Karen S.; Godderis, Lode; Göen, Thomas; Hardy, Emilie; Iavicoli, Ivo; Janasik, Beata; Jones, Kate; Leese, Elizabeth; Leso, Veruscka; Louro, Henriqueta; Majery, Nicole; Ndaw, Sophie; Pinhal, Hermínia; Ruggieri, Flavia; Silva, Maria João; van Nieuwenhuyse, An; Verdonck, Jelle; Viegas, Susana; Wasowicz, Wojciech; Sepai, Ovnair; Scheepers, Paul T.J.; Aimonen, Kukka; Antoine, Guillaume; Anzion, Rob; Burgart, Manuella; Castaño, Argelia; Cattaneo, Andrea; Cavallo, Domenico Maria; De Palma, Giuseppe; Denis, Flavien; Gambelunghe, Angela; Gomes, Bruno; Hanser, Ogier; Helenius, Riikka; Ladeira, Carina; López, Marta Esteban; Lovreglio, Piero; Marsan, Philippe; Melczer, Mathieu; Nogueira, Ana; Pletea, Elisabeta; Poels, Katrien; Remes, Jouko; Ribeiro, Edna; Santos, Sílvia Reis; Schaefers, Françoise; Spankie, Sally; Spoek, Robert; Rizki, Mohamed; Rousset, Davy; van Dael, Maurice; Veijalainen, Henna; HBM4EU chromates study teamExposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] may occur in several occupational activities, e.g., welding, Cr(VI) electroplating and other surface treatment processes. The aim of this study was to provide EU relevant data on occupational Cr(VI) exposure to support the regulatory risk assessment and decision-making. In addition, the capability and validity of different biomarkers for the assessment of Cr(VI) exposure were evaluated. The study involved nine European countries and involved 399 workers in different industry sectors with exposures to Cr(VI) such as welding, bath plating, applying or removing paint and other tasks. We also studied 203 controls to establish a background in workers with no direct exposure to Cr(VI). We applied a cross-sectional study design and used chromium in urine as the primary biomonitoring method for Cr(VI) exposure. Additionally, we studied the use of red blood cells (RBC) and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) for biomonitoring of exposure to Cr(VI). Personal measurements were used to study exposure to inhalable and respirable Cr(VI) by personal air sampling. Dermal exposure was studied by taking hand wipe samples. The highest internal exposures were observed in the use of Cr(VI) in electrolytic bath plating. In stainless steel welding the internal Cr exposure was clearly lower when compared to plating activities. We observed a high correlation between chromium urinary levels and air Cr(VI) or dermal total Cr exposure. Urinary chromium showed its value as a first approach for the assessment of total, internal exposure. Correlations between urinary chromium and Cr(VI) in EBC and Cr in RBC were low, probably due to differences in kinetics and indicating that these biomonitoring approaches may not be interchangeable but rather complementary. This study showed that occupational biomonitoring studies can be conducted successfully by multi-national collaboration and provide relevant information to support policy actions aiming to reduce occupational exposure to chemicals.
- HBM4EU chromates study: the Portuguese integrated and harmonized study on exposure to hexavalent chromium and related early effects.Publication . Viegas, Susana; Martins, Carla; Ribeiro, Edna; Ladeira, Carina; Pinhal, Hermínia; Nogueira, Ana; Santos, Sílvia; Tavares, Ana; Gomes, Bruno Costa; Afonso, Catarina Maia; Louro, Henriqueta; Silva, Maria JoaoIn the scope of the European Union (EU) human biomonitoring initiative, a multicentric study on different occupational settings from several European countries was performed, to provide information on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], a known lung carcinogen. Biomonitoring approaches were used to obtain exposure data to support the implementation of new risk management measures and policy actions at the national and European levels. This work describes the Portuguese contribution to the study, which aimed to assess workers' exposure to Cr, by using exposure biomarkers (urinary chromium [U-Cr]), and industrial hygiene samples (air and hand wipes) and to link exposure to potential long-term health effects by using effect biomarkers. Exposure determinants influencing exposure were explored from the contextual information and human biomonitoring data. The ultimate goal of the study was to appraise the risk management measures contributing to minimize exposure and protect workers' health. Several occupational settings and activities were considered, including plating, welding, and painting. A control group from the Portuguese general population was also included. Data on age, sex, and smoking habits from both groups were considered in the statistical analysis. Information on the risk management measures available for workers was collected and used to identify the ones that mainly contributed to reduce exposure. Environmental monitoring and human biomonitoring revealed that painters were the highest exposed group. The use of respiratory protection equipment showed an influence on total U-Cr levels for workers involved in painting activities. Concerning early health effects, the painters presented also a significantly higher level of DNA and chromosomal damage in peripheral blood cells, as compared to the control group, suggesting a plausible association between exposure to Cr(VI) and early genotoxic effects. The results showed that workers are exposed to Cr(VI) in those occupational settings. These findings point to the need to improve the prevention and risk management measures and the implementation and enforcement of new regulatory actions at the national level.
- Occupational exposure to Hexavalent chromium: the portuguese case within the collaborative european human biological monitoring studyPublication . Afonso, Catarina; Gomes, Bruno Costa; Louro, Henriqueta; Ladeira, Carina; Pinhal, Hermínia; Nogueira, Ana; Santos, Sílvia; Ventura, Célia; Ribeiro, Edna; Santonen, Tiina; Viegas, Susana; Silva, Maria JoãoBackground: The EU human biomonitoring initiative (HBM4EU) aims to coordinate and advance human biomonitoring across Europe. A multicenter study intending to characterize occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], a human carcinogen, was setup in several industrial settings across Europe. In Portugal, the study was developed in one aircraft maintenance company since the substitution of Cr(VI) in this sector is not expected in the near future. Methods: The work processes that could imply exposure to Cr(VI) were characterized and exposure estimation was done. Following the company agreement and the volunteers informed consent, a survey was applied to each worker for detailed information on lifestyle, health status, etc.. Sampling for exposure and effect biomarkers analyses involved industrial hygiene samples (HIS) and biological specimens from 50 workers and 25 non-exposed individuals (controls). Biomarkers of early biological effects were studied in leukocytes from all individuals, involving the analysis of DNA damage (comet assay) and chromosome alterations (micronucleus assays); the results obtained for exposed and control individuals were statistically compared. Results and Discussion: Besides HIS results, Cr (VI) concentrations in biological samples and effect biomarkers results will be presented. The complementarity of the environmental and biological sampling, together with the sensitivity and specificity of the biomarkers used, is expected to allow exposure characterization and possible early genotoxic effects identification. Potential associations between exposure and effect biomarkers will be explored. Conclusions: An association between the levels of exposure to Cr(VI) and the early effects characterized in workers, if existent, is expected to predict potential health outcomes for Cr(VI)-exposed workers, particularly, on the long-term. All the information generated will help to support new priorities and investments regarding risk management measures to apply in this company and in the aircraft maintenance sector, in general.
- Occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium: biomarkers of genotoxicity in human peripheral bloodPublication . Afonso, Catarina; Gomes, Bruno Costa; Louro, Henriqueta; Nogueira, Ana; Pinhal, Hermínia; Reis, Susana; Ventura, Célia; Ladeira, Carina; Ribeiro, Edna; Santonen, Tiina; Viegas, Susana; Silva, Maria JoãoThe hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a human carcinogen, which is still authorized for use in several industrial settings because it has been difficult to replace. This was the reasoning to select it as a priority chemical by the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU, https://www.hbm4eu.eu/), which aims to bridge chemicals human exposure to their possible impact on health. For that purpose, not only exposure needs to be assessed but also early effect biomarkers are valuable to reflect health outcomes. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) is one of the most widely used effect biomarker for measuring chromosome alterations in human cells. Since it represents a measure of both chromosome breakage and loss, an increased frequency of micronucleated cells (MNC) can reflect the effect from exposure to genotoxic agents. Moreover, there is evidence that the micronucleus (MN) frequency in PBLs is predictive of cancer risk. As part of an European multi-centre occupational study, 50 Portuguese workers exposed on a daily basis to Cr(VI) and 27 healthy controls non-exposed to Cr(VI) or other chemicals were studied. The present work intended to assess, in a more detailed manner, the early effects in a subgroup of workers (n=6) that use daily paints with Cr(VI), comparatively to that of a control group matched for age, gender and smoking habits. All participants accepted to participate by signing an informed consent previously to the blood withdrawal. An individual questionnaire to collect contextual information, e.g. personal information, lifestyle habits (smoking habits, alcohol consumption, diet), and health status was filled. Personal air samples were collected in order to assess occupational exposure to Cr(VI) soluble and insoluble compounds. Following blood culture, lymphocytes harvesting and staining using standardized methods, MNC were scored in 2000 PBL per individual. The frequencies of MNC obtained for the exposed and control groups were compared using Fisher’s exact test. Results from personal air sampling are still under evaluation. A significantly increased frequency of MNC was observed in PBLs of the 6 workers under study, comparatively to the matched controls (p < 0.001, Fisher’s exact test). These results are in line with the preliminary data obtained for the overall exposed group vs controls. The present results suggest that the frequency of micronuclei in PBLs is a reliable early effect biomarker in the case of occupational exposure to Cr(VI). Moreover, the findings also suggest a potential health risk for this group of workers. These results should promote the investment in new risk management measures and the effective application of the ones already in place, such as adequate local exhaust ventilation and a more frequent use of personal protective equipment. Additional work, considering the overall exposed group, will be developed aiming to clarify if the obtained results are due to the single exposure to Cr(VI) or to the co-exposure to several other chemicals commonly present in this type of occupational setting.
- Occupational Exposure to Mycotoxins in Swine Production: Environmental and Biological Monitoring ApproachesPublication . Viegas, S.; Assunção, R.; Martins, Carla; Nunes, Carla; Osteresch, Bernd; Twaruzek, Magdalena; Kosicki, Robert; Grajewski, Jan; Ribeiro, Edna; Viegas, C.Swine production workers are exposed simultaneously to multiple contaminants. Occupational exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in Portuguese swine production farms has already been reported. However, besides AFB1, data regarding fungal contamination showed that exposure to other mycotoxins could be expected in this setting. The present study aimed to characterize the occupational exposure to multiple mycotoxins of swine production workers. To provide a broad view on the burden of contamination by mycotoxins and the workers’ exposure, biological (urine) samples from workers (n = 25) and 38 environmental samples (air samples, n = 23; litter samples, n = 5; feed samples, n = 10) were collected. The mycotoxins biomarkers detected in the urine samples of the workers group were the deoxynivalenol-glucuronic acid conjugate (60%), aflatoxin M1 (16%), enniatin B (4%), citrinin (8%), dihydrocitrinone (12%) and ochratoxin A (80%). Results of the control group followed the same pattern, but in general with a lower number of quantifiable results (
- Occupational studies developed in Portugal in the scope of HBM4EU – Main results and way forwardPublication . Martins, Carla; Ribeiro, Edna; Ladeira, Carina; Pinhal, Herminia; Nogueira, Ana; Reis, Silvia; Louro, Henriqueta; Silva, Maria João; Viegas, SusanaIntroduction: Within the EU human biomonitoring initiative (HBM4EU), targeted national studies on occupational settings, where exposure to chemicals could occur, were performed. These studies aimed to provide information on occupational exposure to chemicals using biomonitoring approaches to support the implementation of new risk management measures (RMM) and policy actions at national and European levels. Methods: Cross-sectional studies were performed in two occupational settings: i) a setting with plating, welding and painting activities, targeting exposure to chromium VI [Cr(VI)]; and ii) a setting dedicated to processing of electronic waste (e-waste), targeting exposure to metals. Both studies included a control group obtained from the Portuguese general population, employed in different companies with no known exposure to Cr(VI) or involvement on tasks related with recycling of e-waste. Studies enrolled 50 workers and 27 controls (chromates study) and 26 workers and 12 controls (e-waste study). Spot urine samples were collected in the beginning and the end of the work week, and concentrations of metals were determined. Protocols were submitted to Ethics Committees with the approvals being granted before recruiting the studies’ participants (companies and workers). Descriptive statistical analysis was performed as well as inferential analysis (Wilcoxon test, Mann–Whitney test, and Kruskal–Wallis test). Results: Regarding chromates study, median levels obtained for workers were 0.33 µg/g crea for Cr, in the post-shift samples. Results showed that painters presented higher levels of Cr in post-shift urine samples than the control group (p<0.05), although not presenting differences between pre-shift and post-shift urine samples (p>0.05). Platers showed higher levels of Cr in post-shift urine samples when compared to pre-shift samples (p<0.05). Welders did not present statistically significant differences between pre- and post-shift samples and in relation to control group (p>0.05). Regarding RMM, the use of respiratory protection equipment by painters was identified as a promotor of lower exposures (p<0.05). Regarding e-waste study, median levels obtained for workers were 0.21, 0.43 and 12.70 µg/g crea for cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb), respectively, in the post-shift samples. Statistically significant differences between workers and control group were found for urinary Pb levels (p<0.05), and no significant differences were found between pre- and post-shift urine samples for Cd, Hg and Pb. Conclusions: The results obtained showed that workers are exposed to metals in these occupational settings, thus, RMM in place need to be improved. Based on the results obtained, the implementation and enforcement of new regulatory actions should be considered. The results also claim attention for the need of updating the occupational limit values as it is being discussed at European level for Cr(VI), Pb and Cd due to the related health effects [3]. The differentiated data provided by biomonitoring tools demonstrated that these should be used more often to perform exposure assessment.
- Organic dust exposure in veterinary clinics: a case study of a small-animal practice in PortugalPublication . Viegas, Carla; Monteiro, Ana; Ribeiro, Edna; Caetano, Liliana Aranha; Carolino, Elisabete; Assunção, Ricardo; Viegas, SusanaLiterature about occupational health in small-animal veterinary practices is scarce, but most of it has recognised a number of risks to be considered, including organic dust exposure. The aim of this pilot study was to assess organic dust, bacterial, and fungal contamination in the indoor environment of a typical Portuguese veterinary clinic but also to screen for azoleresistant fungi. To complement these findings we also analysed workers' nasal exudates for resistant bacteriota. Particles measurements included mass concentrations (PMC) of five particle sizes (PM0.5, PM1, PM2.5, PM5, PM10) and their counts (PNC). Indoor air samples were obtained from six locations as well as before and during cat dental cleaning and cultured on four media for bacterial and fungal assessment. An outdoor sample was also collected for reference Surface samples were taken from the same indoor locations using swabs and we also use electrostatic dust cloths as passive methods. PM10 showed the highest concentrations across the locations. Indoor air fungal loads ranged from 88 to 504 CFU m-3. The azole-resistant Aspergillus section Nigri was identified in one sample. Indoor air bacterial loads ranged from 84 to 328 CFU m-3. Nasopharyngeal findings in the 14 veterinary clinic workers showed a remarkably low prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (7.1 %). Our results point to contamination with organic dusts above the WHO limits and to the need for better ventilation. Future studies should combine the same sampling protocol (active and passive methods) with molecular tools to obtain more accurate risk characterisation. In terms of prevention, animals should be caged in rooms separate from where procedures take place, and worker protection should be observed at all times.
- The Usefulness of Early Effect Biomarkers in Monitoring Occupational Exposure to Hexavalent ChromiumPublication . Afonso, Catarina; Gomes, Bruno Costa; Louro, Henriqueta; Nogueira, Ana; Pinhal, Hermínia; Reis, S.; Ventura, Célia; Ladeira, Carina; Ribeiro, Edna; Santonen, Tiina; Viegas, Susana; Silva, Maria JoãoIntroduction: In the frame of the Project HBM4EU (https://www.hbm4eu.eu/) a biomonitoring study is being conducted across Europe to characterize occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], a recognized human lung carcinogen. Herein we present the results of biomarkers of exposure and effect characterized in a group of workers from a Portuguese aircraft maintenance company, where Cr(VI) replacement is not expected in the near future. Methods: All participants signed an informed consent and responded to a questionnaire to collect contextual information. Cr(VI) exposure was assessed by the analysis of personal air samples; total Cr was measured in urine and blood samples from 50 workers and 26 controls. The effects biomarkers included the alkaline comet assay and the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay in blood in leukocytes. Results: The concentrations of Cr in the air samples were variable, depending on the activities performed. Noteworthy, workers engaged in painting exterior surfaces with Cr(VI)-reach paints were exposed to the highest Cr(VI) levels. Results from biomonitoring confirmed the occurrence of internal exposure. Furthermore, significantly increased micronuclei frequencies (p < 0.001, Fisher’s exact test) and DNA damage levels were identified in leukocytes from workers comparatively to controls. Interestingly, among the painters showed up a group of 6 workers who were exposed to a mixture of Cr, organic solvents, silica, and other chemicals and who displayed an elevated level of micronucleated cells comparatively to matched controls. Conclusions: An association between Cr(VI) exposure and genotoxicity biomarkers was found, raising concern about a potentially increased cancer risk. Furthermore, these results suggest that the effect biomarkers selected are useful to strengthen the exposure data, in that more exposed or vulnerable groups can be more reliably detected. This is relevant to allow the prioritization of occupational hygiene and risk management measures implementation in the workplace.