The World Health Organization estimates that about 2.9 billion workers around the world are regularly exposed to risks at their workplace. Therefore, a significant fraction of the world's working force, principally in low- and middle-income countries, is at an increased risk of occupational hazards with direct implications on occupational safety and health. Occupational injuries and illness lead to (short/long) workers' absences with significant economic costs for both employees and employers. Also, the quality of life and wellbeing of active workers are profoundly affected. This book - An Essential Guide to Occupational Exposure - will attract the attention of people that want to know more about occupational exposure and its implications on hygiene, safety, and health in work environments. This work aims to highlight the predominant occupational risks that all working groups can be exposed to. Also, it informs readers about emerging health surveillance tools, namely cytogenetic and human biomonitoring assays, that are being used in the assessment of occupational exposure and health risk assessment. This book is aimed at the active and working civil society, occupational safety and hygiene technicians among other related occupations (e.g., health professionals), scientific community, and stakeholders. This reading will promote a reflection on the topic of occupational exposure and its implications on the safety and health of workers from different occupations.
Author(s): Marta Madalena Marques De Oliveira, Simone Barreira Morais, Francisca Pinto Lisboa Martins Rodrigues
Series: Safety and Risk in Society
Publisher: Nova Science Publishers
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 204
City: New York
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
An Introduction to Occupational Exposure
Abstract
Introduction
Occupational Risks
Physical Risks
Chemical Risks
Biological Risks
Ergonomic Risks
Psychological and Psychosocial Risks
Occupational Hygiene, Safety and Health
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
References
Chapter 2
Hospital Environments: The Relevant
Aspects of Indoor Air Quality
Abstract
Introduction
Hospital Environments
History of Hospitals
The Concept of the 21st-Century Hospital
Indoor Air Quality– Relevant Aspects in Medical Facilities
Ventilation
Infection Transmission
Hospital Contaminants: Chemical Pollutants – Particulate Matter
Hospital Contaminants: Bioaerosols
Hospital Contaminants: Chemical Pollutants – Volatile Organic Compounds
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
References
Chapter 3
The Role of Biomarkers in the Assessment
of Potential Health Risks of Wildland Firefighters’ Occupational Exposure:
An Overview
Abstract
Introduction
Global Trends in Wildfires
Wildland Fire: A Major Source of Pollutants Exposure
Firefighters’ Occupational Exposure
Health Risks
Carcinogenic Risk
Monitoring of Wildland Firefighters’ Exposure
Environmental Monitoring
Biological Monitoring
Biomarkers: A Brief Contextualization
Biomarkers of Smoke Exposure
From the Exposure to the Biological Effect
Principal Strengths and Limitations
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
References
Chapter 4
Firefighters’ Dermal Exposure to Fire Emissions: Levels and Potential of 3D Skin Models for Health Risk Assessment
Abstract
Introduction
Methods
Contamination of PPE
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Metals and Metalloids
Persistent Organic Pollutants
Phthalates
Contamination of Skin
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Methoxyphenols
Metals and Metalloids
In-Vivo/In-Vitro Studies
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
References
Chapter 5
Cytogenetic Methods for Measuring Effects of Occupational Exposure
Abstract
Introduction
Human Biomonitoring, Occupational Safety and Health
Chromosome Aberration Test
Sister Chromatid Exchange Analysis
Micronucleus Assay
Comet Assay
Gamma-H2AX Assay
Conclusion
References
Chapter 6
Occupational Hazards Faced by
Garbage Collection Workers
Abstract
Introduction
Task Analysis
Working Hours
Work Environment
The Effects of Workplace on Health of Garbage Collection Workers
Assessment Methods
Occupational Hazards
Respiratory System
Musculoskeletal System
Prevalence of MSDs
Gastrointestinal System
Integumentary System
Eye Problems
Genitourinary Systems
Other Infections
Quality of Life
Proposal of Preventive and Protective Measures
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Conclusion
References
About the Editors
Index
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