An Essential Guide to Occupational Exposure

Description

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. 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 Blank Page Blank Page