Browsing by Author "Gabriel, Marta Fonseca"
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- Children’s Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds: A Comparative Analysis of Assessments in Households, Schools, and Indoor Swimming PoolsPublication . Gabriel, Marta Fonseca; Felgueiras, Fátima; Feliciano, ManuelChemical pollution is an increasing worldwide concern, with children being especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution. This study aimed to characterize the mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in indoor air across residential, educational, and recreational settings. It analyzed data on VOC concentrations from previous sampling campaigns conducted in households with children, primary schools, and indoor swimming pools (70 buildings, 151 indoor spaces) in northern Portugal. The findings reveal the co-occurrence of 16 VOCs (1,2,4- trimethylbenzene, benzene, ethylbenzene, m/o/p-xylenes, styrene, toluene, tetrachloroethylene, 2-ethylhexanol, butanol, acetophenone, ethyl acetate, benzaldehyde, decanal, nonanal, 1-methoxy-2- propanol and limonene) across all three settings, primarily associated to emissions from building materials and detergents. However, distinct patterns were also observed in the VOCs detected across the three indoor environments: in homes, the predominant VOCs were primarily released from cleaning and fragranced products; in schools, from ammonia-based cleaners and occupant activities; and in swimming pools, the predominant airborne chemicals were disinfection by-products resulting from the chemical dynamics associated with water disinfection. Overall, the findings highlight the need for additional research to deepen our understanding of the risks posed by combined exposure to multiple indoor air chemicals for children. These results also underscore the importance of developing and enforcing regulations to monitor VOC levels in environments frequented by children and implementing preventive measures to minimize their exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Exposure to Waste Anesthetic Gases Throughout Surgical Interventions: A Case Study in a Portuguese Local Health UnitPublication . Leal, Leiddi Laura Maria; Yamanaka, Vanessa Yukie; Pereira, Ermelinda; Theodoro, Joseane; Domingues, Maria de Fátima; Fernandes, Isabel; Gabriel, Marta Fonseca; Feliciano, ManuelThe accumulation of anesthetic gas residues in surgery units can pose health risks to healthcare professionals, highlighting the need to establish effective protection measures. This study evaluated waste anesthetic gas levels in a local health unit in northern Portugal to identify highexposure areas during surgeries using general anesthesia. Measurements of desflurane, sevoflurane, carbon dioxide, air temperature, and relative humidity were taken during 20 surgeries carried out over approximately six months. The results showed that the thermal conditions were not adequately controlled, particularly the relative humidity levels. The detectedWAG concentrations fluctuated across different locations, with concerning peaks being detected in specific settings. Desflurane levels reached 8.79 ppm in the general surgery room (GSR) and averaged 3.13 ppm in the recovery room (RR), while the sevoflurane levels averaged 2.06 ppm in the RR. High concentrations exceeding the recommendations of the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) were notably observed after endotracheal tube removal. In short surgeries, anesthetic gas levels exceeded safety limits, while long surgeries caused peaks in sevoflurane levels. Longer surgeries and higher occupancy were significantly linked to increased levels of WAG and carbon dioxide, emphasizing the need to improve ventilation and environmental controls to safeguard healthcare professionals.