Browsing by Author "Silva, Susana Pinho"
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- Health impact of living near an abondoned mine - Case study: Jales MinesPublication . Coelho, Patrícia Clara dos Santos; Silva, Susana Pinho; Roma-Torres, Joana; Costa, Carla Sofia; Henriques, Amélia T.; Teixeira, João Paulo Fernandes; Gomes, Maria José; Mayan, Olga N.The activities of mining exploitation in Campo de Jales were performed in an uncontrolled way and gave rise to serious environmental contamination: rubbish depositories have been accumulated with no treatment or maintenance. An investigation developed around Jales Mine showed the existence of some chemical impact originated from the waste produced during mining activities. Some "black spots" for a wide suite of heavy metals were determined in stream sediments and alluvium drained from Jales tailings, which could constitute hazard factors for the area and potential danger for public health. The main objective of this study is to know the effects on health caused by this environmental contamination. It is a case-control study, where two populations--from Campo de Jales and Vilar de Maçada--were compared. They both have very similar living conditions, and were inquired about health issues and screening for lead and cadmium exposure. The results point out to higher prevalence of irritating symptomatology in the mucous of the eyes and respiratory system
- Wood smoke exposure of Portuguese wildland firefighters: DNA and oxidative damage evaluationPublication . Abreu, Ana M.; Costa, Carla Sofia; Silva, Susana Pinho; Morais, Simone; Pereira, Maria do Carmo; Fernandes, Adília; Andrade, Vanessa Moraes; Teixeira, João Paulo Fernandes; Costa, SolangePortugal is among the European Union countries most devastated by forest fires each year. In the last three decades, more than 3.8 million hectares of forest were burned. Wildland firefighters are exposed to a variety of hazards, including many toxic combustion products that may lead to deleterious health effects. Epidemiological studies showed a positive association between firefighting and several chronic diseases, including cancer. Results from biomonitoring studies in firefighters, particularly concerning genotoxicity evaluation, constitute a valuable tool for investigating important occupational hazards. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess genotoxicity in a group of wildland firefighters using the comet assay for DNA damage and oxidative stress. Both parameters were increased in firefighters compared to controls, but significance was only found for basal DNA damage. No significant influence was found regarding major confounding variables on the genotoxic endpoints studied, with the exception of age. Data obtained provide preliminary information on human health effects of wildland firefighting exposure at genetic and molecular levels. These findings may also provide new important data to serve as public awareness to the potential adverse health risks involving wildland firefighting. Implementation of security and hygiene measures in this sector as well as good practices campaigns may be crucial to decrease risk.