Substances chimiques et agents biologiques

Mesures de prévention et de contrôle de la grippe saisonnière en centre hospitalier de soins généraux et spécialisés

Maryse Gagnon — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:20:00 GMT

L'objectif de ce document est de fournir des recommandations sur les mesures de prévention et de contrôle de la grippe saisonnière à appliquer dans les centres hospitaliers de soins généraux et spécialisés (CHSGS), incluant les unités de pédiatrie. Il s'adresse aux équipes locales de prévention et de contrôle des infections (PCI) qui travaillent en collaboration avec les autres directions concernées, avec leur service de santé et sécurité au travail et aussi avec leur direction de santé publique, au besoin.
Ce document est divisé en cinq chapitres suivis de neuf annexes. Le premier chapitre aborde les notions essentielles sur la grippe et la préparation à la saison grippale. Dans le deuxième chapitre, il est question de vaccination et de surveillance. Le troisième chapitre porte sur la hiérarchie des mesures, les pratiques de base, l'hygiène et l'étiquette respiratoire ainsi que les mesures de prévention et de contrôle. De plus, les mesures spécifiques en présence d'un cas de grippe confirmé y sont expliquées avec des recommandations spécifiques concernant les patients présentant un syndrome d'allure grippale (SAG), l'hygiène et salubrité, les visiteurs, la prise en charge des travailleurs de la santé ainsi que les communications. Au quatrième chapitre, la définition d'éclosion de grippe, les mesures de contrôle durant une éclosion avec les recommandations spécifiques et les critères de signalement à la santé publique sont présentés. Finalement, la place de l'utilisation des antiviraux décrite de façon plus détaillée fait l'objet du dernier chapitre.

Source : http://www.inspq.qc.ca/publications/notice.asp?E=p&NumPublication=1391

Cold Stress

Maryse Gagnon — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:33:00 GMT

For many, a sweater or an extra degree on the thermostat is all that's needed to keep warm at work on a cold day. Not so for those working outside or in an area that is poorly insulated or without heat. These workers may be at risk of cold stress. What constitutes cold stress and its effects can vary across different areas of the country. In regions relatively unaccustomed to winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered factors for cold stress. Whenever temperatures drop decidedly below normal and wind speed increases, heat can more rapidly leave the body. These weather-related conditions may lead to serious health problems.

Source: http://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2012/01/cold-stress/

Unrecognized risks of nickel-related respiratory cancer among Canadian electrolysis workers

Maryse Gagnon — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:58:00 GMT

Objectives Nickel compounds, inclusive of water-soluble salts, have been classified as human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Nickel producers have disputed the classification of soluble nickel compounds for three decades with reference to an alleged absence of excess respiratory cancer among Canadian nickel-exposed electrolysis workers. We evaluated historical data from two electrolytic refineries in Ontario, both included in prominent Canadian reports on occupational nickel-related cancer.
Methods For Port Colborne nickel refinery (PCNR) and Copper Cliff copper refinery (CCCR), we identified process descriptions, exposure estimates, and original reports on cancer mortality using reference lists, libraries, and state archives. The documents were written or published between 1930 and 1992.
Results For PCNR, a 1977 US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health criteria document demonstrated an excess nasal cancer risk among electrolysis workers independent of furnace exposure. PCNR studies published after 1980 excluded 26% of long-term refiners who died from respiratory cancer according to earlier reports, and 42% of the workers had unknown vital status at the end of follow-up, biasing the standardized observed-to-expected mortality ratios downwards, most pronounced in recent reports and for workers without pension or company benefits. CCCR reports did not adequately address soluble nickel exposure in the evaluation of an observed occupational lung cancer excess.
Conclusions While acknowledging important contributions to the recognition of nickel carcinogenicity from highly exposed Canadian refiners, we conclude that the claimed absence of nickel-related respiratory cancer among electrolysis workers has resulted from an arbitrary overemphasis of biased and inconclusive findings.

Source : http://www.sjweh.fi/show_abstract.php?abstract_id=3274

ECHA recommends thirteen Substances of Very High Concern for authorisation

Ginette Vadnais — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:53:00 GMT

The European Chemicals Agency has submitted to the European Commission a recommendation that thirteen Substances of Very High Concern should in future not be used without authorisation. These substances are all classified because of their carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction (or a combination thereof) properties. They are used in applications where there is potential for worker exposure.

The protection of human health and the environment is at the heart of REACH. Making these thirteen Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) subject to authorisation seeks to ensure that their risks are properly controlled and that the substances are progressively replaced with suitable alternative substances or technologies.

Source : http://www.echa.europa.eu/fr/view-article/-/journal_content/84f13bf9-d6fd-41ee-aeeb-cdf2e7e9cdee

Occupational exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and the risk of uveal melanoma

Maryse Gagnon — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:45:00 GMT

Objectives We investigated the association between occupational exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) and the risk of uveal melanoma using international data of a case–control study from nine European countries.
Methods After exclusion of proxy interviews, 280 cases and 3084 control subjects were included in the final analysis. Information on possible exposure to EDC was derived from 27 job-specific questionnaires (JSQ), which solicited detailed questions on occupational tasks. Relative risk estimates were based on the JSQ and potential exposure to a group of endocrine-disrupting agents. We constructed several exposure scores, taking into account intensity of exposure, use of personal protective equipment, and exposure duration. We calculated unconditional logistic regression analyses, adjusting for country, age, sex, eye color and a history of ocular damage due to intense ultraviolet (UV) exposure.
Results The overall exposure prevalence to EDC was low reaching a maximum of 11% for heavy metals with endocrine-disrupting properties. Although working in some industries was associated with increased melanoma risk [such as dry cleaning: odds ratio (OR) 6.15, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.0–18.96 and working in the glass manufacturing industry: OR 3.49, 95% CI 1.10–11.10], agent-specific risks were not elevated. The strongest possible risk increase was observed for organic solvents with endocrine-disrupting properties (OR 1.31, 95% CI 0.78–2.21). Calculation of exposure scores did not indicate consistently elevated results with higher score values. Sensitivity analyses did not alter these results.
Conclusion Occupational exposure to EDC was not associated with an increased risk for uveal melanoma.

Source : http://www.sjweh.fi/show_abstract.php?abstract_id=3265

Occupational exposure to particles and incidence of stroke

Maryse Gagnon — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:25:00 GMT

Objectives This paper aims to investigate the relation between occupational exposure to particles, particle size, and the incidence of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.
Methods The cohort included all manual workers identified from the Swedish National Census in 1980, who were alive as of 1 January 1987. First time events of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke during the period 1987–2005 were identified through linkage to the Hospital Discharge Register and the National Cause of Death Register. A job-exposure matrix for exposure to small (1 µm) particles was developed and applied. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated by Cox regression with adjustment for age, socioeconomic group, and residential area.
Results Increased HR of ischemic as well as hemorrhagic stroke were found among both women and men occupationally exposed to small as well as large particles. The risks were higher for workers exposed for ≥5 years compared to “ever exposed” participants indicating a dose–response relationship, but no trend with exposure intensity was observed. The risks were generally higher for women than men. <> Conclusions Occupational exposure to small and large particles was associated with increased risks of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Further studies are needed to explore the relationships between exposure to different types of particles and various doses and the occurrence of stroke among women as well as men.

Source : http://www.sjweh.fi/show_abstract.php?abstract_id=3271

Dust Control Handbook for Industrial Minerals Mining and Processing 2012

Ginette Vadnais — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:48:00 GMT

Throughout the mining and processing of minerals, the mined ore undergoes a number of crushing, grinding, cleaning, drying, and product sizing operations as it is processed into a marketable commodity. These operations are highly mechanized, and both individually and collectively these processes can generate large amounts of dust. If control technologies are inadequate, hazardous levels of respirable dust may be liberated into the work environment, potentially exposing workers. Accordingly, federal regulations are in place to limit the respirable dust exposure of mine workers. Engineering controls are implemented in mining operations in an effort to reduce dust generation and limit worker exposure.

Source : http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/pubs/pdfs/2012-112.pdf

Le mésothéliome : 31e maladie à déclaration obligatoire

Ginette Vadnais — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:41:00 GMT

« Tout nouveau cas de mésothéliome, quel que soit son site anatomique (plèvre, péritoine, péricarde…), doit désormais être notifié au médecin de l'Agence Régionale de Santé (ARS), par tout médecin (pathologiste ou clinicien) exerçant en France métropolitaine ou ultramarine et qui en pose le diagnostic ». Tel est le contenu du décret nº 2012-47 du 16 janvier 2012 qui ajoute les mésothéliomes à la liste officielle des maladies à déclaration obligatoire (DO).

L'Institut de veille sanitaire (InVS) est responsable, à la demande du ministère de la Santé, de la mise en œuvre de cette DO.
Il s'agit de l'action 9.1 du plan cancer 2009-2013, qui s'est donné pour objectif de mieux surveiller les cancers liés à l'environnement professionnel. Elle s'inscrit notamment dans la lutte contre ceux liés à une exposition à l'amiante.

Source : http://www.preventica.com/actu-enbref-mesotheliome-declaration-obligatoire-2240312.php

Guide pour la prophylaxie postexposition (PPE) à des liquides biologiques dans le contexte du travail

Ginette Vadnais — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:16:00 GMT

Cette nouvelle édition présente des recommandations révisées sur la prise en charge des personnes exposées accidentellement à du sang et à d'autres liquides biologiques en milieu de travail.

Source : http://publications.msss.gouv.qc.ca/acrobat/f/documentation/2011/11-333-02W.pdf

Travailler au froid ! Prévenir et soigner les gelures et l’hypothermie

Ginette Vadnais — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:33:00 GMT

Cette brochure explique la contrainte thermique par le froid et précise les facteurs de risque, les mesures préventives à prendre et les premiers secours à donner. Elle contient également la réglementation en vigueur sur le sujet. Cette édition comporte un nouveau tableau indiquant les dangers que présente le refroidissement éolien et le degré de risque de gelure.

Source : http://www.csst.qc.ca/publications/200/Pages/DC_200_16182.aspx

Formaldehyde Exposures during Brazilian Blowout Hair Smoothing Treatment at a Hair Salon

Ginette Vadnais — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

HHE Program investigators assessed salon employees' exposure to formaldehyde when performing hair smoothing treatments using Brazilian Blowout® hair products. Investigators found that during hair smoothing treatments employees' exposures to formaldehyde in air exceeded the ceiling limits set by NIOSH and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Investigators determined that the Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution, Formaldehyde Free Smoothing Formula, contained 11% formaldehyde. Investigators recommended that managers stop using the product.

Source : http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2011-0014-3147.pdf

Evaluation of Lead Exposure at an Indoor Firing Range

Ginette Vadnais — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:42:00 GMT

HHE Program investigators evaluated concerns about lead exposures and indoor environmental quality problems at an indoor firing range. Investigators found that airflow along and downrange of the firing line did not meet NIOSH recommendations. Investigators found that exposure for one instructor, one shooter, and the hazardous materials technician were above the occupational exposure limits for lead for an 8-hour time-weighted average. Surface wipe and floor vacuum samples detected lead in various places. Investigators recommended installing a ventilation system that can deliver the NIOSH-recommended airflow at the firing line and downrange. Investigators recommended removing all carpet and using an explosion-proof vacuum cleaner with high-efficiency particulate air filters to clean the range instead of dry sweeping

Source : http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2008-0275-3146.pdf

ECHA's new website

Ginette Vadnais — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:32:00 GMT

ECHA - the European Chemicals Agency has reflected on how they work and what they can do better. The new website is an example of that. It is much easier to use, simpler to search and more intuitive to navigate around.

The website is also written in plainer English and is more informative, particularly for non-scientists. Also, most of the material is available in 22 languages.

Source : www.echa.europa.eu

Surveillance environnementale des médicaments dangereux : mise à jour 2011

Ginette Vadnais — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:41:00 GMT

Une étude multicentrique descriptive sur la contamination des surfaces par le cyclophosphamide, par l’ifosfamide et par le méthotrexate, a été réalisée dans les centres hospitaliers du Québec en 2008-2010.

Source :
http://portails.inspq.qc.ca/toxicologieclinique/surveillance-environnementale-des-medicaments-dangereux-mise-a-jour-2011.aspx

Nanoparticles from Printer Emissions in Workplace Environments

Ginette Vadnais — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

The Nanoparticles from Printer Emissions in Workplace Environments report examined particle emissions from laser printers in office environments. A total of 107 laser printers were examined in offices across Queensland. This research was undertaken by Queensland University of Technology and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.
Precautionary advice from the report on how workplaces can assess and control laser printer particle emissions is summarised on the Information sheet Assessing and controlling laser printer particle emissions in workplace environments.
To understand the potential health effects of the particles measured in this report, Safe Work Australia commissioned Toxikos Pty Ltd to undertake a review. A Brief Review of the Health Risks Associated with Laser Printer Emissions Measured as Particles examined results and assessed them against national and international air quality guidelines and exposure standards.

Source : http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/AboutSafeWorkAustralia/WhatWeDo/Publications/Pages/Nanoparticles-printer-emissions.aspx