Higiene Laboral 2 Unidad 1 Parte 1

Name: Higiene Laboral 2 Unidad 1 Parte 1
Uploaded: 2020-09-11T01:55:11.000Z
Duration: 2 h 46 min 7 s

Contaminantes del Ambiente de Trabajo

Introducción a la Higiene Laboral

Bienvenida a la unidad de higiene laboral 2, enfocándose en los contaminantes del ambiente de trabajo. Se sugiere repasar conceptos de higiene 1.

La unidad se ha reestructurado para incluir una introducción más clara sobre higiene en el primer curso.

Tipos de Contaminantes

Enfocándose en contaminantes químicos, se abordarán también las concentraciones máximas permisibles y el índice biológico de exposición.

Los contaminantes se dividen en tres categorías: químicos, físicos y biológicos. Se comenzará con los biológicos, aunque son menos visibles.

Contaminantes Químicos

Los contaminantes químicos afectan al ambiente laboral mediante interacciones químicas con materiales inertes presentes.

Ejemplos incluyen virus como el coronavirus, que puede ser considerado un agente laboral si hay contagios dentro del entorno laboral.

Responsabilidad Empresarial

Las empresas tienen responsabilidad si no toman medidas adecuadas para prevenir contagios laborales; esto incluye distanciamiento y uso de mascarillas.

Además de virus, otros organismos vivos como bacterias y hongos pueden causar enfermedades profesionales.

Síndrome del Edificio Enfermo

El síndrome del edificio enfermo es un fenómeno donde condiciones ambientales (como calefacción y humedad) generan problemas de salud.

Health Risks in Animal Handling and Work Environments

Overview of Occupational Diseases

Discussion on diseases arising from animal handling and plant work, highlighting the lack of current research and attention to these issues in the country.

Emphasis on the importance of addressing occupational health risks related to exposure to various agents, particularly physical agents.

Physical Agents and Their Impact

Explanation of mechanical energy as a physical agent, including noise and vibrations that can affect workers' health through environmental transmission.

Mention of pressure variations experienced by divers during underwater repairs, which can lead to specific health issues.

Thermal Energy Considerations

Introduction to thermal energy, discussing heat transfer mechanisms between bodies at different temperatures.

Clarification that cold is not technically recognized in thermodynamics; focus remains on heat transfer dynamics affecting body temperature regulation.

Regulations Regarding Noise and Vibration

Reference to legal regulations (Resolution 295 from 2003), updating noise limits for quarry operations and incorporating guidelines for vibration exposure.

Discussion about stress due to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), referencing historical decrees regarding workplace safety standards.

Electromagnetic Waves: Types and Effects

Overview of electromagnetic waves as another category of physical agents, with distinctions made between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.

Comparison between sound waves (which require a medium for transmission) versus electromagnetic waves (which can travel through a vacuum).

Illumination as Non-Ionizing Radiation

Explanation that illumination falls under non-ionizing radiation; its significance in workplace safety is highlighted.

Importance of proper lighting conditions discussed, emphasizing how poor contrast can lead to visual fatigue among workers.

Understanding Radiation and Its Applications in Medicine

Introduction to Radiation in Medical Technology

The discussion begins with the relevance of radiation, particularly X-rays, in medical diagnostics, emphasizing their role in radiography within hospitals.

Risks vs. Benefits of X-ray Technology

It is noted that while X-rays can be harmful due to their cancerogenic potential, the probability of developing cancer from exposure is low compared to the benefits they provide in diagnosing diseases without surgical intervention.

Historical context is provided where prior methods required invasive procedures to diagnose internal conditions, which posed risks such as infection.

Gamma Radiation and Industrial Applications

Gamma radiation is introduced as a less common but significant tool used primarily in industrial gammagraphy for inspecting welds and materials.

Understanding Molecular Structures

The lecture transitions into discussing chemical agents, categorizing them into molecular forms and molecular aggregates. This distinction highlights how substances maintain their properties at different scales.

Properties of Molecules and Aggregates

A detailed explanation follows on how molecules retain characteristics even when reduced to their smallest form; for instance, water's behavior differs significantly when considering its atomic components versus its molecular structure (H2O).

Chemical Agents: Classification and Implications

States of Matter: Gaseous vs. Liquid Forms

The concept of molecular aggregates is explored further by explaining gaseous states where molecules have enough distance to move freely without strong attraction forces.

Aerosols and Their Characteristics

Aerosols are defined as larger particles formed from clusters of molecules; examples include silica particles found in sand.

Practical Examples of Aerosol Formation

An example illustrates aerosol formation through everyday products like glass cleaner sprays, which create fine droplets that behave differently than bulk liquids.

Biological Contaminants and Risk Management

Overview of Biological Contaminants

A brief overview touches on biological contaminants relevant to hygiene practices within various industries such as food processing or animal husbandry.

Importance of Managing Biological Risks

Emphasis is placed on understanding biological agents' control measures necessary for safety in industries dealing with live biological materials.

Chemical Contaminants: Definitions and Health Impacts

Defining Chemical Contaminants

The session concludes with a definition of chemical contaminants as substances that pose health risks due to their potential to cause injuries or illnesses upon exposure.

Chemical Substances and Their Impact on Health

Types of Chemical Substances

Discussion on the potential health risks associated with various chemical substances, which can be organic (e.g., hydrocarbons) or inorganic (e.g., acids like hydrochloric acid).

Introduction of natural and synthetic substances; for instance, radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that poses health risks.

Explanation of synthetic substances created in laboratories through chemical processes, highlighting their presence in product manufacturing.

Current Situation of Chemical Exposure

Emphasis on the increasing number of chemical substances over the years, estimating tens of thousands currently produced and stored.

Mention of consumer products like cosmetics that may improve quality of life but could also contain harmful chemicals affecting workers' health.

Evaluating Risks and Effects

Reference to ongoing evaluations for new vaccines (like those for COVID-19), stressing the importance of understanding both efficacy and potential side effects.

Overview of medications containing active compounds alongside secondary ingredients that may cause adverse reactions such as skin irritation or headaches.

Occupational Health Considerations

The role of hygiene in assessing damage caused by chemical exposure in workplaces, focusing on direct versus indirect contamination from products like mascara.

Importance of implementing control measures for workers involved in manufacturing potentially hazardous products to mitigate exposure risks.

Identifying and Controlling Chemical Contaminants

Hygiene practices aim to identify and quantify workplace contaminants while controlling exposure levels effectively.

Discussion about different branches within occupational hygiene responsible for identifying contaminants, developing measurement protocols, and controlling worker exposure.

Classification of Chemical Contaminants

Overview of traditional classifications dividing contaminants into three categories: aerosols, gases, and vapors; noting newer classifications like nano-aerosols are emerging.

Understanding Aerosols and Their Impact

Introduction to Intramuscular and Endovenous Injections

The discussion begins with the explanation of intramuscular and endovenous injections, highlighting their ability to penetrate the skin due to solvents that dissolve fats.

Characteristics of Aerosols

Aerosols are defined as particles suspended in air, observable in sunlight as they float around. They can be found in various environments, such as dust on bedding.

Particles vary in size; larger particles tend to settle quickly while smaller ones remain airborne for extended periods. This distinction is crucial for understanding aerosol behavior.

Classification of Aerosols

Aerosols can be categorized into different types based on particle size: powders, mists, and smokes. Each category has unique characteristics affecting their behavior in the air.

Nanoparticles are introduced as a specific type of aerosol, characterized by their extremely small size (measured in nanometers), which makes them invisible to the naked eye.

Understanding Nanoparticles

The concept of nanoparticles is further elaborated upon, explaining that they are significantly smaller than micrometers and have applications across various fields due to their unique properties.

Examples include nano plates and nano fibers, which possess distinct dimensions that can impact health when inhaled or absorbed.

Health Implications of Dust and Particles

Discussion shifts towards harmful substances like asbestos fibers classified under aerosols due to their microscopic size. These materials pose significant health risks when inhaled.

The conversation highlights how certain dust particles can lead to serious conditions like silicosis if they accumulate within lung tissues over time.

Effects of Particle Size on Respiratory Health

The transcript explains how different sizes of dust particles affect where they deposit within the respiratory system—larger particles tend to stay in upper airways while smaller ones reach deeper into the lungs.

It emphasizes that particles larger than 25 microns typically get trapped in nasal passages, whereas those under 10 microns can penetrate deeper into alveoli.

Conclusion on Dust Accumulation

Understanding Silica and Its Health Impacts

The Nature of Silica

Silica derives its name from crystalline silica, which has sharp edges that cannot be digested by cells, leading to cellular damage and potential cancer development.

Amorphous silica, such as that found in sand, is less harmful than crystalline silica but still poses risks due to its ability to cause damage when inhaled.

Exposure Limits and Regulations

Newly opened quarries produce dust with sharper edges, resulting in lower exposure limits for workers compared to amorphous silica.

The permissible exposure limit for amorphous silica is significantly higher (around 10 mg/m³) than that for crystalline silica (approximately 0.05 mg/m³), highlighting the need for careful monitoring.

Analytical Techniques for Differentiation

Distinguishing between crystalline and amorphous silica requires advanced analytical techniques since both can have similar particle sizes.

A cyclone filter captures larger particles while allowing smaller ones (less than 10 microns) to pass through; these are termed "respirable" particles as they reach deep into the lungs.

Laboratory Analysis Methods

X-ray diffraction is used to identify whether the captured particles are crystalline or amorphous based on how they reflect X-rays.

Sampling techniques differ between types of silica; accurate measurement requires specialized equipment to analyze the composition of airborne particles.

Understanding Mist and Its Implications

Mist refers to liquid droplets suspended in air, often generated by condensation processes similar to those seen in natural water cycles.

Understanding Aerosol Dynamics and Health Risks

The Nature of Gases and Liquids

Gases are molecularly disintegrated, unlike liquids. For instance, nebulizing a highly toxic liquid like oil can pose respiratory risks.

Vaporization Techniques

Vaporization techniques such as nebulizers create vapor by boiling substances, allowing them to enter the air in a gaseous state.

Inhalation Risks

When inhaling vaporized substances, droplets can condense in the lungs. Caution is advised when nebulizing non-water substances due to potential health hazards.

Condensation Process

Fog or mist forms through condensation of gas into liquid droplets. This process involves tiny particles coalescing into larger droplets that may fall.

Differences Between Mist and Vapor

Nebulization produces mist with larger particle sizes compared to vapor. Mist tends to deposit higher in the respiratory tract while vapor reaches deeper into the lungs.

Health Implications of Particle Size

The size of aerosol particles affects their deposition location within the respiratory system; larger particles may not reach deep lung areas, impacting treatment efficacy.

Comparing Mist and Fog: Visibility and Safety

Characteristics of Mist vs. Fog

Mist is more visible than fog, with particle sizes ranging from 2 to 60 microns compared to fog's 0.01 to 10 microns, affecting safety considerations during exposure.

Chemical Contaminants in Aerosols

Chemical contaminants can form mists that settle differently in the respiratory system compared to water-based mists, influencing health outcomes during exposure events.

Combustion Processes and Their Byproducts

Formation of Smoke from Incomplete Combustion

Smoke consists of solid particles produced by incomplete combustion processes such as fires, which release harmful pollutants into the air.

Essential Components for Combustion

Effective combustion requires three elements: fuel (like wood), an oxidizer (oxygen), and heat. Understanding these components is crucial for fire safety management.

Types of Combustion Reactions

Different combustion types range from slow reactions (e.g., aging paper) to rapid explosions; each type has distinct implications for safety and environmental impact.

Understanding Combustion and Its Effects

The Role of Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen in Combustion

The process of respiration involves exhaling carbon dioxide, which vegetation uses to produce oxygen, highlighting the cyclical nature of these gases.

In combustion reactions, methane (CH4) combines with oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), illustrating the chemical balance required for complete combustion.

Incomplete combustion occurs when there is insufficient oxygen, leading to the production of carbon monoxide (CO) instead of CO2, which can be hazardous.

Incomplete Combustion and Its Consequences

An example is given where a fire consumes most available oxygen, resulting in high carbon output and low oxygen levels; this leads to incomplete combustion products like CO.

The distinction between complete and incomplete combustion is emphasized: complete combustion fully utilizes all moles of fuel with adequate oxygen, while incomplete results from fuel scarcity.

Health Risks Associated with Carbon Monoxide

Engines may emit black smoke due to rich mixtures that burn excess fuel without sufficient oxygen; similarly, fires can release unburned fuel as CO.

Carbon monoxide binds more effectively to hemoglobin than oxygen does—17,600 times more—impeding the body's ability to transport oxygen effectively.

Emergency Response for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Individuals exposed to CO require urgent medical attention; standard air exposure isn't enough as CO remains bound to hemoglobin. High-pressure pure oxygen treatment is necessary.

Misconceptions about treating CO poisoning are clarified: regular supplemental oxygen isn't sufficient without proper medical intervention.

Visibility and Toxicity Issues in Fires

Fire environments pose dual threats: poor visibility due to smoke and heat radiation alongside toxic gas emissions like CO that impair respiratory function.

Unlike CO poisoning, which requires immediate medical response due to its binding properties with hemoglobin, elevated levels of carbon dioxide can also lead to suffocation but are less immediately lethal if treated promptly.

Particulate Matter from Incomplete Combustion

Solid particles produced during incomplete combustion contribute significantly to air pollution; these particulates are often visible as dark smoke emitted from burning materials.

Understanding Smoke and Metal Fumes in Welding

The Nature of Smoke from Incomplete Combustion

Smoke is produced from incomplete combustion, where carbon atoms form solid particles that can reach gas exchange areas in the lungs.

Characteristics of Metallic Smoke

Metallic smoke consists of solid metal particles generated through condensation during processes like welding and plasma cutting, with plasma cutters producing more metallic smoke than other methods.

Electrode Functionality in Welding

The electrode circulates a high current through a metal rod to the workpiece, raising its temperature to liquid state; this process can sometimes lead to uncontrollable temperatures.

Vaporization and Condensation Process

During welding, some metal vaporizes due to excessive heat. As it cools rapidly upon exposure to ambient air (25-30 degrees), it condenses back into solid particles forming metallic smoke.

Particle Size and Protective Measures

The size of these metallic particles is comparable to microns, necessitating special masks for protection. Masks are rated (e.g., N95 or N99) based on their filtration efficiency against such particles.

Protective Equipment and Workplace Safety

Mask Specifications and Functionality

Special masks filter out 95% or 99% of airborne particles. The numbers indicate their filtration capacity; however, actual performance may vary slightly above or below these percentages.

Importance of Designing Safe Work Environments

Personal protective equipment should be the last line of defense against hazards. Prior measures should include proper ventilation systems to minimize exposure to chemical contaminants.

Ventilation Systems for Hazardous Environments

General ventilation systems are recommended for reducing airborne contaminants. In cases with highly toxic substances, localized extraction systems (like vacuums) capture pollutants at their source.

Nanomaterials: Properties and Sources

Unique Properties of Nanomaterials

Nanomaterials exhibit distinct properties due to their size (less than 100 nanometers). They include various forms like carbon nanotubes used in lightweight materials for aviation applications.

Sources of Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles can originate from natural sources (e.g., volcanic ash) or artificial sources such as cigarette smoke. Their small size allows them to penetrate deep into biological systems.

Health Implications of Particulate Matter

Understanding Particle Sizes Relevant to Health Risks

Understanding Gases and Their Properties

Molecular Structure and Formation of Gases

The discussion begins with the molecular arrangement in materials, emphasizing how atoms can be organized linearly to form structures like tubes.

It is noted that gases exist under normal conditions at specific temperatures and pressures, highlighting the importance of these parameters in defining a gas's state.

Characteristics of Gases

Gases are described as amorphous fluids that occupy available space; they disperse when a window is opened due to air currents.

The transition from gas to liquid is explained using carbon dioxide as an example, illustrating how compression can change states.

Examples of Common Gases

Various gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide are identified as being gaseous under standard conditions.

Other examples include helium and hydrogen, reinforcing the concept that many substances exist in gaseous form at normal pressure and temperature.

Vapors vs. Gases

The distinction between vapors (which can be solid or liquid at normal conditions but become gaseous under certain circumstances) and gases is clarified.

Water vapor is introduced as an example of a substance that transitions from liquid to gas through heating.

Implications of Vapor Presence

Caution is advised regarding substances like alcohol which may produce vapors even when they appear as liquids; this highlights potential safety concerns.

The difficulty in predicting vapor presence compared to known gases emphasizes the need for careful monitoring in environments where liquids are present.

Evaporation Dynamics

An example illustrates how water can evaporate over time even without boiling, indicating that all liquids have some degree of vaporization.

Classification of Chemical Contaminants and Their Effects

Overview of Chemical Contaminants

The classification of chemical contaminants is based on the damage they cause, including irritants that lead to tissue inflammation.

Irritation can occur through contact with skin or respiratory pathways, often resulting from corrosive substances that may cause burns or irritation.

Types of Damage Caused by Chemicals

Solid chemicals can deposit in the lungs, leading to pulmonary issues such as hardening of lung tissue and loss of elasticity.

Common examples include silica dust which forms nodules in the lungs visible on X-rays, potentially reducing respiratory capacity.

Specific Health Risks Associated with Inhalation

Silica exposure can lead to serious conditions like silicosis, where disease progression continues even after exposure ceases.

Fibers like asbestos can also reach gas exchange areas in the lungs, causing benign or malignant diseases depending on their nature.

Systemic Effects of Chemical Exposure

Systemic compounds circulate throughout the body via blood; for instance, solvents used for cleaning can penetrate skin and enter the bloodstream.

Chemicals like lead and methanol pose risks when inhaled or absorbed through skin during activities such as fishing tackle production.

Impact on Nervous System and Reaction Times

Anesthetics and narcotics are lipophilic compounds affecting central nervous system function; they may cause temporary or permanent damage.

Alcohol consumption illustrates this effect: it slows reaction times significantly compared to sober states, impacting safety and health.

Long-term Consequences of Chemical Exposure

Tests demonstrate how alcohol impairs reflexes; individuals under its influence show delayed responses compared to sober individuals.

Understanding the Mechanisms of Cellular Damage and Allergens

Cellular Damage and Tumor Formation

The introduction of harmful substances, such as certain chemicals, can lead to cellular damage at the alveolar level, potentially affecting DNA.

Damaged cells may reproduce with incorrect information, leading to the formation of abnormal cells that can develop into tumors, which could be benign or malignant (cancer).

Hexavalent chromium is highlighted as a significant carcinogen used in chrome plating processes.

Historical Context of Asbestos Use

Asbestos was commonly used for thermal insulation; however, its dangers are still present in older infrastructure.

There were recent labor strikes related to concerns over old trains containing silica and asbestos materials.

Understanding Allergens

Allergens trigger reactions in sensitive individuals; not everyone is affected by the same substances.

Bisulfite is an example of a common allergen found in seafood preservation that affects some people but not others.

Sensitivity and Workplace Safety

It’s crucial to identify sensitive individuals during pre-employment screenings to prevent allergic reactions at work.

Certain allergens like pollen can cause widespread allergic reactions among workers during specific seasons.

Types of Suffocating Agents

Suffocating agents can be classified into simple suffocants (like carbon dioxide displacing oxygen) and chemical suffocants (like carbon monoxide).

Respiratory Effects of Anesthetics

Mechanism of Respiratory Depression

The anesthetic causes respiratory arrest by blocking nerve impulses from the brain to the lungs, preventing diaphragm contraction necessary for lung expansion.

Anesthetic agents target nerve endings, inhibiting electrical signals that trigger diaphragm movement, leading to indirect asphyxiation.

Sensitizers and Allergic Reactions

Sensitizers are substances that cause allergic reactions upon skin contact through primary irritation or photosensitization. Initial exposure may not elicit a response.

Prolonged exposure can lead to sensitization; once sensitized, even minimal contact with the substance can provoke an immediate reaction.

Long-term Implications of Sensitization

Once a person becomes sensitized to a contaminant, they remain sensitive for life; this is akin to the saying about being burned by milk from a cow.

Examples include chemicals in paints that can cause severe reactions after initial non-responsiveness, emphasizing the need for caution in occupational settings.

Regulatory Considerations

Chemical safety regulations often list sensitizing agents and their characteristics; awareness of these substances is crucial for workplace safety.

Engagement and Learning Opportunities

The speaker encourages questions and participation from attendees to enhance understanding and address any uncertainties regarding sensitizers and anesthetics.