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(Reference retrieved automatically from Google Scholar through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Effects of biomass burning on nasal mucociliary clearance and mucus properties after sugarcane harvesting

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Author(s):
Goto, Danielle Miyuki [1] ; Lanca, Marina [1] ; Obuti, Camila Akemi [2] ; Galvao Barbosa, Cristiane Maria [3] ; Nascimento Saldiva, Paulo Hilario [4] ; Trevisan Zanetta, Dirce Maria [5] ; Lorenzi-Filho, Geraldo [3] ; Santos, Ubiratan de Paula [3] ; Nakagawa, Naomi Kondo [1]
Total Authors: 9
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Dept Physiotherapy Commun Sci & Disorders, LIM 34, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Cidade Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Div Pulm, Inst Heart, Hosp Clin, Fac Med, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Dept Pathol, LIM 05, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[5] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Publ Hlth, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: Environmental Research; v. 111, n. 5, p. 664-669, 2011.
Web of Science Citations: 14
Abstract

Objective: Biofuel from sugarcane is widely produced in developing countries and is a clean and renewable alternative source of energy. However, sugarcane harvesting is mostly performed after biomass burning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of harvesting after biomass burning on nasal mucociliary clearance and the nasal mucus properties of farm workers. Methods: Twenty seven sugarcane workers (21-45 years old) were evaluated at the end of two successive time-periods: first at the end of a 6-month harvesting period (harvesting), and then at the end of a 3-month period without harvesting (non-harvesting). Nasal mucociliary clearance was evaluated by the saccharine transit test, and mucus properties were analyzed using in vitro mucus contact angle and mucus transportability by sneeze. Arterial blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse oximetry, body temperature, associated illness, and exhaled carbon monoxide were registered. Results: Data are presented as mean values (95% confidence interval). The multivariate model analysis adjusted for age, body-mass index, smoking status and years of working with this agricultural practice showed that harvesting yielded prolonged saccharine transit test in 7.83 min (1.88-13.78), increased mucus contact angle in 8.68 degrees (3.18-14.17) and decreased transportability by sneeze in 32.12 mm (-44.83 to -19.42) compared with the non-harvesting period. No significant differences were detected in any of the clinical parameter at either time-period. Conclusion: Sugarcane harvesting after biomass burning negatively affects the first barrier of the respiratory system in farm workers by impairing nasal mucociliary clearance and inducing abnormal mucus properties. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (AU)