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2610010 
Journal Article 
Abstract 
Environment characterization, blood markers, blood pressure, and cardiopulmonary exercise test in sugarcane workers 
Barbosa, CMG; Santos, UDP; Albuquerque, ALP; Salge, JM; Matos, MP; Terra Filho, M 
2010 
Yes 
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
ISSN: 1073-449X
EISSN: 1535-4970 
181 
A1719 
English 
WOS:000208771000719 
is part of a larger document 3452678 Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society 2010 International Conference, May 14-19, 2010, New Orleans
Introduction: Brazilian field workers are submitted to exhausting conditions during sugarcane harvesting for seven months every year. The temperature is very high and there is constant exposure to pollutants due to biomass burning of the harvested cane.

Objectives: Evaluate the effects of sugarcane harvest on the health of farmer workers.

Methods: We measured particulate matter (PM ) in the field using Dustrak equipment and heat stress by Web Bulb Globe Thermometer 2.5 (WBGT). Blood markers, Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement 24h (ABPM 24h) and Cardiopulmonary Tests were obtained in twenty-eight healthy sugarcane workers aged 21-45 years. The measurement were taken in two periods: harvest time (when the sugarcane fields are burnt) and non-harvest. Effects were estimated using linear regression based on General Estimative Equation (GEE), controlling for age, years/work, smoking and body mass index (BMI).

Results: The PM concentrations were always higher in field when compared to the city (50 ± 7 30 ± 5 µg/m^3). During the harvest 2.5 vs 3 period PM increased even more (up to 80 ± 25 µg/m ). WBGT readings were quite elevated in the field (28.7^C). The harvest time, when 2.5 contrasted to non-harvest, resulted in: (i) weight lost (BMI 22.6 ± 2.7 vs 23.4 ± 2.9 Kg/m², p≤ 0.001), (ii) lower sodium and calcium serum levels (p= 0.07 and p=0.006, respectively), (iii) higher muscle markers (Creatine phosphokinase 165 ± 78 vs 130 ± 63 U/L, p≤0.001; and Lactate dehydrogenase 157 ± 22 vs 148 ± 24 U/L; p< 0.001). The systolic blood pressure in the ABPM 24 h also significantly increased (120 ± 10 vs 117 ± 10 mmHg, p< 0.05). In the Cardiopulmonary Test maximal oxygen consumption (VO2) was greater in harvest 40.5 ± 6.9 vs 36.5 ± 6.3 ml/Kg/min (p= 0.008). However, we noted that end-tidal CO2 at intense exercise levels increased when compared to non-harvest condition, even for the same minute ventilation. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure during the exercise test were increased and remained elevated during the harvest period.

Conclusion: As a consequence of harvest working, sugarcane workers have serious health consequences, mainly to the cardiovascular system, at rest and during exercise. 
Sugarcane burning; blood pressure; air pollution; exhausting work; Cardiopulmonary Test 
American Thoracic Society 2010 International Conference 
New Orleans, LA 
May 14-19, 2010