Union denounces unprotected exposure of employees to toxic substances at CPCOM

Sitram (Boa Vista Municipal Workers Union) denounced a series of irregularities to which employees of the cytopathology laboratory at the Colon and Breast Cancer Prevention Center (CPCOM) are subjected. When contacted, the Municipal Health Department promised to investigate the situation, and reported that there is already planning to improve the Center’s infrastructure and expand the supply and quality of the unit’s services.

The union cited improvised structure, improvised furniture corroded by rust, incorrect disposal of toxic waste, in addition to the lack of personal protective equipment and fume hood, a vital component in laboratories handling dangerous substances. The place also does not have an eyewash or emergency exit.

Under these conditions, technicians become ill from inhaling chemical substances, such as xylene. Sitram officials also confirmed the complaint. “It is impossible to stay in the building for more than three minutes without feeling unwell,” said Conceição Filha. “I feel bad. It gives me a headache. I feel very changed. It gives me an anxiety attack”, reported a cytology technician who preferred to remain anonymous. “It’s discouraging to work here”, lamented another CPCOM professional.

Consulted by Sitram, general practitioner Carina Duarte Pezzin explained that this unprotected exposure causes symptoms such as headache, dry cough, difficulty breathing and eye irritation. “In some cases, it can lead to dermatitis and several other symptoms,” she concluded.

Without responses to the letters sent to the Municipal Health Department and the office of Mayor Arthur Henrique (MDB), Sitram demanded the adequacy of the basic operating conditions of the laboratory at the SUS Negotiation Table.

According to the union representative, Raimundo da Cunha, deputy secretary Rodrigo Matoso informed that the adjustments would be made within 45 days. The president of Sitram, Lucinalda Coelho, added that this deadline ended on April 20 and nothing was corrected at CPCOM. “Simply, the City Hall is not respecting the law”, complained Lucinalda.

A regulatory standard from the Ministry of Health establishes guidelines for safety and health at work in health services. It specifically addresses the prevention of infections in the workplace, ensuring the protection of both healthcare workers and patients. The main measures include: personal hygiene, cleaning and decontamination, sterilization and disinfection.

When contacted, the Municipal Health Department responded in the following note:

“The Municipal Health Department (SMSA) has always been concerned with the services provided to the population and the availability of employees to debate and resolve the main needs of the Colon and Breast Cancer Prevention Center (CPCOM). However, to date, no complaints have been registered with the secretariat. SMSA will investigate the reported situation and reinforces that there is already a plan to improve the Center’s infrastructure and also expand the offer and quality of the unit’s services.

CPCOM was implemented in 2017, being a health unit specialized in the prevention and treatment of colon and breast cancer. It has its assistance importance, registering a growing demand for exams and consultations with specialists in the areas of gynecology, cervical pathology, ultrasound, X-ray, cardiology, cytopathology and infectious diseases. In 2023, 13,475 consultations and 2,744 procedures were carried out in the unit.”