Renata Wellenkamp de Carvalho Freire de Cervantes

@htrcenter.wordpress.com

Environment and Health
H&TRC – Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa;

Renata Wellenkamp de Carvalho Freire de Cervantes


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https://researchid.co/renatacervantes
I am a researcher at The Health & Technology Research Center (H&TRC) specializing in exposure assessment, public and environmental health, and occupational health. I hold a master’s degree in clinical laboratory technologies and a bachelor’s degree in forensic and criminal sciences. Currently, I teach in the master's program in Public Health Intervention and Occupational Health at ESTESL, and also serve as a guest lecturer in Environmental Health seminars for undergraduate students. I have published 23 articles in specialized journals and contributed to six book chapters on occupational exposure and public health. My research focuses on mycology, mycotoxin production, and environmental and occupational exposure. I have participated in several research projects, and I am currently involved in the InChildHealth project. Additionally, I collaborate as a consultant with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC-WHO) on exposure data for IARC Monographs.

EDUCATION

I am currently pursuing a PhD in Public Health at Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública. I hold a Master's degree in Clinical Laboratory Technologies from Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa (2020-2022) and a Bachelor's degree in Forensic and Criminal Sciences from Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde Egas Moniz (2011-2014).
I also completed a post-graduation in Clinical Laboratory Parasitology and Mycology and additional training in Laboratory Animal Sciences, Criminal Profiling, and Criminology. Additionally, I hold a Técnico Superior de Segurança, Ambiente e Qualidade, certification (Level VI) from ACT.

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, Toxicology, Environmental Science, Microbiology
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Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

  • The need of a one health approach to tackle microbiological contamination in animal and dairy production - the case of Portuguese feedlots farms and dairies
    Carla Viegas, Ana Filipa Gouveia, Renata Cervantes, Pedro Pena, Elisabete Carolino, Magdalena Twarużek, Susana Viegas
    Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 2026
  • Occupational exposure to cadmium: protocol for a scoping review
    Marilia Silva Paulo, Carla Martins, Bruna Riesenberger, João Cordeiro, Renata Cervantes, Philippe Palmont, Rachna Bhoonah, Sophie Ndaw, Susana Viegas
    BMJ Open, 2026
    Introduction Cadmium is a metal that poses significant health risks, particularly in occupational environments where exposure can happen. The main objective of this scoping review is to review the cadmium exposure levels in the different occupational settings in the European Union (EU), considering the regulatory measures currently in place. The secondary objectives, depending on the availability of data, are (a) to identify the occupational settings where higher exposure levels occur, (b) to identify any geographical and temporal differences and trends within the EU and (c) to identify the most relevant co-exposures reported. Methods and analysis A scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews reporting guidelines. Studies reporting quantitative occupational data on cadmium exposure obtained through human biomonitoring and/or air monitoring will be included. A descriptive analysis of the findings will be performed. Ethics and dissemination This protocol for a scoping review does not require ethical approval as it is based on secondary data. The dissemination plan of the scoping review includes its publication in a scientific journal of reference, as it is expected that it will provide important knowledge to support ongoing and future occupational health interventions in the EU, at the technical and regulatory levels. Registration This study is registered at the Open Science Framework (OSF), 7 April osf.f2w3h.
  • Poultry farms as reservoirs of azole-resistant fungi: Occupational health risks in agricultural facilities
    Bianca Gomes, Marta Dias, Renata Cervantes, Pedro Pena, Elisabete Carolino, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Susana Viegas, Carla Viegas
    One Health, 2025
    The intensification of poultry farming has raises concerns regarding microbial contamination and antifungal resistance, particularly involving Aspergillus fumigatus , a key pathogen presenting clinical relevance. This study aims to present the first in-depth evaluation of environmental conditions, airborne particles, microbial contamination, and fungal resistance to azole drugs in poultry farm environments. A multi-approach sampling strategy (passive and active sampling methods) was conducted throughout the poultry production cycle. Microbial characterization was performed, combining culture-dependent methods and molecular techniques with a focus on fungal diversity and azole resistance. Bacteria and fungal loads indoors exceed the outdoor levels in 80.85 % ( n = 38/47) and 78.72 % ( n = 37/47) of air samples, respectively. Toxigenic fungal species ( Aspergillus spp. and Penicilium spp.) were widespread (air, swabs, electrostatic dust cloths,feed, bed). Fungi resistant to at least one antifungal (itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole) was found in 53.3 % of the total samples collected inside poultry pavilions ( n = 45/126), including potentially azole-resistant Aspergillus species. Particulate matter acts as a carrier of microorganisms, enhancing workers respiratory exposure risks. Electrostatic dust cloths proved to be a valuable sampling method for exposure assessment to potential pathogenic and resistant fungi. Our findings identify poultry farms as potential hotspots for toxigenic and azole-resistant fungi with implications for occupational health. These results highlight the urgent need for targeted biosafety strategies to mitigate not only microbial contamination on the workplace, but also the spread of antifungal-resistant fungi in poultry facilities and surroundings
  • Toxicogenic fungi and mycotoxins seasonality in poultry farms: Implications for animal health and food safety
    Bianca Gomes, Marta Dias, Renata Cervantes, Pedro Pena, Magdalena Twarużek, Robert Kosicki, Jan Grajewski, Elisabete Carolino, Susana Viegas, Carla Viegas
    Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 2025
    Poultry farms are hostpost for fungi and mycotoxins proliferation. Still, seasonal dynamics on of these hazards on farm and their impacts on animals/ workers health, and lastly on food safety remain unexplored. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of seasonal (summer/winter) fungal/mycotoxins exposure in poultry farms environment (Electrostatic dust cloths (EDC), feed, bed) and broiler chicken tissues (breast, liver) to identify potential exposure risks for broiler chickens/workers health and food safety. Viable mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxins profile (LC-MS/MS) was characterized and cytotoxicity assessment was performed using A549 (human alveolar epithelial) and SK (swine kidney) cells. Zootechnical parameters were also measured to evaluate broiler chickens’ growth performance. Summer conditions favour the proliferation of mycotoxigenic fungi belonging to Penicillium and Aspergillus genera, where co-contamination of hazardous mycotoxins (ZEN/TRCs/FBs) was prevalent. Considering cytotoxicity assessment, EDC samples induce high toxicity in 47% of A549 cells during summer, whereas on bed samples, high toxicity was obtained during winter on both cell lines (100% SK cells; 83% A549 cells). Our results evidence diverse exposure pathways (inhalation, dermal contact) and seasonal health risks. Regarding mycotoxins in biological samples, ZEN was detected in 53.3% of liver samples, highlighting chronic exposure risks. Thus, future research should focus on toxicokinetics/toxicodynamics of co-occurring mycotoxins in animal production environments and their subsequent human exposure through the food chain. Given that climate change may exacerbate seasonal fungal/mycotoxin contamination, understanding these interactions is crucial for improving risk assessment frameworks and to implement protection measures on the farm level and along the food chain. • First seasonal assessment of fungi/mycotoxins in poultry farms and broilers tissues. • Summer conditions favour the proliferation of mycotoxigenic fungi • Broilers are exposed to multi-mycotoxins (ZEA/TRCs/FBs) in farm environments • ZEA was detected in 53.3% of broilers livers suggesting bioaccumulation. • Climate change may intensify risks, demanding on-farm biosafety interventions
  • School air quality and thermal comfort: A multi-pollutant seasonal assessment
    Isabella Charres, Leonardo Furst, Estela D. Vicente, Marlene Soares, Carla Viegas, Renata Cervantes, Pedro Pena, Mário Cerqueira, Manuel Feliciano, Célia Alves
    Journal of Building Engineering, 2025
    As evidence of children’s vulnerability to air pollution grows, research on school air quality has increased significantly in the 21 st century. Given the complex factors influencing indoor and outdoor air quality in schools, each study offers valuable insights. This study contributes by assessing particulate matter, gaseous pollutants, thermal comfort and microorganisms in a large school encompassing different education levels over two seasons. The assessment combined passive and continuous sampling using various techniques, including chromatography and estimations of air change and ventilation rates. Classroom ventilation was insufficient to ensure adequate air renewal. During class hours, CO 2 concentrations ranged from 760 to 1,118 ppm in winter and from 807 to 1,022 ppm in spring, repeatedly exceeding 1,000 ppm. CO 2 and PM 10 concentrations were significantly higher during school hours than when the classrooms were empty, indicating the strong influence of school activities. In contrast, PM 1 and PM 2.5 concentrations were more influenced by external factors, especially outside of school hours. The lack of thermal comfort created an unhealthy environment. Carbonyl concentrations were higher in classrooms (average: 68.8 μg m -3 ) compared to the schoolyard (3.86 μg m -3 ), in both seasons. Microbial analysis revealed the presence of fungi with toxigenic potential, with the highest fungal diversity observed in spring. These findings highlight that while some pollutant levels may appear low, they can occasionally reach extremely high levels, even in newer buildings. The novelty of this research lies in demonstrating that, despite recent improvements and numerous studies, significant progress is still needed to ensure healthier school settings. • All classrooms showed poor thermal comfort conditions in winter. • Hourly average CO 2 frequently exceeded 1,000 ppm in both winter and spring. • Higher concentrations of formaldehyde and acetone were found indoors than outdoors. • Bacterial counts were highest in winter, while fungal counts peaked in spring.
  • Comprehensive analysis of particulate matter, gaseous pollutants, and microbiological contamination in a clothing store from an international chain in Europe
    Leonardo Furst, Yago Cipoli, Nuria Galindo, Eduardo Yubero, Carla Viegas, Bianca Gomes, Renata Cervantes, Teresa Nunes, Manuel Feliciano, Célia Alves
    Environmental Pollution, 2025
    . Metal concentrations were also higher outdoors than indoors, and the associated cancer risk and hazard quotient were not exceeded, indicating favourable air quality conditions within the store. Among VOCs, α-pinene and tetrachloroethylene were detected in notable concentrations. α-Pinene likely originated from cleaning products and fragrances, while tetrachloroethylene was attributed to emissions from a dry-cleaning establishment located in the same building, but did not exceed protection thresholds. Microbial analysis showed low concentrations of both fungi and bacteria. However, fungal species with clinical and toxigenic potential were found. The most common fungal species were Trichoderma sp. and Penicillium sp., depending on the culture media. Overall, the clothing store demonstrated good air quality. However, to further reduce the impact of outdoor pollutants on indoor air quality, enhancements to the ventilation system are recommended. These improvements can help create a healthier indoor environment by filtering and managing the intake of external contaminants more effectively.
  • Microbial Occupational Exposure in e-waste Recycling: Biological Hazards, Their Sources, and Potential Toxic Effects
    Carla Viegas, Bianca Gomes, Marta Dias, Renata Cervantes, Pedro Pena, Sara Gonçalves, Marina Almeida-Silva, Elisabete Carolino, Magdalena Twarużek, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Susana Viegas
    International Journal of Environmental Research, 2025
    E-waste management is a major environmental concern that also poses serious risks to occupational health. While e-waste workers are exposed to a variety of chemicals, little is known about occupational exposure to microbiological agents. This study aims to fill that gap. For that purpose, two e-waste facilities were assessed: one battery-recycling facility (BRF), and another facility (SRE) dedicated to e-waste sorting and storage before sending it for different processing. Filtering respiratory protection devices (FRPD, 24 samples) and settled dust (13 samples) were collected using standardized sampling approaches, and analyzed by culture-based, chemical and molecular methods. Workers also filled in a questionnaire regarding work activities and the use of FRPD. Microbial contamination, fungal diversity, azole resistance, and prevalence of Aspergillus sections Fumigati and Flavi (as surrogates of harmful fungal contamination) and mycotoxins were determined. To estimate potential health effects related to exposure, the FRPD cytotoxicity was determined in human A549 lung and HepG2 hepatic cells. Microbial contaminants with pathogenicity and toxigenic potential were observed in FRPD and settled dust. Aspergillus section Fumigati was widespread. The observed presence of Aspergillus section Flavi relates to the risk of exposure to aflatoxin B1 (a potent hepatocarcinogen). Four different mycotoxins were detected in 8% FRPD and 15% dust samples, including fumonisin B1 and sterigmatocystin (below the limit of quantification). A low to moderate cytotoxic effect of sampled FRPD was observed, with human lung alveolar cells more sensitive than hepatic cells. No relevant azole resistance was observed, nor correlations between fungal reduced azole-susceptibility and fungal growth at 37 °C or cytotoxicity. In summary, it can be concluded that this approach using FRPD and settled dust presents a promising potential for screening occupational exposure to microbiological contaminants in e-waste management. More studies in this occupational context should be prioritized to identify critical biological hazards and to support the implementation of appropriate health risk mitigation strategies.
  • Preliminary Results Concerning School Staff Personal Exposure to Microbial Load—Worry to Be Considered?
    Pedro Pena, Renata Cervantes, Marta Dias, Bianca Gomes, Bruna Riesenberger, Liliana Marques, Margarida Rodriguez, Carla Viegas
    Studies in Systems Decision and Control, 2025
  • Sampling Protocol to Assess Aspergillus Section Fumigati in Woodworking Environments
    Marta Dias, Bianca Gomes, Pedro Pena, Renata Cervantes, Margarida Rodriguez, Bruna Riesenberger, Liliana Marques, Edna Ribeiro, Carla Viegas
    Studies in Systems Decision and Control, 2025
  • Levels of Fungi in the Air of Poultry Farms Following Different Stages of Birds’ Growth Cycle
    Bianca Gomes, Marta Dias, Pedro Pena, Renata Cervantes, Margarida Rodriguez, Liliana Marques, Bruna Riesenberger, Elisabete Carolino, Carla Viegas
    Studies in Systems Decision and Control, 2025
  • Critical insights on fungal contamination in schools: a comprehensive review of assessment methods
    Renata Cervantes, Pedro Pena, Bruna Riesenberger, Margarida Rodriguez, Drew Henderson, Sara Gonçalves, Enas Newire, Clara Pogner, Heidi Salonen, Marina Almeida Silva, Robert M. W. Ferguson, Ulla Haverinen-Shaughnessy, Carla Viegas
    Frontiers in Public Health, 2025
  • Boosting knowledge on occupational exposure to microbial contamination in Portuguese carpentries
    Marta Dias, Bianca Gomes, Pedro Pena, Renata Cervantes, Margarida Rodriguez, Bruna Riesenberger, Liliana Marques, Elisabete Carolino, Magdalena Twarużek, Robert Kosicki, Ewelina Soszczynska, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Susana Viegas, Carla Viegas
    Frontiers in Public Health, 2025
  • Filling the knowledge gap: Scoping review regarding sampling methods, assays, and further requirements to assess airborne viruses
    Marta Dias, Bianca Gomes, Pedro Pena, Renata Cervantes, Alan Beswick, Caroline Duchaine, Annette Kolk, Anne Mette Madsen, Anne Oppliger, Clara Pogner, Philippe Duquenne, Inge M. Wouters, Brian Crook, Carla Viegas
    Science of the Total Environment, 2024
  • Filling the Knowledge Gap Regarding Microbial Occupational Exposure Assessment in Waste Water Treatment Plants: A Scoping Review
    Bruna Riesenberger, Margarida Rodriguez, Liliana Marques, Renata Cervantes, Bianca Gomes, Marta Dias, Pedro Pena, Edna Ribeiro, Carla Viegas
    Microorganisms, 2024
  • Assessment of Portuguese fitness centers: Bridging the knowledge gap on harmful microbial contamination with focus on fungi
    Carla Viegas, Cátia Peixoto, Bianca Gomes, Marta Dias, Renata Cervantes, Pedro Pena, Klara Slezakova, Maria do Carmo Pereira, Simone Morais, Elisabete Carolino, Magdalena Twarużek, Susana Viegas, Liliana Aranha Caetano
    Environmental Pollution, 2024
  • Microbial Assessment in A Rare Norwegian Book Collection: A One Health Approach to Cultural Heritage
    Sílvia Sequeira, Ekaterina Pasnak, Carla Viegas, Bianca Gomes, Marta Dias, Renata Cervantes, Pedro Pena, Magdalena Twarużek, Robert Kosicki, Susana Viegas, Liliana Caetano, Maria Penetra, Inês Silva, Ana Caldeira, Catarina Pinheiro
    Microorganisms, 2024
  • Development of an Indexed Score to Identify the Most Suitable Biological Material to Assess SARS-CoV-2
    Marina Almeida-Silva, Renata Cervantes, Edna Ribeiro, Ana Marques-Ramos
    Applied Sciences Switzerland, 2024
  • Effects of apigenin on gastric cancer cells
    Ana Pratas, Beatriz Malhão, Raquel Palma, Paula Mendonça, Renata Cervantes, Ana Marques-Ramos
    Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy, 2024
  • Environmental Determinants of Health: NOVA National School of Public Health Research to Tackle Ongoing Threats and Challenges
    Carla Martins, Ana Margarida Alho, Fortunato Muquinapir, Francisco Madeira, José Durão, Lorena Falcão Lima, Mariana Corda, Marta Dias, Pedro Pena, Renata Cervantes, Susana Viegas
    Portuguese Journal of Public Health, 2024
  • Snapshot Assessment to Fungal Load in Wood Departments from “Do It Yourself” (DIY) Stores
    Marta Dias, Pedro Pena, Bianca Gomes, Renata Cervantes, Susana Viegas, Carla Viegas
    Studies in Systems Decision and Control, 2024
  • Assessment of the microbial contamination in “Do It Yourself” (DIY) stores - a holistic approach to protect workers’ and consumers’ health
    Marta Dias, Bianca Gomes, Pedro Pena, Renata Cervantes, Sara Gonçalves, Elisabete Carolino, Magdalena Twarużek, Robert Kosicki, Iwona Ałtyn, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Susana Viegas, Carla Viegas
    Frontiers in Public Health, 2024
  • The InChildHealth Walkthrough Survey - towards a standardized characterization of classrooms for Indoor Air Quality studies in Europe
    18th Conference of the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate Indoor AIR 2024 Conference Program and Proceedings, 2024
  • Expression of mTOR in normal and pathological conditions
    A Marques-Ramos, R Cervantes
    Molecular Cancer, 2023
  • Microbial contamination in grocery stores from Portugal and Spain — The neglected indoor environment to be tackled in the scope of the One Health approach
    Carla Viegas, Bianca Gomes, Renata Cervantes, Sílvia Moreira, Marta Dias, Pedro Pena, Elisabete Carolino, Magdalena Twarużek, Robert Kosicki, Ewelina Soszczyńska, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Lídia Cañas, Sofya Pozdniakova, Sílvia Borràs, Susana Viegas
    Science of the Total Environment, 2023
  • One Health Approach to Tackle Microbial Contamination on Poultries—A Systematic Review
    Bianca Gomes, Marta Dias, Renata Cervantes, Pedro Pena, Joana Santos, Marta Vasconcelos Pinto, Carla Viegas
    Toxics, 2023
  • Tea contamination by mycotoxins and azole-resistant mycobiota – The need of a One Health approach to tackle exposures
    Carla Viegas, Ana Beatriz Simões, Mariana Faria, Bianca Gomes, Renata Cervantes, Marta Dias, Elisabete Carolino, Magdalena Twaruzek, Robert Kosicki, Susana Viegas, Liliana Aranha Caetano
    International Journal of Food Microbiology, 2023
  • Bioburden Assessment in Lisbon Groceries
    Sílvia Moreira, Marta Dias, Bianca Gomes, Renata Cervantes, Pedro Pena, Carla Viegas
    Studies in Systems Decision and Control, 2023
  • Comprehensive assessment of occupational exposure to microbial contamination in waste sorting facilities from Norway
    Carla Viegas, Elke Eriksen, Bianca Gomes, Marta Dias, Renata Cervantes, Pedro Pena, Elisabete Carolino, Magdalena Twarużek, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Susana Viegas, Pål Graff, Anani Komlavi Afanou, Anne Straumfors
    Frontiers in Public Health, 2023
  • Microbial Contamination of Bedding Material: One Health in Poultry Production
    Bianca Gomes, Pedro Pena, Renata Cervantes, Marta Dias, Carla Viegas
    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022
  • Microbial Contamination in the Coffee Industry: An Occupational Menace besides a Food Safety Concern?
    Carla Viegas, Bianca Gomes, Filipe Oliveira, Marta Dias, Renata Cervantes, Pedro Pena, Anita Quintal Gomes, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Elisabete Carolino, Ednilton Tavares de Andrade, Susana Viegas
    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022
  • Unveiling the Occupational Exposure to Microbial Contamination in Conservation–Restoration Settings
    Carla Viegas, Renata Cervantes, Marta Dias, Bianca Gomes, Pedro Pena, Elisabete Carolino, Magdalena Twarużek, Robert Kosicki, Ewelina Soszczyńska, Susana Viegas, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Ana Catarina Pinheiro
    Microorganisms, 2022
  • Microbial contamination in waste collection: Unveiling this Portuguese occupational exposure scenario
    Carla Viegas, Pedro Pena, Marta Dias, Bianca Gomes, Renata Cervantes, Elisabete Carolino, Magdalena Twarużek, Ewelina Soszczyńska, Robert Kosicki, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Susana Viegas
    Journal of Environmental Management, 2022
  • Development of an Indexed Score to Identify the Most Suitable Sampling Method to Assess Occupational Exposure to Fungi
    Renata Cervantes, Marta Dias, Bianca Gomes, Elisabete Carolino, Carla Viegas
    Atmosphere, 2022
  • Six Feet under Microbiota: Microbiologic Contamination and Toxicity Profile in Three Urban Cemeteries from Lisbon, Portugal
    Carla Viegas, Renata Cervantes, Marta Dias, Bianca Gomes, Pedro Pena, Elisabete Carolino, Magdalena Twarużek, Robert Kosicki, Ewelina Soszczyńska, Susana Viegas, Liliana Aranha Caetano
    Toxins, 2022
  • Microbial contamination in firefighter Headquarters’: A neglected occupational exposure scenario
    Carla Viegas, Bianca Gomes, Raquel Pimenta, Marta Dias, Renata Cervantes, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Elisabete Carolino, Magdalena Twarużek, Ewelina Soszczyńska, Robert Kosicki, Susana Viegas
    Building and Environment, 2022
  • Microbial Occupational Exposure Assessments in Sawmills—A Review
    Marta Dias, Bianca Gomes, Renata Cervantes, Pedro Pena, Susana Viegas, Carla Viegas
    Atmosphere, 2022
  • Fungal exposure assessment: The most suitable sampling method based on score index
    17th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate Indoor AIR 2022, 2022
  • Life after death in graveyards: Aspergillus sections a menace deep hidden
    17th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate Indoor AIR 2022, 2022
  • Electrostatic dust cloth: A reliable tool for exposure assessment to fungal contamination
    17th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate Indoor AIR 2022, 2022
  • IAQ legal compliance is enough to protect health concerning exposure to fungi?
    17th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate Indoor AIR 2022, 2022
  • Cytotoxicity analyses of environmental samples - Main findings from different studies developed
    17th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate Indoor AIR 2022, 2022