[Dermatopathies in fishmongers in the city of Bari]. / Dermopatie in addetti alla vendita di prodotti ittici nello città di Bari.

The marketing of fish products determines for the fishmongers contact with water, ice and use of sharp tools. This study evaluates the skin reactions after fish handling manipulation in a group of fishmongers. 60 questionnaires were administered for information on seniority, use of IPDs, training received, work injuries and general health. We have performed a physical examination of the fishmongers' hands. 98.3% of workers reported the use of IPDs. During the examination were found dyschromic lesions, freezing and foreign bodies, mainly in those who did not use gloves. The study shows the hands' skin condition in those fishmongers that did not use IPDs. This phenomenom requires formative and informative targeted interventions and stronger oversights.

[A case report: an university professor suffering from malignant mesothelioma]. / Un caso clinico: un professore universitario affetto da mesotelioma maligno.

During the activities of the Apulia Regional Operative Center (COR Puglia), pertaining to the National Registry of Mesothelioma (ReNaM), there was reported a case of malignant mesothelioma occurred in a male of 66 years old. The case we bring to the attention is about an university professor of chemistry who, since the early '70s, has conducted several studies on the physico-chemical properties of some metals, particulary in the field of thermochemical treatments of superficial hardening of steel for greater wear resistance, using a laboratory with ovens and asbestos-containing materials and consumables. In 2011, after almost 40 years, the subject comes to the attention of the Apulia Regional Operative Center, with histologic and immunohistochemical diagnosis of epithelioid mesothelioma, after completing the diagnostic procedure in a thoracic surgery ward, for the assessment and treatment of a right pleural effusion revealed during health checks.

[Asbestos and agriculture: new perspectives of risk]. / Amianto e agricoltura: nuove prospettive di rischio.

The presence of ophiolites in areas of Basilicata, where there have been reports of mesothelioma in farmers, is known. This study evaluates the increased risk of exposure to tremolite in carrying out agricultural activities. Cases of mesothelioma occurred in farmers with unknown exposure to asbestos have been selected and assessed the employment in areas contaminated by tremolite. Personal samplings were conducted in a group of farmers employed in these areas and a group of subjects used in activities that do not involve contact with the ground. For the 5% of cases of mesothelioma in the lucan register emerged exposure to asbestos exclusively in farming activities in areas at tremolite risk. The analysis of the samples showed the presence of personal fibers of tremolite in 2/3 of the cases. In 60% there was an overcoming of the natural limit of 2 ff/l, with a peak up to 23.6 ff/l. The study shows that the risk of exposure to tremolite in agriculture is significantly higher than natural exposure.

[Exposure to asbestos in buildings in areas of Basilicata characterized by the presence of rocks containing tremolite]. / Esposizione ad amianto in edilizia in aree della Basilicata caratterizzate dalla presenza di rocce contaminate da tremolite.

Lucania, in southern Italy, is characterized by areas with natural outcrops of rocks containing tremolite. The study aims to assess the risk of exposure to asbestos in the building workers in these areas through environmental sampling near sites for implementation of safety of roads built on serpentinite rocks and personal sampling in a group of persons who work in the building industry and a group of residents engaged in activities without contact with the ground. Near road sites was found the presence of airborne tremolite in 66% of environmental samples with peaks up to 31 ff/l. The analysis of personal samples showed the presence of tremolite in doses higher than the natural background in 100% of the building workers, while there were no fibers in the samples of residents employed in activities without soil disturbance. The study shows that the building in areas with naturally occurring asbestos determines a condition of significant occupational exposure to asbestos. Adequate safety measures for workers exposed are needed.