[Trans-muconic (t,t-MA) and S-phenilmercapturic acid: two biologic markers of benzene low dose exposure]. / Acido trans-trans-muconico (t,t-MA) e acido S-fenilmercapturico (S-PMA) due indicatori biologici per esposizioni a basse concentrazioni di benzene.

The aim of our study is the comparison between two different biological exposure index, trans-trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) and S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA), that are minor metabolites of benzene, in the exposure to low concentrations of benzene, to estimate which shows better correlation with the environmental exposure. The study has been conducted upon a sample of 105 male workers in a petrolchemical plant in Sicily. The environmental monitoring data has shown exposure levels within acceptable limits compared with TLV, and these levels have been confirmed by biological monitoring data. The comparison between biomarkers didn't point out particular differences and this data is probably connected to low found levels of exposure.

[Cognitive disorders among welders exposed to aluminum]. / Disturbi cognitivi in saldatori esposti ad alluminio.

In order to evaluate the relationship between exposure to aluminum and cognitive functions, a group of 50 aluminum welders underwent to the following neuropsychological tests: Wechsler Memory Scale, Color-Word Test and Raven Progressives Matrices test. The results of the tests showed a reduction of memory, of concentration and a slight reduction of attention. The authors conclude that aluminum exposure leads cognitive changes.