Asbestos exposure and asbestosis mortality in Italian cement-asbestos cohorts: Dose-response relationship and the role of competing death causes.

OBJECTIVES: In Italy, asbestos was used intensively until its ban in 1992, which was extended for asbestos cement factories until 1994. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dose-response between asbestos exposure and asbestosis mortality across a pool of Italian occupational cohorts, taking into account the presence of competing risks. METHODS: Cohorts were followed for vital status and the cause of death was ascertained by a linkage with mortality registers. Cause-specific (CS) Cox-regression models were used to evaluate the dose-exposure relationship between asbestosis mortality and the time-dependent cumulative exposure index (CEI) to asbestos. Fine and Gray regression models were computed to assess the effect of competing risks of death. RESULTS: The cohort included 12,963 asbestos cement workers. During the follow-up period (1960-2012), of a total of 6961 deaths, we observed 416 deaths attributed to asbestosis, 879 to lung cancer, 400 to primary pleural cancer, 135 to peritoneal cancer, and 1825 to diseases of the circulatory system. The CS model showed a strong association between CEI and asbestosis mortality. Dose-response models estimated an increasing trend in mortality even below a CEI of 25 ff/mL-years. Lung cancer and circulatory diseases were the main competing causes of death. CONCLUSIONS: Asbestos exposure among Italian asbestos-cement workers has led to a very high number of deaths from asbestosis and asbestos-related diseases. The increasing risk trend associated with excess deaths, even at low exposure levels, suggests that the proposed limit values would not have been adequate to prevent disability and mortality from asbestosis.

Cause specific mortality in an Italian pool of asbestos workers cohorts.

BACKGROUND: Asbestos is a known human carcinogen and is causally associated with malignant mesothelioma, lung, larynx and ovarian cancers. METHODS: Cancer risk was studied among a pool of formerly asbestos-exposed workers in Italy. Fifty-two Italian asbestos cohorts (asbestos-cement, rolling-stock, shipbuilding, and other) were pooled and their mortality follow-up was updated to 2018. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were computed for major causes of death considering duration of exposure and time since first exposure (TSFE), using reference rates by region, age and calendar period. RESULTS: The study included 63,502 subjects (57,156 men and 6346 women): 40% who were alive, 58% who died (cause known for 92%), and 2% lost to follow-up. Mortality was increased for all causes (SMR: men = 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.05; women = 1.15, 95% CI 1.11-1.18), all malignancies (SMR: men = 1.21, 95% CI 1.18-1.23; women = 1.29, 95% CI 1.22-1.37), pleural and peritoneal malignancies (men: SMR = 10.46, 95% CI 9.86-11.09 and 4.29, 95% CI 3.66-5.00; women: SMR = 27.13, 95% CI 23.29-31.42 and 7.51, 95% CI 5.52-9.98), lung (SMR: men = 1.28, 95% CI 1.24-1.32; women = 1.26, 95% CI 1.02-1.53), and ovarian cancer (SMR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.08-1.84). Pleural cancer mortality increased during the first 40 years of TSFE (latency), reaching a plateau thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: Analyses by time-dependent variables showed that the risk for pleural neoplasms increased with latency and no longer increases at long TSFE, consistent with with asbestos clearance from the lungs. Peritoneal neoplasm risk increased over all observation time.

Cholangiocarcinoma and Occupational Exposure to Asbestos: Insights From the Italian Pooled Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies supported the association between occupational exposure to asbestos and risk of cholangiocarcinoma (CC). Aim of the present study is to investigate this association using an update of mortality data from the Italian pooled asbestos cohort study and to test record linkage to Cancer Registries to distinguish between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic/extrahepatic forms of CC. METHODS: The update of a large cohort study pooling 52 Italian industrial cohorts of workers formerly exposed to asbestos was carried out. Causes of death were coded according to ICD. Linkage was carried out for those subjects who died for liver or bile duct cancer with data on histological subtype provided by Cancer Registries. RESULTS: 47 cohorts took part in the study (57,227 subjects). We identified 639 causes of death for liver and bile duct cancer in the 44 cohorts covered by Cancer Registry. Of these 639, 240 cases were linked to Cancer Registry, namely 14 CC, 83 HCC, 117 cases with unspecified histology, 25 other carcinomas, and one case of cirrhosis (likely precancerous condition). Of the 14 CC, 12 occurred in 2010-2019, two in 2000-2009, and none before 2000. CONCLUSION: Further studies are needed to explore the association between occupational exposure to asbestos and CC. Record linkage was hampered due to incomplete coverage of the study areas and periods by Cancer Registries. The identification of CC among unspecific histology cases is fundamental to establish more effective and targeted liver cancer screening strategies.

Rate advancement measurement for lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma in asbestos-exposed workers.

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma. Few studies quantified the premature occurrence of these diseases in asbestos-exposed workers. Focus on premature disease onset (rate advancement or acceleration) can be useful in risk communication and for the evaluation of exposure impact. We estimated rate advancement for total mortality, lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma deaths, by classes of cumulative asbestos exposure in a pooled cohort of asbestos cement (AC) workers in Italy. METHOD: The cohort study included 12 578 workers from 21 cohorts, with 6626 deaths in total, 858 deaths from lung cancer and 394 from pleural malignant neoplasm (MN). Rate advancement was estimated by fitting a competitive mortality Weibull model to the hazard of death over time since first exposure (TSFE). RESULT: Acceleration time (AT) was estimated at different TSFE values. The highest level of cumulative exposure compared with the lowest, for pleural MN AT was 16.9 (95% CI 14.9 to 19.2) and 33.8 (95% CI 29.8 to 38.4) years at TSFE of 20 and 40 years, respectively. For lung cancer, it was 13.3 (95% CI 12.0 to 14.7) and 26.6 (95% CI 23.9 to 29.4) years, respectively. As for total mortality, AT was 3.35 (95% CI 2.98 to 3.71) years at 20 years TSFE, and 6.70 (95% CI 5.95 to 7.41) at 40 years TSFE. CONCLUSION: The current study observed marked rate advancement after asbestos exposure for lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma, as well as for total mortality.

Assessment of nanoparticle emission in additive manufacturing: Comparing wire and powder laser metal deposition processes.

Additive manufacturing (AM), often referred to as 3D printing, is an emerging technology with a wide range of industrial applications and process typologies. Although the release of metal nanoparticles as by-products could occur, occupational exposure limits and cogent safety standards are not currently available due to the novelty of the technology. To support the definition of benchmarks, this study aims to provide a preliminary comparison between the nanoparticle release patterns of laser metal deposition, adopting different feedstocks, namely, metal wire and metal powder. The monitored device is a university research setup, and the work presents the results of two different processes with AISI 316 L as a feedstock in powder and wired form, respectively. The monitoring confirmed the outcomes of previous studies, with a high release of nanoparticles from the powder head on the device (average 138,713 n/cm3 during printing, with maximum values exceeding 106 n/cm3). Moreover, the results show a significant concentration of nanoparticles with a wire head during the printing phase (average release of 628,156 n/cm3 with a maximum of 1,114,987 n/cm3) and pauses (average of 32,633 n/cm3 and a maximum of 733,779 n/cm3). The monitored values during pauses are particularly relevant since no personal protection equipment was used in the wire processes and the operators could access the printing room during pauses for device interventions, thus being exposed to significant nanoparticle concentrations. This study presents a preliminary evaluation of the potential exposure during laser metal deposition while implementing different technologies and provides evidence for defining effective operational safety procedures for the operators.

Five Level Triage vs. Four Level Triage in a Quaternary Emergency Department: National Analysis on Waiting Time, Validity, and Crowding-The CREONTE (Crowding and RE-Organization National TriagE) Study Group.

Background and Objectives: Triage systems help provide the right care at the right time for patients presenting to emergency departments (EDs). Triage systems are generally used to subdivide patients into three to five categories according to the system used, and their performance must be carefully monitored to ensure the best care for patients. Materials and Methods: We examined ED accesses in the context of 4-level (4LT) and 5-level triage systems (5LT), implemented from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020. This study assessed the effects of a 5LT on wait times and under-triage (UT) and over-triage (OT). We also examined how 5LT and 4LT systems reflected actual patient acuity by correlating triage codes with severity codes at discharge. Other outcomes included the impact of crowding indices and 5LT system function during the COVID-19 pandemic in the study populations. Results: We evaluated 423,257 ED presentations. Visits to the ED by more fragile and seriously ill individuals increased, with a progressive increase in crowding. The length of stay (LOS), exit block, boarding, and processing times increased, reflecting a net raise in throughput and output factors, with a consequent lengthening of wait times. The decreased UT trend was observed after implementing the 5LT system. Conversely, a slight rise in OT was reported, although this did not affect the medium-high-intensity care area. Conclusions: Introducing a 5LT improved ED performance and patient care.

Health status of petrochemical workers: a narrative review.

SUMMARY: Professional exposure to benzene has been extensively investigated by occupational medicine, leading to strict regulation of exposure threshold values. However, the petrochemical industry utilizes many chemical substances, whose exposure, without effective control and mitigation actions, could influence the health status over time. The aim of this narrative review is to describe health status of petrochemical workers related to occupational exposures, inquiring literature from 1980 to present. We used the PubMed and Web of Science search engines. As regards non-neoplastic diseases, despite heterogeneous prevalence estimates, we could say that standardized mortality rate (SMR) for hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes does not increase overall, compared to reference populations; a possible explanation may be the "healthy worker effect". Attention should be paid to color disperception and respiratory symptoms, due to toxic or irritating substances exposure. Studies concerning neoplastic pathology have mainly investigated mortality outcomes, finding no increase in cancer, except for melanoma or other skin cancers and leukemia. As regards the former, however, it is not excluded that other risk factors may contribute (e.g. UV rays in offshore workers), while for leukemia, only the most recent studies have analyzed various subtypes of hematopoietic tumors, highlighting a possible risk for the development of myelodysplastic syndrome. The risk of pleural mesothelioma was also increased, likely due to asbestos exposures, while the risk of death from prostate cancer remains controversial.

Role of a Brief Intensive Observation Area with a Dedicated Team of Doctors in the Management of Acute Heart Failure Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Background and objectives: Acute heart failure (AHF) is one of the main causes of hospitalization in Western countries. Usually, patients cannot be admitted directly to the wards (access block) and stay in the emergency room. Holding units are clinical decision units, or observation units, within the ED that are able to alleviate access block and to contribute to a reduction in hospitalization. Observation units have also been shown to play a role in specific clinical conditions, like the acute exacerbation of heart failure. This study aimed to analyze the impact of a brief intensive observation (OBI) area on the management of acute heart failure (AHF) patients. The OBI is a holding unit dedicated to the stabilization of unstable patients with a team of dedicated physicians. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective and single-centered observational study with retrospective collection of the data of all patients who presented to our emergency department with AHF during 2017. We evaluated and compared two cohorts of patients, those treated in the OBI and those who were not, in terms of the reduction in color codes at discharge, mortality rate within the emergency room (ER), hospitalization rate, rate of transfer to less intensive facilities, and readmission rate at 7, 14, and 30 days after discharge. Results: We enrolled 920 patients from 1st January to 31st December. Of these, 61% were transferred to the OBI for stabilization. No statistically significant difference between the OBI and non-OBI populations in terms of age and gender was observed. OBI patients had worse clinical conditions on arrival. The patients treated in the OBI had longer process times, which would be expected, to allow patient stabilization. The stabilization rate in the OBI was higher, since presumably OBI admission protected patients from "worse condition" at discharge. Conclusions: Data from our study show that a dedicated area of the ER, such as the OBI, has progressively allowed a change in the treatment path of the patient, where the aim is no longer to admit the patient for processing but to treat the patient first and then, if necessary, admit or refer. This has resulted in very good feedback on patient stabilization and has resulted in a better management of beds, reduced admission rates, and reduced use of high intensity care beds.

[Cell Phones, Radio Frequencies (RF) and Health: IARC classification and epidemiological updates]. / Cellulari, Radiofrequenze (RF) e salute: classificazione IARC e aggiornamenti epidemiologici.

SUMMARY: In 2013, IARC classified the radiofrequency emitted by mobile phones exposure as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). After this classification, several studies were carried out to confirm and to robust or to reject IARC conclusions. Aim of this work was to draw a synthesis of principal scientific evidencies published till September 2019. The analysis of published results could not indicate clear risk profiles, nor surely confirm or reject the hypothesis that exposures to radiofrequency from mobile phones can threat human health. Despite the prevalence of negative studies, some methodological and temporal limitations prevent to draw firm conclusions about the potential health risks for humans, especially for heavy exposed subjects or particular categories such as children or adolescents. Thus, further studies are needed, as well as some methodological improvements, to fully respond to the question about health threats of radiofrequency emitted by mobile phones.

Role of asbestos clearance in explaining long-term risk of pleural and peritoneal cancer: a pooled analysis of cohort studies.

OBJECTIVES: Models based on the multistage theory of cancer predict that rates of malignant mesothelioma continuously increase with time since first exposure (TSFE) to asbestos, even after the end of external exposure. However, recent epidemiological studies suggest that mesothelioma rates level off many years after first exposure to asbestos. A gradual clearance of asbestos from the lungs has been suggested as a possible explanation for this phenomenon. We analysed long-term trends of pleural and peritoneal cancer mortality in subjects exposed to asbestos to evaluate whether such trends were consistent with the clearance hypothesis. METHODS: We used data from a pool of 43 Italian asbestos cohorts (51 801 subjects). The role of asbestos clearance was explored using the traditional mesothelioma multistage model, generalised to include a term representing elimination of fibres over time. RESULTS: Rates of pleural cancer increased until 40 years of TSFE, but remained stable thereafter. On the other hand, we observed a monotonic increase of peritoneal cancer with TSFE. The model taking into account asbestos clearance fitted the data better than the traditional one for pleural (p=0.004) but not for peritoneal (p=0.09) cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of pleural cancer do not increase indefinitely after the exposure to asbestos, but eventually reach a plateau. This trend is well described by a model accounting for a gradual elimination of the asbestos fibres. These results are relevant for the prediction of future rates of mesothelioma and in asbestos litigations.

Gender differences in pleural mesothelioma occurrence in Lombardy and Piedmont, Italy.

BACKGROUND: Higher mesothelioma rates in men (vs women) reflect more frequent and more intense asbestos exposure. We assessed the impact of exposure difference between genders on age-specific rates of pleural mesothelioma (PM) occurrence using data from two Italian regions. METHODS: We used data from the Lombardy and Piedmont mesothelioma registries (period 2000-2016, age 45-74 years) to compare rates of PM in men and women and to estimate the rate advancement period (RAP). RESULTS: Based on 3384 cases (2405 men, 979 women) in Lombardy and 2042 (1389 men, 653 women) in Piedmont, the rate ratio was 2.81 (90% confidence interval: 2.61-3.03) in Lombardy and 2.39 (2.17-2.62) in Piedmont. In both regions RAP ranged from 7 to 10 years (at age 45 and 63 in men, respectively). CONCLUSION: Men showed more than twofold increased PM rates and reached the same incidence as women 7-10 years earlier. RAP can be a useful measure of exposure impact on premature disease occurrence.

Cumulative asbestos exposure and mortality from asbestos related diseases in a pooled analysis of 21 asbestos cement cohorts in Italy.

BACKGROUND: Despite the available information on cancer risk, asbestos is used in large areas in the world, mostly in the production of asbestos cement. Moreover, questions are raised regarding the shape of the dose response relation, the relation with time since exposure and the association with neoplasms in various organs. We conducted a study on the relationship between cumulative asbestos exposure and mortality from asbestos related diseases in a large Italian pool of 21 cohorts of asbestos-cement workers with protracted exposure to both chrysotile and amphibole asbestos. METHODS: The cohort included 13,076 workers, 81.9% men and 18.1% women, working in 21 Italian asbestos-cement factories, with over 40 years of observation. Exposure was estimated by plant and period, and weighted for the type of asbestos used. Data were analysed with consideration of cause of death, cumulative exposure and time since first exposure (TSFE), and by gender. SMRs were computed using reference rates by region, gender and calendar time. Poisson regression models including cubic splines were used to analyse the effect of cumulative exposure to asbestos and TSFE on mortality for asbestos-related diseases. 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were computed according to the Poisson distribution. RESULTS: Mortality was significantly increased for 'All Causes' and 'All Malignant Neoplasm (MN)', in both genders. Considering asbestos related diseases (ARDs), statistically significant excesses were observed for MN of peritoneum (SMR: men 14.19; women 15.14), pleura (SMR: 22.35 and 48.10), lung (SMR: 1.67 and 1.67), ovary (in the highest exposure class SMR 2.45), and asbestosis (SMR: 507 and 1023). Mortality for ARDs, in particular pleural and peritoneal malignancies, lung cancer, ovarian cancer and asbestosis increased monotonically with cumulative exposure. Pleural MN mortality increased progressively in the first 40 years of TSFE, then reached a plateau, while peritoneal MN showed a continuous increase. The trend of lung cancer SMRs also showed a flattening after 40 years of TSFE. Attributable proportions for pleural, peritoneal, and lung MN were respectively 96, 93 and 40%. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality for ARDs was associated with cumulative exposure to asbestos. Risk of death from pleural MN did not increase indefinitely with TSFE but eventually reached a plateau, consistently with reports from other recent studies.

[Epidemiological analysis on the hospitalization from neurological diseases in the Province of Pavia (Lombardy Region, Northern Italy)]. / Analisi epidemiologica dei ricoveri per patologie neurologiche in Provincia di Pavia.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate time and spatial distribution of hospitalization due to neurological diseases in the province of Pavia (Lombardy Region, Northern Italy). DESIGN: ecological study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: the study was performed on aggregate data of people residing in the province of Pavia in the period 2005-2014. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: hospital discharge records of neurological diseases and raw and standardized hospitalization rates. RESULTS: hospitalization due to neurological diseases in the Province of Pavia showed a slight decreasing trend in time. For the year 2014, the spatial analysis of hospitalizations highlights excesses of risk in the Lomellina district, both in males and in females. CONCLUSION: spatial analysis confirms previous results on specific neurological diseases and suggests more detailed analysis on hospitalization excesses in Lomellina area.

[Active population aging, ICD-ICF clinical model and Occupational and Rehabilitation Medicine]. / Invecchiamento della popolazione attiva, modello clinico ICD-ICF e Medicina del lavoro e della Riabilitazione.

SUMMARY: The aging of the active population is more and more increasing in advanced western societies. This phenomenon also implies a constant increase in the average age of workers in various productive sectors, not least that of health. In this, in fact, alongside the known occupational risks, more and more frequently we are witnessing the emergence of chronic-degenerative pathologies connected with aging, even with symptoms that do not determine an unsuitability for work. In fact, within a scientific landscape accounting little evidence on the effectiveness of complex rehabilitation programs, the use of the ICD / ICF system in therapeutic programming should produce an important turning point, providing health professionals with a conceptual paradigm that supports both the functional assessment and the rational planning of therapeutic interventions, also contributing to the advancement of specialist knowledge. The present work shows how an effective collaboration between occupational physicians and rehabilitation specialists can effectively participate in the evaluation of the patient / worker even in the elderly, with particular regard to the return to work, taking full advantage of the classification and diagnostic tools implemented in the ICD and ICF systems.

[Commuting and work: health effects on an exposed occupational population]. / Pendolarismo e lavoro: effetti sulla salute di una popolazione di lavoratori interessati dal fenomeno.

OBJECTIVES: Commuting is generally described as a modern society issue; despite the relevance of this phenomenon, only few studies investigated occupational and health effects of commuting on workers exposed to it. According to the 15th census of the Italian population, in Italy about 29 millions of people (48,6% of total resident population) daily moved to reach their work. During last ten years, this number increased of about 2.1 millions of people, and also time and distances needed to reach work grew, with a potential high impact on health and environment. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze the possible relationship between commuting and health effects on a group of workers exposed to this risk factor. METHODS: Our study analyses health effects related to commuting in an exposed occupational population, by means of the self-completed ad-hoc questionnaire provided to workers of different plants in the North of Italy. RESULTS: Our results are consistent with scientific literature ones. Commuting exposed workers showed increased risk of headache and sleep disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is an explorative but structured evaluation of health effects of commuting and a base for further researches.

[Monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS) and occupational risk factors: criteria to carry out the health surveillance]. / Gammopatia monoclonale di incerto significato (MGUS) e fattori occupazionali di rischio: criteri di attuazione della sorveglianza sanitaria.

SUMMARY: Monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance (MGUS) identifies a clinically asymptomatic and laboratory-based situation characterized by a modest monoclonal component (MC). In a limited percentage of cases, on a probabilistic basis, the asymptomatic genepremalignant stage could lead to multiple myeloma (MM). Materials and Methods. Based on literature data and available Guidelines on the subject, the diagnostic criteria and a methodological path are here suggested to the Occupational Physician to formulate a judgment of suitability for the task with exposure risk to RI or pesticides. Results. Some studies have evaluated the prevalence of MGUS in subjects exposed professionally to pesticides. Numerous other studies conducted on the survivors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have highlighted a possible association with exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). The guidelines relating to the diagnosis and management of MGUS cases (with respect to the potential evolution in MM allow) to draw important operational indications for the competent/authorized physician. Conclusions. The routinely use of laboratory tests for subjects exposed to the studied risk factors is generally indicated starting from the worker's 50 years of age. The finding of a MGUS in the absence of further laboratory alterations represents the situation most frequently and does not require further measures, other than those of foreseeing even blood controls at least every two years. In this situation, there are no justified restrictions on work activities with exposure risks to IR or pesticides. If alterations suggestive for an increased risk of evolution in a neoplastic way could be identified, a close periodicity - every 3-6 months - of haematological checks is recommended. In these cases, it appears justified an abstention from activities involving exposure to ionizing radiation for a period of time that will be evaluated based on the evolution of the framework and by the progress of laboratory tests in the monitored period.

[Work on a building site at high altitude: physiopathological features and entailments for the occupational medicine]. / Il lavoro in un cantiere in alta quota: generalità fisiopatologiche e analisi di una casistica occupazionale.

SUMMARY: Introduction. From a physiological perspective the high altitude is defined by altitudes higher than 3000 meters above sea level: at this altitude the atmospheric pressure is reduced to 525 mmHg and the partial pressure of Oxygen drops to 110 mmHg in the ambient air follows and 60 mmHg in the alveolar air. To stay at altitudes above 3000 m s.l.m. therefore places the human organism in front of a notable reduction of the functional respiratory reserve already in conditions of rest, leading to inevitable repercussions on the ability to sustain physical effort. Materials and methods. A population of 39 workers employed in the construction sector at a high altitude construction site (2200-3480 m) was examined. Data relating to sex, age, body mass index, smoking, residence altitude, mountaineering history (maximum altitude reached over a lifetime, frequency of ascents, time spent at high altitude, both for pleasure and for work) and sport practice were collected. Among them, for 25 workers the data of the ergometric tests in normobaric hypoxia (pO2, desaturation and peak values of heart rate, respiratory frequency, ventilation) conducted with simplified mode were collected. Purpose. The study aims to analyze the health of a group of workers exposed to the risk related to staying at high altitude in light of the indications of the scientific literature on health surveillance. Results. The data relating to the group of workers studied with regard to anamnestic data and to the results of ergospirometric examinations in hypoxic conditions are described. Conclusions. In working conditions at high altitude it is necessary to consider both the effect of high altitude in itself, similar to a sort of substantially unchangeable "background risk", and the ways in which high altitude interacts with other risk factors characteristic of the work site activity (which are the same as for any construction site activity that takes place at sea level), considering also the pathophysiological or frankly pathological conditions of which the worker is a carrier. This evaluation can be articulated on two levels: a first level concerning the suitability of the individual for access and the simple prolonged stay in altitude where the work activity will be performed; a second level regarding the suitability of the worker to carry out the work tasks required by the specific task in the particular environmental conditions.

Macular degeneration: peculiar sunlight exposure in an agricultural worker.

BACKGROUND: Occupational exposure to sunlight, in particular to blue light (wavelength of 380-550 nm), is a risk factor for several pathologies, including chronic retinal photochemical damage and, more specifically, age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Moreover, in addition to the effect of blue light, there is evidence about the role of near ultraviolet light (UV-A) as a risk factor for AMD since, given the wavelength, a precise "turning point" between effect and no effect is not definable. METHODS AND RESULTS: This work reports the case of a woman employed in the agricultural sector from 15 to 25 years of age, with no significant occupational exposure to other risk factors for AMD, who later developed this pathology. The case is of particular interest given that she worked as a "mondina", a task involving the transplanting of young rice seedlings into water-flooded fields and manual weed control. This practice, although replaced by the introduction of pesticides, entailed the exposure to sunlight reflection on the water surface in addition to direct exposure to natural light. CONCLUSION: This brief case-report points out that occupational exposure to the short wavelength component of visible light and UV-A deserve further attention regarding preventive measures and the adoption of adequate personal protective equipment, in particular in productive sectors involving lengthy eye exposure to solar radiation and to the reflectance of surrounding surfaces. Furthermore, the cases of AMD and cataract should receive a complete and accurate occupational anamnesis for a more proper recognition of the possible role of occupational solar radiation exposure in the induction of the disease.

Validation of cleaning procedures used in an Italian Hospital Pharmacy for antineoplastic drug decontamination: a new tool for industrial hygiene.

BACKGROUND: Current Italian regulations and procedures for surface decontamination of antineoplastic drugs (ADs) are not clear. Therefore, most hospital pharmacies follow internal procedures as an interpretation of the recommended handling guidelines. OBJECTIVES: Our study compared 7 different cleaning procedures after controlled contamination of the work surface of a biological safety cabinet workbench in an Italian hospital oncology pharmacy (HOP) to determine which of them is more efficient and practical. Moreover, in order to approximate operative routine and improve risk awareness, cleaning procedures were carried out by the personnel that usually operate in the HOP. METHODS: Measured quantities, i.e. a drop (100 µL) of 5-FluoroUracil, IPhosfamide, CycloPhosphamide and Gemcitabine, were deposited on the work surface within precisely delimited areas. Following the wipe-test analysis using UPLC-MS/MS, the cleaning efficacy was calculated based on the ratio of the residual concentration of the AD, after the cleaning procedure, to the concentration of each AD before the procedure. RESULTS: Tested cleaning procedures were: 1) Hypo-Chlor®, hot water and Farmecol70®; 2) Hypo-Chlor® and hot water; 3) Farmecol70®; 4) Surfa'Safe SH® and hot water; 5) Amuchina® 10%, hot water and Farmecol70®; 6) Incidin® Oxyfoam and hot water; 7) liquid Marseille soap, hot water and Farmecol70®. Within the studied HOP, the Marseille soap was evaluated to be the optimal choice due to its efficacy, low cost, and the very short contact time needed before rinsing. DISCUSSION: The application of the protocol for procedure validation suggested here could be used in every HOP as a reliable industrial hygiene tool to demonstrate the validity of the chosen cleaning procedure.

[The Italian version of the "Claustrophobia Questionnaire": validation study and perspectives of use for the occupational physician.] / La versione italiana del "Claustrophobia Questionnaire": studio di validazione e prospettive di utilizzo per il medico del lavoro.

OBJECTIVES: Aim of our study was to adapt the Claustrophobia Questionnaire (CLQ) to the Italian context. METHODS: In our study, a sample of 50 claustrophobic patients was compared to 50 healthy people (control group). All of them answered the Claustrophobia Questionnaire and the Stait-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y1 and Y2, as well as demographic questions. RESULTS: As it was theoretically expected, our results confirmed the two-factor structure and showed that the Italian version of the CLQ has good psychometric properties. Indeed, it was observed that claustrophobic patients scored higher in claustrophobia than those from the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the Italian version of the CLQ is a reliable and valid instrument to assess claustrophobic fear.