Effects on Plasmatic Androstenedione in Female Workers Exposed to Urban Stressors

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether occupational exposure to urban stressors can cause alterations on androstenedione plasma levels and related diseases in female traffic police compared to a control group. The research was carried out on an initial sample of 468 female workers (209 traffic police and 259 controls). After excluding the subjects with confounding factors, 192 female subjects: 96 traffic police and 96 controls were included in the study. Traffic police and controls were matched by age, length of service, body mass index, alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking habits, habitual consumption of Italian coffee, and habitual intake of soy and liquorice in diet. The results show that the percentage of subjects with fertility and mental health disorders were no different between traffic police and controls. Mean androstenedione values were significantly higher in female traffic police compared to controls. The distribution into classes of androstenedione values in traffic police was statistically significant. The percentage of traffic police with fertility and mental health disorders were not significant compared to controls. Our results suggest that the occupational exposure to urban stressors could alter plasma androstenedione levels in female traffic police. According to our previous research all the hormonal parameters studied, including androstenedione, could be used as early biological markers of chronic exposure to urban stressors, usable in occupational sets.

Professional exposure to anaesthetic gases in health workers: estimate of some hepatic and renal tests

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to estimate whether the occupational exposure to low dose of anaesthetic gases could cause alterations of haematochemical hepatic and renal parameters in the health workers of a city hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After excluding the main confounding factors, 154 exposed subjects and 98 not exposed controls were included in the study. The exposed subjects were divided in more exposed (group 1: n.54) and less exposed (group 2: n.100). Each worker included in this study underwent the CBC test (Complete Blood Count test). The differences between means were compared using the Student T test for unpaired data and considered significant when the p value was < 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean values of serum albumin, alpha 1, alpha 2, beta and gamma globulins were significantly decreased in health workers of both groups compared to controls. The mean values of serum creatinine and gamma-GT were significantly higher in health workers of group 2 compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The obtained results suggest that occupational exposure to low dose of anaesthetic gases could influence haematochemical hepatic and renal parameters in exposed health workers.

Spinal and temporo-mandibular disorders in male workers of the State Police

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study are to evaluate the prevalence of disorders of the lumbar region and the temporo-mandibular district co-morbidity in drivers and workers of the State Police employed for different office activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study population included 103 drivers as cases and 100 police officers as controls. The study was carried out through questionnaire and clinical evaluation of the spine and temporo-mandibular region.

RESULTS

At clinical examination, the drivers were found to have a higher prevalence (p < 0.05) of both symptoms and clinical signs at the spine and temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ), when compared with the controls. The results also showed a higher prevalence (p < 0.05) of co-morbidity in the two districts among the drivers, when compared with the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm that morbidity related to back and TMJ and increase in co-morbidity between the two districts are higher in professional drivers.

[Perceived stress, peripheral blood counts and luxury habits]

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether perceived stress in the workplace can be a risk factor able to change the blood counts in a group of male and female outdoor workers of the Municipal Police. The study examines possible relations among the levels of stress, as inferred from the scores of the questionnaire, blood counts and voluptuary habits.

METHODS

We evaluated a final sample of 486 subjects (345 males and 141 females). During the medical examination was performed for each subject: a) the administration of the questionnaire to assess the perception of work-related stress, b) the collection of clinical.anamnestic information related to the consumption of coffee, chocolate, alchool and smoking habit, c) the taking of a venous blood sample. All workers included in the study were divided into three groups on the basis of the scores of the questionnaire.

RESULTS

About 61% of workers showed a moderate or severe stress condition, with a statistically significant prevalence (p<0.05) of female workers and younger subjects. The increase of perceived stress coincided with a significant decrease (p <0.05) of the mean levels of white blood cells and with a significant increase (p <0.05) of the consumption of coffee, chocolate and smoking habit. There was no statistically significant differences for alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that the stress induces a reduction of the white blood cells, an increase of coffee and chocolate consumption and of smoking.

Exposure to solvents in health care workers: assessment of the hepatic effects

OBJECTIVES

The use of organic solvents has been linked to pathologies of different apparatuses. The purpose of this study is to analyze the liver damage induced by organic solvents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed 556 workers, 278 exposed to organic solvents (group 1) and 278 not exposed to organic solvents (group 2). The exposed group was further divided into 2 subgroups: group 1A (139 workers exposed to considerable doses) and group 1B (139 workers exposed to negligible doses). Mean and standard deviation of some liver parameters was calculated. Statistically significant differences between the liver parameters in the different groups and subgroups were detected using the t-test. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the associations between laboratory parameters and the independent variable.

RESULTS

The data so far obtained showed the existence of statistically significant differences with regard to the total protein, total bilirubin, transaminase GOT and GPT, Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (gamma-GT).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm that exposure to solvents can alter some liver parameters. The blood tests we used can be useful tool for the assessment of the actual occupational hazards and to verify the effectiveness of the measures taken for the prevention and protection.

Prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension, electrocardiogram abnormalities, and noise-induced hearing loss in agricultural workers

ABSTRACT The literature suggests that farmers nowadays are more likely to contract cardiovascular diseases than in the past. This study involved 79 farmers and 64 controls. The workers completed a questionnaire to identify exclusion factors for audiological and cardiovascular risk factors. The participants underwent medical examination, measurement of blood pressure, electrocardiogram, blood tests, audiometry, and measurement of noise exposure. The farmers were found to have a higher prevalence of systolic and diastolic arterial hypertension as well as electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities compared with the controls. A significant prevalence of arterial hypertension was detected in the farmers exposed to noise, when compared with those who were not exposed. These results suggest that farmers are at risk of cardiovascular effects and that noise is a cardiovascular risk factor for farmers.

Risk of upper extremity biomechanical overload in automotive facility

OBJECTIVE

To assess the risk factors for upper extremity-work-related musculoskeletal disorders (UE-WMSD) on 13 production lines in an airbag factory using the threshold limit values-American conference of industrial hygienists- hand activity level (TLV-ACGIH-HAL) method and introduce the ergonomic improvement to reduce the repetitiveness and the peak force (Pf).

METHODS

Professional exposure level on 13 production lines in a automobile factory was measured using the TLV-ACGIH-HAL method and a further risk was assessed according to the ergonomic improvement.

RESULTS

The first assessment of 9 production lines showed that the professional exposure level was above the TLV or HAL limit. The second assessment showed that the professional exposure level was below the AL limit on all production lines except 1, in which the professional exposure level was between TLV and HAL.

CONCLUSION

The assessment of UE-WMSD-related risk can identify the riskiest emplacements and evaluate the reduction of risk in professional exposure through interventions of structural- organizational type.

Coal plant: risk, disease and prevention with on environmental impact

Urban pollution is a current problem, constituting a serious health risk. Many pollutants are present in the urban atmosphere, they are mainly anthropogenic, resulting from the combustion of coal. Several studies have shown the harmful effects of these pollutants, particularly on the respiratory system. Through a library review, we want to explore the effects on the health of general population and of outdoor workers exposed to the products resulting from the combustion of coal, in order to compare them with the estimated effects of the pollutants from the new generation coal plants, certainly less harmful to the environment. In recent years investments in "clean technologies" have resulted in a rapid and significant reduction of all polluting emissions: sulfur dioxide, dust, oxides of nitrogen, ash and gypsum resulting from the desulfurization process. To conclude in the light of the scientific literature we can say that the activation of coal plants based on technologies for the maximum containment and optimal treatment of the production cycle is essential to defend both the environment and the health of the population. Nevertheless it remains necessary to ensure a systematic monitoring of the environment of sanitation and food processing of the population living in the area, with a long-term follow-up.

Exposure to arsenic in urban and rural areas and effects on thyroid hormones

CONTEXT

Arsenic is a ubiquitous element present in urban air as a pollutant, and it may interfere with thyroid hormones.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between the personal exposure to arsenic and levels of TSH, fT4, fT3, and Tg in urban and rural workers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Total urinary arsenic and thyroid markers were obtained from 108 non-smoking traffic policemen and 77 subjects working as roadmen in a rural area. Fifty subjects were monitored to evaluate airborne exposure to arsenic.

RESULTS

The mean value of exposure to arsenic was 2.9 µg/m(3) in traffic policemen, while the mean value was less than 0.1 µg/m(3) in roadmen. The mean values of urinary arsenic (10.4 μg/g creatinine vs. 5.2 μg/g creatinine; p = 0.000), TSH (1.6 µlU/ml vs. 1.3 µlU/ml; p = 0.006), fT3 (3.5 pg/ml vs. 3.7 pg/ml; p = 0.000), fT4 (1.2 ng/dl vs. 1.3 ng/dl; p = 0.000) and Tg (42.8 ng/ml vs. 36.1 ng/ml; p = 0.04) were significantly different between traffic policemen and roadmen. In traffic policemen, urinary arsenic and arsenic in the air were correlated to the airborne arsenic and TSH values, respectively. Urinary arsenic was correlated to TSH, Tg, fT3, and fT4 values. The multiple linear regression models showed the following associations: i) among urinary arsenic, arsenic in the air and job title; ii) among TSH, fT3, Tg and urinary arsenic; and iii) between fT4 and both urinary arsenic and alcohol intake.

CONCLUSION

These results provide information about the relationship between exposure to arsenic and thyroid markers and may be useful for other categories of outdoor workers who are similarly exposed.

[Alienation to burn-out. Psyche and the Universe of Technology]

The new D. Lgs. N 81, 2008 Article 28 paragraph 1 sanctions that the risk assessment must involve all the possible risks to safety and health of workers, including the work-related stress factors. Stressors at work may vary as to: quantity of work assigned, whether excessive or inadequate; lack of recognition or reward for good job performance; degree of responsibility; precariousness of work; emotional pressures exerted on workers; violence and harassment of psychological nature, poor balance between work and private life. The need man has to understand the causes of his psycho-physical and social disease are old. Only the words we use when dealing with the topic has changed over the time: once it was Alienation now it is Burn-out. The concept of alienation, which has been very important over the time, has many different aspects and has had countless interpretations (which have followed one another), the psycho-analytical, the sociological analysis and the Marxist one, Burnout is actually a syndrome characterized by three interrelated dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism and inefficacy. Therefore it is important to prevent, eliminate or reduce problems related to occupational stress. Among preventive measures, the Europe Agreement identified in the management and in the communication the information necessary to define the goals of the company and the role each employee has. Moreover information and formation are considered the necessary elements to increase awareness and understanding of the problem, its potential causes and possible ways of approading it. Our research group, has developed targeted questionnaires, biological indicators and medical instrumental examinations the occupational doctors can make use of to assess these issues.

[Meta analysis indices of genotoxic damage in urban pollution exposed workers]

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to examine if urban pollution can modify indices of genotoxic damage.

METHODS

Research of articles inherent in the evaluation of these alterations. Differents categories of exposed workers are included in the study (cases, in number of 7287) and compaired with no exposed workers (controls, in number of 8054). To calculate the result of meta-analysis the Effect Size (ES) was used and the confidence interval was calculated.

RESULTS

In this category we evaluated 54 studies and we observed significantly differences in the complex.

CONCLUSIONS

Starting from the individual variables analysis investigated, between exposed and not exposed group, we underline the utility to deepen the studies concerning of these parameters, to appreciate their benefits and to safeguard health of exposed workers.

Occupational exposure to traffic pollutants and peripheral blood counts

Aim of the study is to evaluate whether occupational exposure to low doses of pollutants present in the air of the city selected for the study could cause alterations in peripheral blood counts in workers of the Municipal Police with outdoor tasks vs workers with indoor tasks. 279 non smoker males were enrolled and divided on the basis of their different kind of task. The dosage of air pollutants was carried out through the use of personal air samplers on a representative group of workers. Data obtained were subject to statistical evaluation consisting of Homogeneity of variance test, ANOVA univariate test with post hoc Bonferroni correction, Jonckheere-Terpstra test and multiple linear regression analysis. The differences were considered statistically significant when p values were lower than 0.05. Mean levels of RBC, HB, MCHC, WBC and neutrophil cells were significantly higher in traffic policemen and police drivers compared to controls (workers with indoor tasks). Mean levels of MCV, MCH and lymphocytes were significantly lower in traffic policemen and police drivers compared to controls. These results were confirmed by Multiple linear regression test and Jonckheere-Terpstra test. The results suggest that prolonged occupational exposure to low doses of traffic pollutants can alter some lines of the hematopoietic system in exposed workers.

Assessment of occupational exposure to benzene, toluene and xylenes in urban and rural female workers

OBJECTIVES

This is the first research study to compare among female, non-smoker workers: (a) the exposure to benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTXs) in urban air during work in the street (traffic policewomen, TP) vs. work in vehicles (police drivers, PD); (b) the exposure to BTXs in urban environments (in street and in car) vs. rural environments (roadwomen, RW); (c) the values of blood benzene, urinary trans, trans muconic acid (t,t-MA) and urinary S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA) in urban areas (in street and in car) vs. rural areas.

METHODS

Passive personal samplings and data acquired using fixed monitoring stations located in different areas of the city were used to measure environmental and occupational exposure to BTXs during the work shift in 48 TP, 21 PD and 22 RW. In the same study subjects, blood benzene, t,t-MA and S-PMA were measured at the end of each work shift.

RESULTS

Personal exposure of urban workers to benzene seemed to be higher than the exposure measured by the fixed monitoring stations. Personal exposure to benzene and toluene was (a) similar among TP and PD and (b) higher among urban workers compared to rural workers. Personal exposure to xylenes was (a) higher in TP than in PD and (b) higher among urban workers compared to rural workers. Blood benzene, t,t-MA and S-PMA levels were similar among TP and PD, although the blood benzene level was significantly higher in urban workers compared to rural workers. In urban workers, airborne benzene and blood benzene levels were significantly correlated.

CONCLUSIONS

Benzene is a human carcinogen, and BTXs are potential reproductive toxins at low dose exposures. Biological and environmental monitoring to assess exposure to BTXs represents a preliminary and necessary tool for the implementation of preventive measures for female subjects working in outdoor environments.

Urban pollution

Air pollution represents a health risk for people living in urban environment. Urban air consists in a complex mixture of chemicals and carcinogens and its effects on health can be summarized in acute respiratory effects, neoplastic nonneoplastic (e.g. chronic bronchitis) chronic respiratory effects, and effects on other organs and systems. Air pollution may be defined according to origin of the phenomena that determine it: natural causes (natural fumes, decomposition, volcanic ash) or anthropogenic causes which are the result of human activities (industrial and civil emissions). Transport is the sector that more than others contributes to the deterioration of air quality in cities. In this context, in recent years, governments of the territory were asked to advance policies aimed at solving problems related to pollution. In consideration of the many effects on health caused by pollution it becomes necessary to know the risks from exposure to various environmental pollutants and to limit and control their effects. Many are the categories of "outdoor" workers, who daily serve the in urban environment: police, drivers, newsagents, etc.

[Phlebopathies and occupation]

Chronic venous disorder is a public health problem that affects the western industrialized countries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the etiology and prevalence of venous disease of the lower limb in workers, and to identify some risk factors using a detailed and systematic analysis of the literature from 1964 to 2011. There is an important relationship between standing position at work and venous disease. The prolonged orthostatic position of the body implies: venostasis, high pressure and risks of blood clots and thrombosis; in standing workers there is an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with oxidation of the components of cell membranes, endothelial damage and increase in vascular permeability. Other risk factors were investigated: sitting during work time, weight lifting-moving and exposure to heat sources, the data suggest that this risk factors are less important than orthostatic body position. Age, sex and familiarity are relevant as the extra-occupational risk factors. For a more accurate study of the role of the prolonged orthostatic position on the development of venous disease in the lover limb all authors should define exactly the population, the role and the length of standing time at work. They should also set a universal language to define the correct standing position (ie. within 1 m2 or steps) and time (ie. one hour or 50%-70% of work time). Attention should be given to prevention, to use early therapeutic measures in view of mortality as a consequence of venous disease, of the high social costs related to the loss of working days, of medical care and of residual disability.

Arsenic and peripheral blood count in workers exposed to urban stressors

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies have shown that arsenic at high doses can alter the hematopoietic system. The purpose of the present study is to see whether the same problems may be caused by chronic exposure to low doses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A sample of 349 policemen of a big urban city was divided into 3 groups according to levels of urinary arsenic. The subjects were further divided according to gender, smoking habits, and work task. We calculated indices of correlation (r) and multiple linear regression (β), between urinary arsenic, RBC, WBC, HB, HT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, platelets, reticulocytes and leukocyte formula (percentage of lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils). It was also calculated Student's t and chi-square test between the various groups to check for any differences.

RESULTS

We found several statistically significant indices of correlation and regression (p(two-tailed) <0.05) between urinary arsenic, red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocytes, and all the cell lines of the white series.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic exposure to low doses of arsenic seems to cause decrease in red blood cells, hematocrit and hemoglobin. However, this response is dependent on the amount of absorbed dose, according to an ormetic mechanism. With regard to the white series, arsenic seems to provoke an inflammatory response; the scarcity of literature" available, and the great variety of results, however, not allow us to definitely characterize the damage caused by this metal on white series.

[Asbestos risk: risk assessment and prevention]

Asbestos is a very relevant medical and social issue, because of its potential dangerous effects on human health. It's present indeed in different environments, because it was widely used in the past. Asbestos is classified as first-class carcinogen, and so labelled with R 45 risk phrase. Exposure to asbestos fibers (both occupational and not) can cause diseases involving mainly the respiratory system. We point out the methods for a correct assessment of the risk from asbestos, with particular reference to current legislation and to the main preventive measures that have to be taken in case of presence of asbestos in a building. A correct prevention has to be carried out through education and information of workers and the use of specific check-lists.

[Shift and night work and mental health]

Aim of our study was to evaluate the influence that shift work and night work could have on mental health. A review of literary articles from 1990 to 2011 on shift work and night work was carried out. The results of this review confirmed that the shift work and night work affect mental health with the onset of neuropsychological disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety, nervousness, depressive anxiety syndromes, chronic fatigue and chronic insomnia irritability, sleep disturbances, reduction in levels of attention, cognitive impairments, alteration of circadian rhythm. Night work and shift work cause severe desynchronization of the cronobiological rhythms and a disruption of social life with negative effects on performance at work, on health and on social relationships. In the light of these results and recognizing shift work and night work as risk factors for the health of workers is necessary to implement preventive and periodic health checks by the occupational doctor to ensure the health and safety of workers taking account of the different environmental and individual factors.

Follicle-stimulating hormone levels in female workers exposed to urban pollutants

The aim of this study was to evaluate if there were alterations in FSH plasma levels in female outdoor workers (traffic policewomen and drivers) exposed to chemical urban stressors vs. control group. After excluding subjects with main confounding factors, traffic policewomen, drivers and indoor workers were matched by age, working life, socioeconomic status, marital status, menstrual cycle day, age of menarche, habitual consumption of Italian coffee and soy. A total of 129 female subjects were included in the study: some 63 workers studied during proliferative phase and 66 during secretory phase of menstrual cycle. Proliferative phase of menstrual cycle: FSH mean values were significantly higher in traffic policewomen compared to controls (p < 0.05). Results suggest that in outdoor workers exposed to urban chemical stressors there are alterations in FSH levels; therefore FSH may be used as an early biological marker, valuable for the group, used in occupational set.

[Stress and new technologies]

The relation between stress and new technologies has always been a vexed question. Experts say technology is a sort of double-edged weapon; it increases the potential of human senses but on the other hand it also involves an adjustment to artificial, unnatural rhythms which have consequences on mental and physical health. Through tests with patients not too prone to socializing Cognitive Ergonomics shows that using web in a correct guided interactive way, instead of the passive way of using media, helps developing concentration and reactivity and improves the way we come into contact with the world around us.

Plasma cortisol concentrations and lifestyle in a population of outdoor workers

The aim of this study was to assess whether exposure to urban pollution in outdoor workers, may alter plasma cortisol concentrations also in relation to the effect of smoking and drinking habits. The research was carried out on 498 outdoor police workers, divided into three groups; Group A: traffic policemen (TP), Group B: drivers (D), Group C: Other duties (OD). To evaluate separately the effect of using alcohol and smoking, each group was divided into three subgroups: (1) non-smokers and non-drinkers, (2) smokers and non-drinkers, (3) non-smokers and drinkers. Our results show cortisol mean values were significantly higher in the TP group compared to the D and OD groups without significant differences between the last two groups. The results suggest that exposure to pollutants associated with urban psychosocial stress may play a more important role on plasma cortisol levels than smoking and alcohol.

Professional exposure to urban stressors and effects on urinary metanephrines

The aim of the study is to assess whether occupational exposure to urban stressors could cause alterations in urinary metanephrines levels in traffic policemen vs administrative staff of municipal police. A total of 258 subjects were included in the study: 129 traffic policemen exposed to urban stressors (68 males and 61 females) and 129 controls (68 males and 61 females). Urinary metanephrines mean levels were significantly higher in male traffic policemen compared to controls (p < 0.01). No significant differences were in female traffic policemen compared to controls. In the control group, urinary metanephrines mean levels were significantly higher in females compared to males (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in urinary metanephrines mean levels in female traffic policemen vs male traffic policemen. The increase in urinary metanephrines mean levels observed in male exposed compared to controls could be related to chronic occupational exposure to low doses of chemical, physical and psychosocial urban stressors.

[Urban stressors and thyroid hormones]

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study is to evaluate whether occupational exposure to urban stressors could cause alterations in thyroid hormones plasma levels (TSH, FT3 and FT4) in female outdoor workers vs. administrative.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study has been performed on an initial sample of 198 female subjects divided in two groups (occupationally exposed and not exposed to urban stressors). After excluding the subjects with the main confounding factors, female outdoor workers and administrative staff were matched by age, working life and drinking habit.

RESULTS

In 40 female outdoor workers mean plasma TSH levels were significantly higher compared to 40 administrative staff. The distribution of TSH values in outdoor workers and in administrative staff was significant. Plasma FT3 and FT4 levels were not significantly different in the two groups. Our results suggest that exposure to urban stressors (chemical, physical and psycho-social), can alter the plasma concentration of TSH.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our previous research, plasma TSH levels may be used as an early biological marker of chronic exposure to urban stressors, in occupational set even before the onset of the related disorders.

[Protection of working woman's health]

INTRODUCTION

In the past the role of women was mainly that of wife and mother, over the centuries, this role has changed: women assert themselves in every social field and workplace.

OBJECTIVES

Analyze the history of women's work, from prehistory to the present day highlighting the evolution of women's role over the centuries. Identify which may be the different occupational stressors, in particular the organizational and psycho-social ones, to which is submitted a working woman.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors have analyzed the most relevant data from literature, in particular on the issue of mental health.

RESULTS

Provide the main forms of prevention that have to be implemented.

DISCUSSION

The main challenge for women today, is to balance work outside the home and housework. This added to job stressors, may interfere with the psychological and physical wellbeing of the worker.

[Radon risk and prevention]

The chemical element Radon is the strongest source of natural ionizing radiations for men and it is responsible of some patologies, such as lungs cancer. The concentration of this gas in houses is in Italy on average 70-75 Bq/m3. Apart from a regulative first step, represented by the 2002 Radon National Plan, at the moment there are no specified rules regarding the risks of exposition to radon in general population. On the contrary, safeguarding workers exposed to natural sources of radiation, working places are regulated by legislative decrees. In order to carry out corrective actions in case of high rates, it is necessary to correctly measure the expositional levels both with active and passive instruments. The topical knowledge about radon and its effects urge us to take preventive and reductive measures, protecting the well-being if population.

[Meta-analysis: effectiveness of the preventive interventions in agriculture accidents]

The aim of our study is to determine the effectiveness in reducing workplace accidents in agriculture using preventive interventions including awareness and effective knowledge of hazards with workers who followed training-informative programs. On the basis of the data reported in the 11 studies three categories we identified: Reduction in the number of workplace accidents: comparison between groups; Reduction in the number of workplace accidents: before-after comparison; Self-rating of injuries risk reduction. The second category showed significant statistical differences in the subgroup who followed preventive intervention compared to subgroup who did not follow this intervention. The third category showed a significant statistical increase of the Consciousness Index of the agricultural workers who followed the training-informative programs. The results suggested the need to use assessment models more suitable to the nature of the examined variables. A promising area is the evaluation of knowledge of risks achieved by workers exposed to formative-informative programs.

[Phlebopathies and workers]

The few studies in literature about the relationship between venous diseases and work show that the posture assumed while working could promote the occurrence of venous disease in lower limbs. We compared male workers belonging to different occupational categories, matched for age, BMI and traditional risk factors for venous diseases, in order to assess the prevalence of venous disease and occupational and not-occupational postural risk factors. We found that maintaining a standing position for more than 50% of the shift appears the most important occupational risk factor in provoking the observed higher prevalence of venous disease in the workers studied. It can be assumed the venous diseases are often determined by occupational factors which could be main or concomitant causes. The identification of preventive measures to apply in workplaces, such as better organization of work, targeted examinations and therapeutic indications as the prescription of elastic stockings, is very important.

[Organizational and management companies models]

With the legislative decree 81/08 and s.m.i. it's explicitly defined a model of management and corporate organization that can contribute to prevent security risks in work environments. The realization of the model is not obligatory, but desirable because the result of its implementation is a decrease of company's risks and costs for safety. Our study group has developed the structure of an organizational and management model for corporate safety and the tools necessary for its realization. The realization of a model is structured in various phases: initial exam, safety policy, planification, implementation, monitoring, system retest and improvement. Such a model, in continuous evolution, is based on the responsibilities of the different corporate figures through an accurate analysis of the measured risks and the measures adopted.

[Techniques of communication and information-formation of the workers]

Communication has always had a very important role among human activities. Communication is: a Source sending a Message to an Addressee within a Context through a Contact thanks to a Code. In 1965 Umberto Eco developed the concept of Aberrant Decoding that is the wrong decoding of the message by the addressee. As to communication D.Lgs81/08 e s.m.i. fixes the following rules. Information of workers (Art. 36/1)--The employer is responsible for the workers to have the right information about risks for health and safety in their specific workplaces, etc. Formation of workers (Art 37/1)--The employer is responsible for the workers to have adequate and proper formation as to health and safety with regard to linguistic knowledge. Therefore it is really important for a Company to establish real communication between management and workers and among workers, to have a frequent feedback and to let information circulate in order to have all safety regulations followed properly.

[Cardiovascular diseases in workers at risk]

Our research group has conducted several studies to investigate the effects of occupational risks on the cardiovascular system of exposed workers. In these studies, groups of workers exposed to possible professional cardiovascular risk factors were compared with controls with respect to some parameters (blood pressure, ECG, etc.). The groups were made comparable by age, length of service, traditional cardiovascular risk factors and possible confounding factors outside work. Four studies investigated the effects of noise exposure, three studies the effects of exposure to urban stressors, other studies the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors in various occupational categories (manual workers, agricultural workers, workers exposed to ionizing radiation, workers in rotogravure factory). The results of our studies confirm the presence of cardiovascular risk factors in various professions and the consequent need to take develop preventive strategies in workplaces to prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases associated with these risk factors.

Respiratory Parameters in Traffic Policemen Exposed to Urban Pollution

Studies in scientific literature have proved that urban pollution affects the respiratory system. The aim of our study is to assess the effects that different time of exposure to urban pollution can cause on respiratory function in municipal traffic policemen. The research was carried out on a sample of 120 traffic police officers of both sexes divided into two groups, group A with work service between 1 and 10 years and group B with more than 10 years of service. All subjects included in the study were tested for respiratory functions by a spirometer test. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between group A and group B (p<0.005) in some Spirometric parameters, such as Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC). The study suggests that longer occupational exposure to urban pollutants increases the risk of modifications of respiratory function.

Pulmonary nodules in workers exposed to urban stressor

By multilayer spiral low-dose computed tomography (LD-CT) of the chest this study assesses the early detection of lung lesions on a sample of 100 traffic policemen of a big Italian city professionally exposed to urban pollutants and 100 controls non-occupationally exposed to urban pollutants matched by sex, age, length of service and cigarette smoking habit. Exposure to urban pollutants in traffic policemen was characterized using the annual average concentrations of PM(10), NO2 and benzene in the period 1998-2008 measured by fixed monitoring stations located in different areas of the city. A significant and increasing number of suspicious lung nodules with diameters between 5 and 10 mm was observed: in traffic policemen (including smokers and non-smokers) vs. controls (including smokers and non-smokers); in total smokers (including traffic policemen and controls) vs. total non-smokers (traffic policemen and controls); in smoker traffic policemen vs. smoker controls and vs. non-smoker traffic policemen; in non-smoker traffic policemen vs. non-smoker controls. The RR of finding cases with at least one lung nodule with diameters between 5 and 10mm in traffic policemen (including smokers and non-smokers) compared to controls (including smokers and non-smokers) is 1.94 (CI 1.13-3.31); in total smokers vs. non-smokers the RR is 1.96 (CI 1.20-3.19). The comparison between the interaction exposure and smoking shows an increase in smoker traffic policemen than in smoker controls (RR=2.14; CI 1.02-4.52). The RR for smoker traffic policemen was higher than in non-smoker traffic policemen (RR=2.09; CI 1.19-3.66). The results of our study show that: (1) while smoker workers have a higher risk for developing solid suspicious lung nodules, the simple routinely exposure to urban pollutants is unable to produce the same kind of increased risk; (2) the interaction of smoking and exposure to urban pollutants greatly increases the risk for the development of solid suspicious lung nodules. In conclusion, the use of chest LD-CT in workers at risk helps identify suspicious solid lung nodules at early stage.

Hemopoietic system in traffic police exposed to urban stressors

The aim of the study is to evaluate if occupational exposure to urban stressors could cause alterations in red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations (MCHC) in traffic police compared to a control group. 694 subjects were included in the study: 347 traffic police and 347 controls matched by sex, age and length of service after excluding the subjects with the principal confounding factors. The levels of RBC, HGB, HCT were significantly higher in male (respectively p<0.001, p<0.05, p<0.01) and in female (respectively p<0.05, p<0.001, p<0.01) traffic police than in controls. The authors hypothesise that occupational exposure to urban stressors in traffic police can alter hemopoietic system.

Plasma dopamine in workers exposed to urban stressor

The aim of this study is to evaluate if the occupational exposure to urban stressor could cause alterations in dopamine (DA) plasma levels and related diseases in traffic police officers compared to a control group. After excluding subjects with principal confounding factors, 306 traffic police officers (139 female and 167 male) and 301 controls (134 female and 167 male) were included in the study. In traffic police officers, mean DA values were significantly higher compared with controls (P = 0.006 and P = 0.000 in male and female, respectively). The distribution of DA values in traffic police officers and controls was significant (P = 0.000 and P = 0.000 in male and female, respectively). The number of male traffic police officers with a positive response to the questionnaire's items concerning anxiety, depression and panic attacks was higher than controls, though not significant (7.2% traffic police officers versus 4.2% controls). This difference was also not significant in female traffic police officers compared with controls. According to our previous researches on other neuro-immune-endocrine parameters, DA could be used as an early biological marker, valuable for the group to be employed in occupational sets, even before the onset of pathology.

[Assessment of the cancerogenic risk in schools]

The aim of the study is to verify the presence of the carcinogenic risk for teachers, technical assistants and students in 96 secondary schools, providing suggestions for its assessment. Since the analysis of the national and international scientific literature does not reveal data on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk nor in schools nor in similar environments, the authors gave importance to the preliminary phase of the risk assessment that is to say the inspections aimed to detect the possible presence of risk agents and to identify the possible exposed subjects. The evaluation of the exposition through the execution of environmental and biological monitoring has to be performed, according to the authors opinion, only after this indispensable preliminary phase. The carcinogenic risk has been ascertained in relation to the presence of substances used for didactical means (fuels, mineral oils, reagents, enamels and pitch, ceramic mixtures and metallic alloys) or produced during practical activities (hard wood dusts, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) deriving from high temperatures cooking), analyzing the tasks implying their use and identifying the exposed subjects. The presence of carcinogenic agents has been found out in 54 on 96 schools. In order to preserve the health status of the exposed workers in schools, it is necessary the adoption of the suitable measures of prevention and protection similarly to what is established for all the work places, even before the eventual environmental monitoring.