1,721,247 research outputs found
Implicazioni per la tutela della salute dei lavoratori esposti ai campi elettromagnetici [Possible consequence on measures for the protection of electromagnetic fields exposed workers]
No full textIn this paper are discussed the possible consequences of the recent classification of Radiofrequencies as Group 2B IARC, and of the revision of the European Directive 2004/40/CE currently in progress, on measures for the protection of workers exposed to electromagnetic fields in Italy. No conclusion is possible regarding the revision of 2004/40/CE, until the definitive text is approved, and implemented in Italy. Balanced information on 2B IARC classification of RF (but also of ELF) should be included in information of workers on the occupational risk; furthermore, unnecessary exposure should be avoided, and exposure minimized, as part of general measures for protection.Due novità di interesse sono la recentissima classificazione delle radiofrequenze (30 kHz–300 GHz) nel Gruppo 2B IARC, e la proposta di aggiornamento della Direttiva 2004/40/CE. Vengono discusse le possibili implicazioni in termini di misure per la tutela della salute dei lavoratori. La revisione della Direttiva potrebbe comportare degli aggiornamenti ma, in attesa del testo definitivo, non vi sono novità. Della classificazione 2B IARC delle RF (ma anche delle ELF) sembra necessario tenere conto nell’informazione dei lavoratori. Inoltre, particolare attenzione va posta all’eliminazione di esposizioni indebite, ed alla minimizzazione dell’esposizione, secondo i criteri generali enunciati nell’art. 15 del D.Lgs 81/2008.In this paper are discussed the possible consequences of the recent classification of Radiofrequencies as Group 2B IARC, and of the revision of the European Directive 2004/40/CE currently in progress, on measures for the protection of workers exposed to electromagnetic fields in Italy. No conclusion is possible regarding the revision of 2004/40/CE, until the definitive text is approved, and implemented in Italy. Balanced information on 2B IARC classification of RF (but also of ELF) should be included in information of workers on the occupational risk; furthermore, unnecessary exposure should be avoided, and exposure minimized, as part of general measures for protection
Linee Guida AIRM Sorveglianza medica dei lavoratori esposti a radiazioni ionizzanti
No full textLe Linee Guida AIRM sono un documento che costituisce la base scientifica, normativa ed operativa dell'attività del medico di radioprotezione. L'aggiornamento della dottrina, dei criteri di base e delle conoscenze maturate nel tempo successivo a livello internazionale e l'esperienza acquisita a livello nazionale hanno fornito motivo e stimolo per la revisione e l'aggiornamento dell'edizione ora indicata. Il risultato di questo riesame non ha aggiunto molto all'indirizzo di base a suo tempo evidenziato e proposto; mentre si può rilevare una più consistente dovizia di informazioni, suggerimenti ed indicazioni di carattere epidemiologico e gnoseologico che rafforzano e giustificano le fondamenta della disciplina. Dalla: Presentazione del Presidente AIRM Prof. Giorgio Trent
Olfactory toxicity: long-term effects of occupational exposures
No full textObjective: To present and discuss the results of research on olfactory function impairments related to chronic occupational exposure to industrial chemicals. Methods: This review is mainly focused on the results of epidemiological studies on olfactory function, evaluated using quantitative testing methods, in workers chronically exposed to airborne industrial chemicals. Papers published in peer-reviewed scientific journals were mainly considered. Results: The prevalence of olfactory impairments related to occupational exposure to chemicals is unknown: frequencies ranging 0.5-5% of all olfactory dysfunctions have been proposed, considering both exposure to chemicals and the use of pharmaceutical drugs, but the real relevance of this problem is possibly overlooked, especially considering that occupational exposure may account for a significant part of idiopathic smell disorders, i.e., the 10-25% of all olfactory problems within the general population. An adverse effect has been reported in workers chronically exposed to some metals as cadmium, chromium, manganese, arsenic, mercury, and organic lead, and to other chemicals as acrylates, styrene, and solvent mixtures. The results of relevant studies are discussed. A problem in the evaluation of data is that different methods have been applied in different studies, affecting the comparability of results. Conclusions: To date, knowledge of the effect of chronic occupational exposure to industrial chemicals on olfactory function is largely incomplete, but supports the hypothesis that olfactory neuroepithelium is susceptible to environmental exposures to chemicals. Occupational-related olfactory impairment is usually sub-clinical, and can be only detected using adequate quantitative olfactory function testing procedures. Available data show the need for further good quality research in this field
Color vision: A sensitive indicator of exposure to neurotoxins
No full textIn the last 15 years an increasing number of studies have investigated color discrimination in workers exposed to various neurotoxins. Color vision was generally evaluated using the Lanthony D-15 desaturated panel (D-15 d) a test suited to identify mild acquired impairments, that can be easily performed at the workplace. In most studies, results were! quantitatively expressed using the method of Bowman or that of Vingrys and King-Smith: the former is the most widely reported, while the latter gives information on the type of color defect. Applying D-15 d, or other color perception tests, impairment in color vision was observed among workers exposed to several solvents (styrene, perchloroethylene, toluene, n-hexane, and carbon disulfide) or to solvent mixtures, and also to metals like mercury. Chemical related color vision loss is a sub-clinical early effect, and in most studies proved dose-related. For styrene and perchloroethylene, and also for solvent mixtures, an impairment was observed at exposure levels lower than the current occupational limits, suggesting that these limits may be inadequate for a proper protection of visual function of workers
Normativa europea e normativa nazionale
No full textEUROPEAN AND ITALIAN LAW ON THE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION OF WORKERS FROM THE RISKS ARISING FROM ARTIFICIAL OPTICAL RADIATION EXPOSURE. The Titolo VIII of the Decreto Legislativo 81/2008 introduces in Italy a specific legislation on the prevention and protection of workers from the risk related to occupational exposure to physical agents. The Capo V of Titolo VIII, specifically dedicated to the artificial optical radiation (AOR), represents the Italian implementation of the Directive 2006/25/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2006 on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to risks arising from physical agents (artificial optical radiation). In the text, the contents of Capo V are illustrated in details. The text of the Titolo VIII, Capo V, of the Decreto Legislativo 81/2008, that brings into force in Italy the EU Directive 2006/25/EC, is similar to the European Directive. We can conclude that in the Italian law on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents, there are no significant differences from the practical point of view, compared to the original EU Directive
Sintomatologia soggettiva aspecifica riferita ai campi elettromagnetici: descrizione di due casi.
No full textIn Italy, as in several other countries, an apparently increasing number of subjects are claiming the appearance of various types of subjective symptoms, that they refer to the exposure to electric, magnetic or electromagnetic fields (EMF) from nearby electric appliances. Nervous and cardiovascular systems, and the skin, are most frequently (but not exclusively) involved. Terms like “electricity hypersensitivity” (EHS), “EMF hypersensitivity”, or other, are frequently adopted to describe such symptoms, nevertheless up now, they cannot be considered established medical terms. No accepted diagnostic criteria or procedures were proposed for the diagnosis of EHS; on the contrary, apart from the subject’s self-attribution of the symptoms to EMFs, there is no established cause-effect relationship between EHS symptoms and electromagnetic fields. Furthermore, any credible pathogenetic mechanism is lacking, even if some was proposed, but not proved. In this paper, the cases of two people who developed symptoms of EHS referred to overhead power lines in the proximity of the house are presented and discussed. Approaches for similar cases, involving the participation of different medical and non-medical technical scientific disciplines are also briefly discussed
Sindrome da ipersensibilità.
No full textWe present a review on the electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), a fenomenon where individuals experience adverse health effects while using, or being in the vicinity, of electric, magnetic or electromagnetic field sources and devices. Apparently, symptoms can be induced by both low and high frequencies, even at low level, and can vary substantially among different individuals. Scientific data do not support the hypothesis of a causal relationship between fields and EHS, even if knowledge is largely incomplete. Further studies in this field are needed
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