[Experimental measurement of the real reduction (PAR) of seven ear plugs].

The study aimed to evaluate, through the use of the EA-RfitTM Validation System, the real reduction (PAR) for the right ear (AuD), for the left ear (AuS) and biaural reduction related to each of the seven earplugs currently produced by 3M. In addition, we wanted to verify any difference between the aforementioned PARs in consideration of the tendency to predominantly use the right hand (right-handed) or the left hand (left-handed) and in relation to gender. Finally, for each insert and for each subject, an audiometric examination was conducted with the insert worn, to compare the average PAR value obtained by the EA-RfitTM system for each of the seven inserts and for all selected subjects, with the determined abatement curve through the audiometric measurement of the hearing threshold with the insert worn.

[The role of information and training for workers on the correct use of earplugs in assessing real noise attenuation with E-A-RfitTM system].

Background: Laboratory levels of perceived noise attenuation as heard using earplugs are always higher than the real levels that can be achieved at the workplace. The employer is bound by law to supply individual hearing protection devices (HPDs), to assess their efficiency and efficacy, and also to inform and train workers on the correct use of HPDs.

Objectives: This study assessed the real "personal attenuation rating" (PAR) of HPDs  used by workers at the workplace, before (PAR A) and after (PAR B) specific and individual training.

[Measurement of real personal noise attenuation using earplugs with the E-A-Rfit system].

Background: The assessment of efficiency of hearing protection devices (HPDs), conducted above statutory limits, must be made using a standardized method while devices are worn; however, standardized and suitable laboratory conditions are difficult to encounter at the workplace. To overcome this problem, there are methods of measurement at the workplace such as "field-microphone-in-real-ear" (F-MIRE).

Objectives: The study was concerned with the measurement of real noise attenuation using earplugs and a new evaluation system: we checked the difference between "real" attenuation (at workplace) and "theorical" attenuation (reproduced in the laboratory) as stated by the manufacturer.

[Exposure to air pollutants in the polyclinic of Bari].

This work pertains to the study of exposure to air pollution and noise, of any citizen, in any time of day, within the perimeter of the Polyclinic of Bari. We utilized "dynamic" samplings, in a period of 24 hours, along a walking trail that lasted about 70 minutes, divided on the roads inside the general hospital, performed by voluntary people carrying, by shoulder, a bag containing necessary tools, with their sample heads placed externally in the respiratory area. The values of the environmental survey revealed, particularly, the presence of atmospheric concentrations of PM10 of 63,4 microg/m3 as average value of the whole day and 93 microg/m3 as maximum average value in one hour, far above the limits expected by law for the protection of human health (maximum average value of 50 pg/m3 in 24 hours), almost the whole day and in all areas interested in this study.

[Exposure to air pollutants in the city of Bari].

Background: Air pollution leads to increased levels of morbidity and mortality for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in populations living in urban environments.

Objectives: Our study tested the possibility of using sampling techniques that are typical of industrial hygiene to measure exposure to atmospheric pollutants and using personal samplers for concentrations of certain pollutants to which an ordinary resident of Bari is exposed on a daily basis.

Methods: We monitored dusts (PM10, PM2.

[Music through earphones: an underestimated risk].

Background: The authors studied exposure to the noise generated by digital music listening devices (MP3) as used by young people.

Objectives: to study the level of sound emission of some of these devices at 100%, 75% and 50% volume.

Methods: Using a mannequin, the LeqA, LmaxA, LeqC and the peak in C of nine of the most commonly used devices was measured at levels of sound emission of 100%, 75% and 50%.