[Assessment of exposure to fluorine and health effects in the production of aluminum].

To check the current levels of exposure to fluorine and possible implications for health, 429 workers of a plant for aluminum production were involved in this study. The protocol included a medical examination with standardized questionnaire and dosage of urinary fluorine at the beginning and end of the shift. Workers with an urinary value greater than 5 mg F/L (66% of the limit SCOEL) were examined also by X-ray of the pelvis (AP); they were classified for the presence of fluorosis by a semiquantitative scale.

[Painting in construction and exposure to carcinogenic chemical agents: an Italian study in Lombardy].

The risk associated with exposure to chemical carcinogens (as classified by International Agency for Research on Cancer and/or the European Union), during painting activities in construction seems controversial. This study included all 43 activities of professional painting in this sector existing in the area of Cremona, in Lombardy region. The aim was to consider and promote preventive technical and medical solutions, basing on efficacy.

[Integrated approach to the promotion of health and safety in agriculture: a pilot study in the Cremona area].

The agricultural sector in Cremona country is made up of many small farms and this makes it difficult to realease the principles of health and safety at work. In this experience an innovative platform for information and training, in which the agricoltural trade unions are privileged partner of public institutions in the road map for continuous improvement, has been tested. In a first phase, the availability of expert technicians to check the consistency of the application of safety standards has been offered by the trade associations free of charge to 100 farms.

[Nickel dermatitis, systemic nickel allergy syndrome, immuno-genesis, immune-tolerance: an Italian study].

Subjects with Nickel sensitization proved by patch test may suffer of contact eczema, but also of a Sistemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome (SNAS) consisting of urticaria-like troubles, itch, erythema, cutaneous rush, headache, intestinal symptoms, recurrent vesicular palmar dermatitis. 160 subjects (130 F, 30 M) were classified into three groups and underwent dosage of Nickel in urines (U-Ni) and blood (B-Ni). The two groups with SNAS showed an higher indicators of Nickel absorption, while the only-eczema group did not.

[Computer work and De Quervain's tenosynovitis: an evidence based approach].

The debate around the role of the work at personal computer as cause of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis was developed partially, without considering multidisciplinary available data. A systematic review of the literature, using an evidence-based approach, was performed. In disorders associated with the use of VDU, we must distinguish those at the upper limbs and among them those related to an overload.