Feasibility study for interspecialistic collaboration in active research of urothelial neoplasms of professional origin.

Introduction: In Italy only a small fraction of cancer is reported to the supervisory body and recognised as professional by the insurance institution. Among the causes of this sub-notification, especially for lowgrade etiologic fractional cancers such as bladder cancers are the lack of knowledge of carcinogenicity in the occupational field and the consequent incomplete medical history collections.

Objectives: Diagnosis of occupational bladder neoplasms and activation of systematic surveillance of tumors of professional origin through an "active research" program.

Upper airway and eye involvement in polyurethane shoe sole production workers.

Objectives: This cross-sectional study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of work-related upper and lower airway and eye symptoms in 118 workers in polyurethane shoe soles (PSS) production.

Methods: Workplace monitoring of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and solvents was performed. Subjects completed a study-specific questionnaire and underwent anterior rhinoscopy, skin prick tests for common aeroallergens, spirometry, nasal peak inspiratory (NPIF) and expiratory flow (NPEF).

[Assessment of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in asphalt workers by measurement of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene].

Introduction: Asphalt workers are potentially exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). As some PAHs are classified as carcinogenic, the assessment of occupational exposure to these agents is of the utmost importance in preventing toxic effects.

Objectives: To assess exposure to PAHs by urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHPyr).

[Biological monitoring of PAH exposure among asphalt workers].

Aim of this work was the assessment of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHPyr) in asphalt workers. Median levels of 1-OHPyr resulted higher in asphalt workers than in controls (184 vs. < 20 ng/L, p < 0.

[The surveillance of occupational risks. Problems and perspectives of the recent legislative framework after the national preliminary survey].

Background: Legislation in Italy concerning health, safety and prevention at the workplace recently established a new data communication standard

Objectives: The findings are reported of a specific survey on 18 Local Health Units (ASL) over the entire Italian territory, aimed at identifying the critical points in data management and analyze the available information.

Methods: The occupational health physician for each company must collect and transmit information on the number of workers submitted to health surveillance protocols to the Local Health Unit. Information must be divided by risk factor and gender Local health Units then transmit the data to the Regions and finally to the Italian National Institute for Occupational Safety and Prevention (ISPESL).

Outcome of occupational asthma in patients with continuous exposure: a 3-year longitudinal study during pharmacologic treatment.

Study Objective: To evaluate the effect of treatment with beclomethasone dipropionate (500 microg bid) and salmeterol (50 microg bid) on lung function and respiratory symptoms in 20 subjects with occupational asthma (OA) still exposed to the work environment cause of their disease.

Methods: At enrollment and every 6 months for 3 years, respiratory symptom score (from 0 [no symptoms] to 2 [moderate-to-severe symptoms]), spirometry, methacholine challenge, peak expiratory flow (PEF) variability, and the use of rescue salbutamol were evaluated. During the 3 years of follow-up, 10 subjects were excluded from the study because they retired or changed jobs.