Association Between Metabolic and Hormonal Derangements and Professional Exposure to Urban Pollution in a High Intensity Traffic Area.

Studies suggest a relation between exposure to air particulate matter (PM) pollution and greater cardiovascular morbidity, as well as increased risk for obesity and diabetes. We aimed to identify association(s) between nutritional and metabolic status and exposure to environmental pollution in a cohort of policemen exposed to high levels of air pollution. We considered adult municipal policemen, working in an urban area at high-traffic density with documented high levels of air PM (exposed group) compared to non-exposed policemen.

Spirometric reference values in the occupational medicine practice.

Introduction: Spirometry is the main pulmonary function test routinely employed in the occupational medicine practice. Its interpretation depends on the choice of the theoretical reference values. Therefore, our objective was to retrospectively evaluate the differences in the spirometric interpretation according to the reference values used.

Respiratory function in power plant workers exposed to nitrogen dioxide.

Background: Power plant workers are potentially exposed to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and may therefore be at higher risk of pulmonary diseases than the general population.

Aims: To assess the association of NO2 exposure with spirometric abnormalities in power plant workers.

Methods: Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory ratio (FER = FEV1/FVC) were correlated with demographic characteristics, smoking history and environmental exposure to NO2 in power plant workers exposed to environmental NO2 at work and in a control group of administrative employees.

[Respiratory function evaluation in welders taking into account tecnological evolution of individual protection dispositive and risk specific information].

Aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of specific information program on DPI use on the functional respiratory parameters in a group of 15 welders compared with 18 welders not included in the program and 18 workers of industrial sector. Spirometryc parameters were recorded and compared and the results pointed out a significant increase of FEV1 and FVC in the study group compared with welder out of the study while no difference were observed between study group and workers of industrial sector. Results shown that the correct use of DPI could reduce the effects of welding fumes on respiratory tract making these effects equal to the exposure to industrial dusts.

[What are the causes and the reason why of diseases prevalence and incidence in occupational sample of women].

Unlabelled: Aim of this study has been the evaluation of health status change among women and men engaged in different occupational activities.

Methods: In a sample of 1,145 women and 3,110, collected in a time span of 10 years, were calculated prevalence and incidence of diseases related to occupational and non occupational variables: physical work load and job timing, civil status and family engagement. Differences between sexes were calculated by X-square and mean difference test.