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.

Burden of smoking and occupational exposure on etiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in workers of Southern Italy.

Objective: This study evaluates the burden of smoking and occupational exposure on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods: Two thousand nineteen workers underwent a diagnostic protocol for COPD at the baseline and after 5 and 10 years. Taking into account individual and occupational exposures the sample was divided in four groups.

Traffic pollutants affect fertility in men.

Background: Given the lack of consensus about the effect of traffic-derived pollutants on male fertility, we evaluated semen quality in men occupationally exposed to traffic.

Methods: Semen quality was investigated in 85 men employed at motorway tollgates and in 85 age-matched men living in the same area. Semen, circulating sex hormones, methaemoglobin, sulphaemoglobin, carboxyhaemoglobin, lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) protoporphyrin were assayed.