AI Article Synopsis
- - The study aims to evaluate the health effects of naturally occurring asbestos in the Mount Pollino area of Southern Italy by analyzing mortality, hospitalization, and incidence rates related to asbestos-related diseases across 12 municipalities.
- - Findings show a significant increase in mesothelioma cases, along with elevated mortality and hospitalization rates for conditions like pneumoconiosis and asbestosis, particularly in regions closer to populated areas.
- - The conclusion calls for ongoing environmental monitoring, remediation efforts, and creating a communication strategy involving local stakeholders to address public health concerns related to asbestos exposure.
Article Abstract
Objectives: to estimate the health impact of asbestos fibres naturally occurring in Mount Pollino area (Basilicata Region, Southern Italy).
Design: geographic mortality, hospitalization, and incidence study. Setting and participant s: population resident in 12 Municipalities of Mount Pollino area with naturally occurring asbestos fibres.
Main Outcome Measures: standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and standardized hospitalization rate (SHR) for asbestos-related diseases; standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for mesotheliomas. Result s: in the area of Mount Pollino, where asbestos fibres naturally occur, especially in the sub-area in which fibres are close to dwellings and settlements, it was observed: • a significant excess of mesothelioma incidence (SIR: 208; CI95% 111-355; 13 observed); • a non-significant excess of hospitalization for malignant pleural neoplasms (SHR: 176; CI95% 93-335; 9 observed); • a significant excess for mortality and hospitalization for pneumoconiosis (SMR: 534; CI95% 345-824; 20 observed - SHR: 245; CI95% 149-405; 15 observed); • a significant excess for hospitalization (SHR: 852; CI95% 290-2,506; 3 observed) for asbestosis.
Conclusion: it is necessary to continue environmental monitoring and environmental remediation in the area with higher asbestos exposure. It is suggested to implement a permanent process of epidemiological surveillance in this same area. A communication plan with local administrators, general practitioners, school teachers, media, and the resident population at large should be realized.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.19191/EP18.2.P142.043 | DOI Listing |
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