scholarly journals Environment and Health in Contaminated Sites: The Case of Taranto, Italy

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberta Pirastu ◽  
Pietro Comba ◽  
Ivano Iavarone ◽  
Amerigo Zona ◽  
Susanna Conti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Remediation ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Industrial Area ◽  
Contaminated Sites ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Environment And Health ◽  
National Priority ◽  
Study Results

The National Environmental Remediation programme in Italy includes sites with documented contamination and associated potential health impacts (National Priority Contaminated Sites—NPCSs). SENTIERI Project, an extensive investigation of mortality in 44 NPCSs, considered the area of Taranto, a NPCS where a number of polluting sources are present. Health indicators available at municipality level were analyzed, that is, mortality (2003–2009), mortality time trend (1980–2008), and cancer incidence (2006-2007). In addition, the cohort of individuals living in the area was followed up to evaluate mortality (1998–2008) and morbidity (1998–2010) by district of residence. The results of the study consistently showed excess risks for a number of causes of death in both genders, among them: all causes, all cancers, lung cancer, and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, both acute and chronic. An increased infant mortality was also observed from the time trends analysis. Mortality/morbidity excesses were detected in residents living in districts near the industrial area, for several disorders including cancer, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. These coherent findings from different epidemiological approaches corroborate the need to promptly proceed with environmental cleanup interventions. Most diseases showing an increase in Taranto NPCS have a multifactorial etiology, and preventive measures of proven efficacy (e.g., smoking cessation and cardiovascular risk reduction programs, breast cancer screening) should be planned. The study results and public health actions are to be communicated objectively and transparently so that a climate of confidence and trust between citizens and public institutions is maintained.

scholarly journals Three contaminated sites in southern Italy. The Neonatal Environment and Health Outcomes cohort: protocol for a longitudinal birth cohort study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e029471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Ruggieri ◽  
Gaspare Drago ◽  
Paolo Colombo ◽  
Alessio Alesci ◽  
Pasquale Augello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Ethics Committee ◽  
Contaminated Sites ◽  
Birth Cohort Study ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Environment And Health ◽  
National Priority

IntroductionExposure to environmental contaminants during pregnancy is one of the determinants of child’s future health outcomes. The effect of environmental pollution on pregnant women living in heavily polluted areas is of special interest and, in this context, the Neonatal Environment and Health Outcomes (NEHO) cohort will focus on the investigation of (1) toxicants transferred from the environment to the mother and from the mother to the developing fetus and (2) the influence of toxicants on pregnancy outcomes, fetal development and health status during infancy. Because the human placenta is positioned at the interface between the maternal/external environment and the embryo, it can be considered a highly informative matrix regarding many key pregnancy events that can shape infant’s future health.Methods and analysisThe NEHO cohort will enrol an estimated total of 800 pregnant women in three selected National Priority Contaminated Sites in southern Italy. Epidemiological data, concerning maternal health status, lifestyle and pregnancy, are obtained through questionnaires provided to the mother starting from the last 2 months of pregnancy. At delivery, maternal blood, umbilical cord blood and placenta tissue are collected to assess contaminant levels and to clarify how toxicants interact with the placental domain. Furthermore, placental transcriptome is studied in order to explore the interferences of toxicants on the role of the placenta in maternal/fetal interplay. Regular follow-up is planned at 6, 12 and 24 months.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by all the Ethics Committees of the three National Priority Contaminated Sites involved: the Ethics Committee of the University Hospitals of Messina (18 September 2017, n. 9/2017); the Ethics Committee ‘Catania 2’ (11 July 2017, n. 38/2017/CECT2); the Ethics Committee of the Region of Calabria (20 July 2017, n. 173). Findings will be disseminated in the scientific community and on a regional basis for appropriate policy actions.

scholarly journals The Health Profile of Populations Living in Contaminated Sites: Sentieri Approach

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberta Pirastu ◽  
Roberto Pasetto ◽  
Amerigo Zona ◽  
Carla Ancona ◽  
Ivano Iavarone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Exposure ◽  
Environmental Remediation ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Deprivation Index ◽  
Contaminated Sites ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
National Priority ◽  
Standardized Mortality Ratios ◽  
Municipal Level

SENTIERI project (Epidemiological Study of Residents in Italian Contaminated Sites) studied mortality in the sites of national interest for environmental remediation (National Priority Contaminated Sites—NPCSs). SENTIERI described mortality of residents in NPCSSs, and it specifically focused on causes of death for which environmental exposure is suspected or ascertained to play an etiologic role. The epidemiological evidence of the causal association was classifieda prioriinto one of these three categories: Sufficient (S), Limited (L), and Inadequate (I). Mortality in the period 1995−2002 was studied for 63 single or grouped causes at the municipal level by computing: crude rate, standardized rate, standardized mortality ratios (SMR), and SMR adjusted for anad hocdeprivation index. Regional populations were used as references for SMR calculations and 90% CI accompanied SMR values. The deprivation index was constructed using 2001 national census variables for the following socioeconomic domains: education, unemployment, dwelling ownership, and overcrowding. SENTIERI results will allow the priorities setting in remediation intervention so as to prevent adverse health effects from environmental exposure. This paper’s objective is to present the rationale, methods, advantages, and limitations underlying SENTIERI project and to describe data and resources required to apply a similar approach in other countries.

Malignant mesotheliomas in residents in the National Priority Contaminated Sites in Tuscany

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Chellini ◽  
A Martini
Keyword(s):  
Malignant Mesothelioma ◽  
Environmental Remediation ◽  
Asbestos Exposure ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Contaminated Sites ◽  
Incidence Data ◽  
National Priority ◽  
Standard Population ◽  
Sentinel Event ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Background Asbestos is a well-known carcinogen. A law banning asbestos is active in Italy since 1992. A surveillance system on malignant mesothelioma is ongoing in Tuscany since 1988. The aim is to describe mesothelioma incidence in the specific regional areas defined as National Priority Contaminated Sites in order to have suggestions on specific environmental remediation activities focused on asbestos. Methods Malignant mesotheliomas diagnosed in residents during 1988-2019 in the above cited areas are extracted from the specific regional registry. Standardized incidence rates are calculated by area and gender using 2013 European as standard population. Standardized incidence ratios are also calculated by area in the whole period, using the regional rates as reference. The distribution of cases by exposure and areas are analyzed. Results In the examined areas 510 cases are registered (423 in men and 87 in women). Male incidence rates are 10.0 (IC90% 8.4-11.6), 5.8 (IC90%3.2-8.3), 5.5 (IC90% 4.1-6.9) and 1.7 (IC90% 0.0-3.9) respectively in Livorno, Piombino, Massa and Orbetello. Female incidence rates are far below than those observed for men. The highest standardized incidence ratio is observed in Livorno (3.1, IC90% 2.6-3.6). The vast majority of cases (no.393) are related to occupational asbestos exposure, mainly occurred in the same residence area. Asbestos familial and environmental exposure was attributed respectively to 22 and 4 cases. Conclusions The availability of a long series of incidence data on malignant mesotheliomas allowed to evaluate the asbestos impact among residents in Tuscan contaminated areas. The results obtained show the great importance of past occupational asbestos exposure. Key messages Malignant mesothelioma is a sentinel event of past asbestos exposure. The mesothelioma burden in the contaminated area is helpful to prioritise specific environmental remediation activities.

scholarly journals Effects of communicating uncertainty descriptions in hazard identification, risk characterization, and risk protection

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0253762
Author(s):  
Peter Wiedemann ◽  
Franziska U. Boerner ◽  
Frederik Freudenstein
Keyword(s):  
Hazard Identification ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Exposure Limit ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Dependent Variables ◽  
Qualitative Uncertainty ◽  
Risk Protection ◽  
Uncertainty Information

Uncertainty is a crucial issue for any risk assessment. Consequently, it also poses crucial challenges for risk communications. Many guidebooks advise reporting uncertainties in risk assessments, expecting that the audience will appreciate this disclosure. However, the empirical evidence about the effects of uncertainty reporting is sparse and inconclusive. Therefore, based on examples of potential health risks of electromagnetic fields (EMF), three experiments were conducted analysing the effects of communicating uncertainties separately for hazard identification, risk characterisation and risk protection. The setups aimed to explore how reporting and how explaining of uncertainty affects dependent variables such as risk perception, perceived competence of the risk assessors, and trust in risk management. Each of the three experiments used a 2x2 design with a first factor presenting uncertainty descriptions (as used in public controversies on EMF related health effects) or describing a certainty conditions; and a second factor explaining the causes of uncertainties (by pointing at knowledge gaps) or not explaining them. The study results indicate that qualitative uncertainty descriptions regarding hazard identification reduce the confidence in the professional competencies of the assessors. In contrast, a quantitative uncertainty description in risk characterisation–regarding the magnitude of the risk–does not affect any of the dependent variables. Concerning risk protection, trust in exposure limit values is not affected by qualitative uncertainty information. However, the qualitative description of uncertainty regarding the adequacy of protection amplifies fears. Furthermore, explaining this uncertainty results in lower text understandability.

scholarly journals Long-term exposure to air pollutants from multiple sources and mortality in an industrial area: a cohort study

2018 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Bauleo ◽  
Simone Bucci ◽  
Chiara Antonucci ◽  
Roberto Sozzi ◽  
Marina Davoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Dispersion Model ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Industrial Area ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Dichotomous Variable

Background and aimsResidents near industrial areas are exposed to several toxins from various sources and the assessment of the health effects is difficult. The area of Civitavecchia (Italy) has several sources of environmental contamination with potential health effects. We evaluated the association between exposure to pollutants from multiple sources and mortality in a cohort of people living in the area.MethodsAll residents of the area in 1996 were enrolled (from municipal registers) and followed until 2013. Long-term exposures to emissions from industrial sources (PM10) and traffic (NOx) at the residential addresses were assessed using a dispersion model. Residence close to the harbour was also considered. Cox survival analysis was conducted including a linear term for industrial PM10 and NOx exposure and a dichotomous variable to indicate residence within 500 m of the harbour. Age, sex, calendar period, occupation and area-based socioeconomic position (SEP) were considered (HRs, 95% CI).Results71 362 people were enrolled (52% female, 43% low SEP) and 14 844 died during the follow-up. We found an association between industrial PM10 and mortality from non-accidental causes (HR=1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.12), all cancers (HR=1.11, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.21) and cardiac diseases (HR=1.12, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.23). We also found an association between NOx exposure from traffic and mortality from all cancers (HR=1.13, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.26) and neurological diseases (HR=1.50, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.20). Living near the harbour was associated with higher mortality from lung cancer (HR=1.31, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.66) and neurological diseases (HR=1.51, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.18).ConclusionsEstimated exposures to different pollution sources in this area were independently associated with several mortality outcomes while adjusting for occupation and socioeconomic status.

The Layers of Life

2021 ◽  
pp. 110-126
Author(s):  
Manish Arora ◽  
Paul Curtin ◽  
Austen Curtin ◽  
Christine Austin ◽  
Alessandro Giuliani
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Environmental Medicine ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Epidemiological Methods ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Human Environment ◽  
Environment And Health ◽  
General Systems ◽  
Environmental Interfaces

Chapter 6 summarizes the work described in the book. It places Environmental Biodynamics in context of the broader field of general systems theory. It argues that to realize the full potential of Environmental Biodynamics, environmental medicine must refocus the examination of the interaction of environment and health from an emphasis on measuring physiological “moments” (i.e., static measures of environmental factors, infrequent anthropometry, momentary health indicators) to studying dynamic human–environment interfaces, physiological states, and the processes that constrain to those states. To this end, Chapter 6 provides a set of endeavors that must be undertaken to capitalize on and formally test the biodynamic interface paradigm. First, focus scientific inquiry on interfaces that connect biological and environmental systems; second, develop theoretical frameworks that focus on the identification and interpretation of constraints in biological–environmental interfaces; and third, develop laboratory, clinical, and epidemiological methods to relate the complexity characterized at the level of biodynamic interfaces to human health.

Individual's perspective of local community environment and health indicators in older adults

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Giraldez-Garcia ◽  
Maria João Forjaz ◽  
Maria-Eugenia Prieto-Flores ◽  
Fermina Rojo-Perez ◽  
Gloria Fernandez-Mayoralas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Community Environment ◽  
Environment And Health

Application of an Environmental Remediation Methodology: Theory vs. Practice—Reflections and Two Belgian Case Studies

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Blommaert ◽  
K. Mannaerts ◽  
S. Pepin ◽  
B. Dehandschutter
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Environmental Remediation ◽  
Waste Treatment ◽  
Stakeholder Involvement ◽  
Sampling Strategy ◽  
Contaminated Sites ◽  
Contaminated Site ◽  
Chemical Contamination ◽  
First Case ◽  
The Impact

Like in many countries, polluted industrial sites also exist in Belgium. Although the contamination is purely chemical in most cases, they may also contain a radioactive component. For chemically contaminated sites, extensive regulations and methodologies were already developed and applied by the different regional authorities. However and essentially because radioactivity is a federal competence, there was also a necessity for developing a legal federal framework (including an ER-methodology [1]) for remediation of radioactive contaminated sites. Most of the so-called radioactive contaminated sites are exhibiting a mixed contamination (chemical and radiological), and hence the development of such methodology had to be in line with the existing (regional) ones concerning chemical contamination. Each authority having their own responsibilities with regard to the type of contamination, this makes it more complicated and time-consuming finding the best solution satisfying all involved parties. To overcome these difficulties the legal framework and methodology — including the necessary involvement of the stakeholders and delineation of each party’s responsibilities — has to be transparent, clear and unambiguous. Once the methodology is developed as such and approved, the application of it is expected to be more or less easy, logic and straightforward. But is this really true? The aim of this document is to investigate as well the impact of factors such as the type of radioactive contamination — levels of contamination, related to NORM activity or not, homogeneous or heterogeneous, the differences in licensing procedures,… — on the application of the developed methodology and what could be the consequences in the long run on the remediation process. Two existing case studies in Belgium will be presented ([2]). The first case deals with a historical radium contaminated site, the second one with a phosphate processing facility still in operation, both with (very) low levels of radioactivity but containing very large volumes of contaminated materials. These case studies will demonstrate that, although the applied methodology will be the same in both cases, the impact of e.g. sampling strategy, scenario definitions, modelisations, final destination of the land, presence of chemotoxic components, dose or risk assessments, uncertainties, derivation of clean-up radionuclide guidelines, stakeholder involvement and waste treatment could be important on licensing, cost-estimate, planning and final outcome of the environmental remediation activities to be executed.

scholarly journals Ecological Study on Hospitalizations for Cancer, Cardiovascular, and Respiratory Diseases in the Industrial Area of Etang-de-Berre in the South of France

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence Pascal ◽  
Mathilde Pascal ◽  
Morgane Stempfelet ◽  
Sarah Goria ◽  
Christophe Declercq
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Ecological Study ◽  
Industrial Area ◽  
Excess Risk ◽  
Reference Level ◽  
The South ◽  
Industrial Air Pollution ◽  
The Impact

The Etang-de-Berre area is a large industrialized area in the South of France, exposing 300,000 inhabitants to the plumes of its industries. The possible associated health risks are of the highest concern to the population, who asked for studies investigating their health status. A geographical ecological study based on standardized hospitalizations ratios for cancer, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases was carried out over the 2004–2007 period. Exposure to air pollution was assessed using dispersion models coupled with a geographic information system to estimate an annual mean concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO2) for each district. Results showed an excess risk of hospitalization for myocardial infarction in women living in districts with medium or high SO2exposure, respectively, 38% [CI 95% 4 : 83] and 54% [14 : 110] greater than women living in districts at the reference level exposure. A 26% [2 : 57] excess risk of hospitalization for myocardial infarction was also observed in men living in districts with high SO2levels. No excess risk of hospitalization for respiratory diseases or for cancer was observed, except for acute leukemia in men only. Results illustrate the impact of industrial air pollution on the cardiovascular system and call for an improvement of the air quality in the area.

Determinants of Environmental Clean-up in Estonia

2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 679-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew R Auer ◽  
Anto Raukas
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Aid ◽  
Hot Spots ◽  
Environmental Remediation ◽  
Contaminated Sites ◽  
Environmental Cooperation ◽  
Current Form ◽  
The Government ◽  
High Level ◽  
Private Actors ◽  
External Actors

In the early 1990s, the government of Estonia determined that it possessed neither the technical nor the financial resources to clean up Estonia's Soviet-era pollution satisfactorily. Yet data reveal that, during the 1990s, Estonia was relatively adept at cleaning up old contamination. In this paper we identify the key determinants of Estonia's relatively high level of success at environmental remediation. Content analyses of clean-up experiences were performed for three main categories of contaminated sites: ex-military, industrial, and municipal. All analyzed sites were identified by the government of Estonia as priority environmental hot spots in the early 1990s. The most successfully remediated sites were recipients of foreign direct investment or foreign aid, or both, and particularly aid from international financial institutions (IFIs). IFIs and foreign private actors were persuaded to act because of their confidence in the income-generating potential of the projects. In light of this finding, revisions must be made to an oft-cited model of ‘institutions for international environmental cooperation’. In its current form, this model downplays external actors' market-oriented motives.

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