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Biomedical subjects

S Porru

Publications and source records attributed to S Porru.

42 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Behaviour of urinary beryllium in general population and in subjects with low-level occupational exposure.

Occupational exposure to beryllium (Be) is nowadays much lower than in the past. While the classic Be diseases, such as berylliosis, are clearly on the decline, attention is currently being focussed on the immunological and carcinogenic effects of Be, which suggest that subjects with low-level occupational exposure should also be accurately controlled. Urinary Be (BeU) values were determined in a sample of the general population and in a group of dental technicians exposed to environmental Be concentrations ranging from 0.04 to 1.7 micrograms/m3. The mean BeU values of these workers (0.34 micrograms/l) were higher than those of the general population (0.26 micrograms/l) and the subgroup of dental technicians exposed to higher Be air concentration showed higher BeU levels. Although at present the relationships between external and internal dose and between internal dose and early effects, are not known, we believe that biological monitoring supplies useful information on occupational Be exposure.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Multiple exposure to metals in eight types of welding.

This article evaluates multiple exposures to metals in different types of metal welding such as manual metal arc for mild and stainless steel, continuous wire, submerged arc, laser and brazing. Environmental monitoring was carried out in eight different occupational situations and the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique was adopted in order to characterize exposure to several elements simultaneously and with high accuracy. The results showed that up to 23 elements could be measured. The highest concentrations were found for Al, Mn, Fr, Ni, Cr, Cu and Zn. For some elements such as In, Nd, I, Rb the concentrations were very low. A qualitative and quantitative variation in fume composition was observed at a certain distance from the welding point, which should be to taken into account when evaluating indirect exposures. It would also be possible, with this technique, to identify specific elements in the mixture which could also be measured in biological fluids.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The toxicology and prevention of the risks of occupational exposure to aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons. I. Guide lines for the prevention of the risks of occupational exposure to aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons. Società Italiana Valori di Riferimento and Cattedra di Medicina del Lavoro, Università di Brescia].

These guidelines mainly deal with prevention of carcinogenic effects following occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). After some toxicological remarks, the guidelines define a possible method to demonstrate and evaluate occupational exposure to PAH. In particular, it is illustrated the strategy of environmental monitoring and indicated which PAH should be measured, with suggestion about the most appropriate analytical techniques. As regards biological monitoring, the 1-OH-pyreneseems to be currently the most useful indicator since it reflects the recent and global exposure to PAH. The guidelines also give elements to interpret monitoring data, taking into account environmental and biological reference and limit values suggested by some authors, Associations, or current regulations. The most important health effects are carcinogenic and excess risks have been described mainly for lung, bladder and skin cancer in some PAH exposed workers. The studies on cytogenetic effects showed contradictory results. On the basis of such information and current regulations, the guidelines show how to perform health surveillance in preventive and periodical examinations and how to proceed for the information and formation of exposed workers. It is not advisable, on the basis of the current scientific data, to screen asymptomatic PAH exposed workers for early diagnosis of lung or bladder cancer, nor it is opportune the use of tumor markers for health surveillance nor is genetic screening applicable for individual susceptibility evaluation outside research programs.

Carcinogens↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The toxicology and prevention of the risks of occupational exposure to aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons. III. The effects: epidemiological evidence, early effects. Individual hypersusceptibility. Health surveillance].

Adverse effects following occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are mainly carcinogenic. The available epidemiological data suggest that some substances and industrial processes, in which PAH exposure is frequent, are classified as carcinogenic to humans: primary aluminium industry, cola gasification, coke production, iron and steel foundry, coal tar, pitch, creosote, untreated mineral oils, asphalt, soot. The target organs are mainly lung, bladder, skin. Other relevant effects are skin lesions such as folliculitis. The studies on early biological effects (chromosomal aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges, micronuclei) have shown contradictory results, mainly because of differences in exposure intensity. The metabolic polymorphism may account for a higher susceptibility to lung and bladder cancer following exposure to risk factors; the role of PAH occupational exposure is however to be examined, and the use of indicators of genetic susceptibility is currently limited to research programs. Health surveillance for PAH exposed workers is funded on the Italian laws (DPR 303/56 and D.Lgs. 626/94) and it is mainly dedicated to prevention of carcinogenic effects. Preventive examinations should consider PAH target organs (skin, lung, bladder, larynx) and look for early signs and symptoms. Particular attention will be paid to life habits such as tobacco smoking or diseases which could represent condition of susceptibility. Periodical examinations (every six months) will similarly evaluate PAH target organs. Health surveillance is also programmed for formerly exposed workers and the institution of exposure and cancer registries is mandatory. On the basis of the current scientific data, it is not advisable the use of tumor markers or cytogenetic tests at the individual level as well as the screening of asymptomatic PAH exposed workers for early diagnosis of lung or bladder cancer. Information and formation activities will be part of medical examinations and will be included in specific programs in cooperation with other company functions.

Carcinogens↗