Mortality for chronic-degenerative diseases in Tuscany: Ecological study comparing neighboring areas with substantial differences in environmental pollution
Journal Title: International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health - Year 2017, Vol 30, Issue 4
Abstract
Objectives: Environmental pollution is associated with morbidity and mortality for chronic-degenerative diseases. Recent data points out a relationship between proximity to industrial plants and mortality due to neoplasms. The aim of this study has been to compare mortality due to chronic-degenerative diseases in the area of Tuscany (Bassa Val di Cecina), Italy, characterized by the presence of 2 neighboring municipalities similar in terms of size but with substantial differences in industrial activities: Rosignano (the site of chemical, energy production and waste processing industries) and Cecina (with no polluting activity). Material and Methods: Standardized mortality rates for the 2001–2010 decade were calculated; the data of the whole Tuscany was assumed as reference. Environmental levels of pollutants were obtained by databases of the Environmental Protection Agency of Tuscany Region (Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione Ambientale della Toscana – ARPAT). Maximum tolerated pollutant levels set by national laws were assumed as reference. Results: In the whole Bassa Val di Cecina, significantly elevated standardized mortality rates due to mesothelioma, ischemic heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases and Alzheimer and other degenerative diseases of nervous system were observed. In the municipality of Rosignano, a significant excess of mortality for all these groups of diseases was confirmed. On the contrary, the municipality of Cecina showed only significantly higher mortality rates for ischemic heart diseases. Elevated levels of heavy metals in sea water and of particulate matter which contains particles of diameter ≤ 10 mm (PM10) and ozone in air were detected in Rosignano. Conclusions: This study shows an excess of mortality for chronic-degenerative diseases in the area with elevated concentration of polluting factories. Proximity to industrial plants seems to represent a risk factor for those diseases. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(4):641–653
Authors and Affiliations
Claudio Marabotti, Paolo Piaggi, Elio Venturini, Romina Cecchi, Alessandro Pingitore
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP181636
- DOI 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.00972
- Views 67
- Downloads 0
Life role salience and subjective well-being among Macedonian employees: Does family-supportive organization perception moderate this relationship
Objectives: As many studies have shown, one of the most important tendencies of employees nowadays is to achieve work– life balance. Organizations should develop various activities and create supportive climate, within t...
Subcutaneous administration of infliximab-attenuated silica-induced lung fibrosis
Objectives: To investigate the influence of the anti-tumor necrosis factor-α infliximab (IFX) in the case of rats with silicosis. Material and Methods: Forty-eight Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. The stu...
Auditory fatigue among call dispatchers working with headsets
Objectives: To determine whether call center dispatchers wearing headsets are subject to auditory fatigue at the end of a work shift. Material and Methods: Data was gathered at times when call centers were busiest. All c...
Skydiving and the risk of cervical disc herniation
The skydiving/parachuting sport which has recently gained popularity is also known for its accidents and injuries. However, there are a few studies related to its occupational ergonomic risks and occupational musculoskel...
Obstructive sleep apnea risk for driving license applicants in India – A community based study
Objectives: To determine the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) for male permanent driving license (DL) applicants of Lucknow, India. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional community based, study body mass inde...