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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous contaminants. Human exposure occurs through diet, smoking, and polluted air. In some groups of workers exposed to PAHs, epidemiological studies have revealed an increased mortality risk for neoplasms. This paper reviews the principal methods that have been developed recently for the detection of PAH adducts to white blood cell DNA and blood proteins (hemoglobin, albumin) and summarizes observations made on occupationally exposed subjects.

This study, which was conducted in central Italy, included (a) 525 office workers employed in an air-conditioned building that had fan coil units in every room (building B) and (b) 281 subjects who worked in three naturally ventilated buildings (building A) that were operated by the same public administration. The prevalence of work-related symptoms was assessed by a questionnaire that was administered by an occupational medicine specialist. The most frequent complaints of employees in building B were dry air, strong lighting, and high temperature. Employees who worked in this building experienced a statistically higher prevalence of symptoms that were characteristic of the sick building syndrome. This is the first time that this syndrome has been reported in Italy. Excessive illumination, a low relative humidity, and fiberglass on floors and furniture might have contributed to the symptoms. Inadequate maintenance of the building's air-conditioning plant and the employees' lack of information regarding self-regulation of the fan coil units may also have contributed to the prevalence of symptoms.

The small dimension and particle shape of silica in gypsum used to prepare moulds for lost wax casting might be responsible for the high prevalence of silicosis in gold jewellery. To test this hypothesis, human pulmonary epithelial cell (BEAS-2B) cultures were exposed to two samples of silica with different crystal micro-morphologies: Silica Powder (Silica P) which is used in casting gold jewellery, and no powder Silica (Silica F). Extracellular matrix (ECM) production was evaluated using radio-labelled precursors and quantified by RT-PCR analysis. Expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) and its receptor (FGFR2) was also evaluated. The results demonstrated Silica P particles had a very fine lamellar crystalline structure while Silica F was characterized by larger rounded crystals. Silica P stimulated collagen production significantly more than Silica F and downregulated laminin and metalloprotease expression. Both silica samples down-regulated FGF2 but only Silica F enhanced FGF2 receptor expression. In conclusion each Silica sample promoted a profibrotic lung microenvironment in a different manner and also elicited different FGF2 signalling pathways. The data confirm that different micromorphology of Silica particles affects the fibrogenic potential and the molecular mechanisms of dust pathogenicity.

Many cases of work related compression neuropathy of the ulnar and median nerves at the wrist have been described. This report presents a case of bilateral distal neuropathy of the median and ulnar nerves in a parquet floorer, who laid wooden block flooring by hand and used the palms and volar surface of both hands to hit the blocks into place. He also used an electric sander and polisher. Bilateral numbness and paraesthesias in all fingers had been present for about one year. Clinical examination was normal; the neurological assessment indicated slight impairment in response to tactile, heat, and pain stimuli in all 10 fingers. Electroneurography showed increased distal motor latencies of median and ulnar nerves at both wrists, although the lower limbs were normal. The results of blood, urine, and instrumental tests excluded systemic disease or local factors that could cause compression neuropathy. After stopping work for three months, the clinical picture and electroneurographic results improved. These data support the hypothesis that the damage to the median and ulnar nerves had been caused by the patient's way of working, which provoked repeated bilateral microtrauma to his wrists. To diagnose work related multiple neuropathy can be difficult and an accurate work history is necessary. Preventive measures and diligent health care are required for this category of worker.

Upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders, (UE-WMSDs) are one of the major causes of work-related disability in industrialized countries. Diagnostic criteria for many UE-WMSDs are still under debate, and several different national and international studies have attempted to reach a consensus agreement on the minimum criteria for case definition of UE-WMSDs. This paper describes clinical and diagnostic features of UE-WMSDs, focussing on carpal tunnel syndrome and rotary cuff tendinopathy.