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Background: There is mounting evidence for an association between sedentary behaviour at work and an increase in all-cause death. Objective: The aim of the present study is to compare the mortality risk between a group of workers who performed sedentary jobs and a group of workers who performed physical jobs. Methods: A sample of 2325 subjects aged 65-84 years was randomly selected from the electoral rolls of eight municipalities in the Apulia region of southern Italy. All the participants underwent clinical exams and evaluation of work and lifetime physical activity via an interview. The jobs were divided into physical jobs (farmer, worker, attendant) and sedentary jobs (employee, manager, housewife, unemployed). Mortality data were acquired through the civil status office, and the Framingham risk score and the Fried frailty index were calculated. Results: We found that compared with subjects who performed sedentary jobs, subjects who performed physical jobs had a lower level of education (p = 0.005), a higher level of physical activity in the 30-40-years (p = 0.021) and 40-50-years (p = 0.042) divisions, and a lower mean Framingham score (p = 0.048). The mortality risk was higher for physical job workers than for sedentary job workers (HR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.707 - 0.462). In contrast, after adjusting the result for all covariates, the mortality risk was higher for sedentary job workers than for physical job workers (HR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.021 - 1.056). Conclusion: Our results support public health initiatives and policies to encourage adults to move more and sit less at work and throughout their day.

Background: Age-Related Hearing Loss (ARHL) is a gradual and irreversible age-dependent decline in auditory function. There is still no consensus on the long-term functional effects of noise exposure on ARHL. Objective: This study aimed to compare the prevalence of ARHL in an elderly population occupationally exposed to noise in a non-exposed population. Methods: The population was divided into two groups: a group of 482 subjects professionally exposed to noise for over 10 years and a group of 1129 non-exposed subjects. Among the exposed subjects, a subgroup of 298 who worked for over 10 years in the glassware industry was selected. All the participants underwent a thorough otorhinolaryngological examination. Results: The presence of ARHL was found in 81% of exposed subjects and in 4% of non-exposed subjects. In the sub-group of glassware workers, the prevalence was 88%. The statistical analysis showed a significant association between previous occupational exposure to noise and ARHL (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.067-1.124; p = 0.0012) and between exposure to the glassware industry and ARHL (OR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.78-1.96; p = 0.006). Conclusion: Consistent with recent studies, we found a significantly higher prevalence of ARHL among workers exposed to noise; however, further studies are needed to support these findings.

Port workers are exposed to a wide range of occupational hazards that can cause injuries and occupational diseases. Among these, exposure to benzene is one of the most important but least studied. The highest occupational exposures for port workers occur during the filling and loading of gasoline, and cleaning of tanks and receptacles. The aim of the study was to evaluate occupational exposure to low levels of benzene by measuring trans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) in urine samples from workers operating at fuelling stations in a tourist port of Southern Italy. The overall sample was composed of 43 port workers of a tourist port in Southern Italy. In 2018, each participant provided two (morning and evening) urine samples for the determination of urinary t,t-MA. Urinary excretion of t,t-MA was always higher at the end of the work shift than at the beginning with significant difference (p = 0.002). In smokers, median t,t-MA urinary excretion is higher than non-smokers both at the beginning (90.5 μg/g creatinine vs. 61.45 μg/g creatinine) and at the end of the work shift (128.2 μg/g creatinine vs. 89.5 μg/g creatinine). Urinary excretion of t,t-MA is higher at the end of the work shift than at the beginning in both smokers and non-smokers, but the difference is significantly higher in non-smokers (p = 0.003) than in smokers (p = 0.05). In conclusion, our results showed that the role of inhaled benzene at fuelling stations in a tourist port can be relevant. On the basis of these results and the known adverse effects of benzene on human health, we encourage the use of personal protective equipment in the fuelling area of ports in order to minimize exposure to benzene to workers.

To assess the predictive power of the comet assay in the context of occupational exposure to pesticides.The recruited subjects completed a structured questionnaire and gave a blood sample. Exposure to pesticides was measured by means of an algorithm based on Dosemeci's work (Agricultural Health Study). Approximately 50 images were analyzed for each sample via fluorescence microscopy. The extent of DNA damage was estimated by tail moment (TM) and is the product of tail DNA (%) and tail Length.Crude significant risks (odds ratios, ORs) for values higher than the 75th percentile of TM were observed among the exposed subjects (score 1). The frequency of some confounding factors (sex, age and smoking) was significantly higher among the exposed workers. A significant dose-effect relationship was observed between TM and exposure score. Significant high-risk estimates (ORs), adjusted by the studied confounding factors, among exposure to pesticides and TM, % tail DNA and tail length were confirmed using unconditional logistic regression models.The adjusted associations (ORs) between the comet parameters and exposure to pesticides were significant. The sensitivity of the comet test was low (41%), the specificity (89%) and the predictive positive value (0.77) were found acceptable.

Since 1973 the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified asbestos as a certain carcinogen, but today it is still used in several countries. To date, mesothelioma risk is certainly linked not only to occupational exposures but also to environmental exposures. The incidence and mortality are increasing worldwide, especially in developing countries where asbestos is still often used without adequate measures for worker safety. The epidemiological surveillance systems of related asbestos diseases are instruments of public health adopted internationally. The experience and the operating methodology of the Italian mesothelioma registry and the data produced from 1996 to 2015 highlight how in countries where the asbestos ban has been active for over 20 years the risk of asbestos remains present, especially in the construction sector as well as for the environmental exposures of the resident population near companies that used asbestos in their production cycle. Worldwide, it is necessary to introduce the ban on the extraction, processing, and marketing of asbestos as claimed by the international scientific community.

Objective Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) have a multifactorial origin: work-related risk factors and individual factors (age, sex, anthropometric characteristics). The purpose of the current study was the risk assessment of upper limb-WMSDs of workers engaged in tasks of anchovies filleting and packaging in a fish industry considering the ergonomic evaluation and the painful symptomatology complained by employees of different age. The activities were analysed by the American Conference Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) method, the Strain Index (SI) method, the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method as well as the Occupational Rapid Assessment (OCRA) checklist. Workers answered the Italian version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Results The ACGIH method showed that packaging needs greater protection, while filleting requires ergonomic interventions. The SI showed a significant increasing risk for both tasks. The final score identified by RULA, for tasks of fish filleting and packaging, suggested a medium level of action, therefore were required additional observations. By OCRA checklist the final score for both tasks denoted a high risk.

The evaluation of the association between different exposure to pesticides and different types of comet images among a group of 26 recruited subject.We have recruited 26 subjects (farmers and not farmers). They were submitted to a blood drawing of 10 mL and a questionnaire was administered to investigate personal habits and work history. By means of the comet assay it was assessed the oxidative DNA damage of peripheral lymphocytes by pesticides in the exposed and non-exposed workers.The data measured by means of the comet were log transformed and the associations (odds ratios - ORs) with the single pesticides were calculated. The regression analysis shows a significant dose effects relationships between the Intensity Score of pesticides exposures tail moment (TM) and other measured parameters. Insecticides TM OR = 17.00 [1.47 - 196.41]. This relationship is independent from the smoking habits.TM values higher than the 75° percentile were significantly associated with the exposure to particular insecticides such as chlorpyriphos, deltamethrin and with other pesticides (near the statistical significance).

Since 1988, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radon among the compounds for which there is scientific evidence of carcinogenicity for humans (group 1). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a reference radon level between 100 and 300 Bq/m³ for homes. The objective of this study is to measure the radon concentrations in 401 workplaces, different from the patient rooms, in 28 different buildings of the university hospital in Bari (Apulia region, Southern Italy) to evaluate the exposure of health care workers. Radon environmental sampling is performed over two consecutive six-month periods via the use of passive dosimeters of the CR-39 type. We find an average annual radon concentration expressed as median value of 48.0 Bq/m³ (range 6.5-388.0 Bq/m³) with a significant difference between the two six-month periods (median value: February/July 41.0 Bq/m³ vs. August/January 55.0 Bq/m³). An average concentration of radon lower than the WHO reference level (100 Bq/m³) is detected in 76.1% of monitored environments, while higher than 300 Bq/m³ only in the 0.9%. Most workplaces report radon concentrations within the WHO reference level, therefore, the risk to workers' health deriving from occupational exposure to radon can be considered to be low. Nevertheless, the goal is to achieve near-zero exposures to protect workers' health.

Introduction Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and a level 1 carcinogen by IARC. It acts synergistically with cigarette smoke to cause lung cancer. The limit of 300 Bq/m3 is envisaged, both for working environments and for living environments, from the new European Directive on the Protection of Ionising Radiant (‘Basic Safety Standards’ – Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom, published in OJ L −13 of 17/1/2014), which will be transposed by Member States of the European Union by the deadline of 06 February 2018. Method we studied the association between different building, occupational and geologic characteristics and high levels of radon concentrations (above the 75% percentile). Also the lung cancer death rates for the exposure to Radon was assessed by means of the REID method (Nezahat Hunter, 2015) related to different smoking habits groups. The data collection was carried out using Apulia observed radon data collected by regional environmental protection agency (Arpa), in the provinces of Bari and Lecce and other sources. Results The preliminary data showed an increase of risk to observe Radom mean values above the 75th percentile (100 Bq·m -3 ) associated to years of building above 1972 (OR=2.28 to OR=4.70), elevated number of rooms (OR=2.16), Non cement walls (OR=2.6). The risk rate due to residential radon will be calculated and differentiated for Continuing smokers, Ex-smokers and Never smokers. The calculations of specific lung cancer rates will be based on the REID method. Discussion Radon exposure is the second cause of lung cancer. Many lung cancer cases could be prevented in Apulia by reducing indoor radon and smoking habits. The regional and provincial health authorities would be benefited by improved testing for radon and subsequent home remediation rates. Safety structural building procedures could be useful for lung cancer prevention.

Introduction The large increase of epidemiological studies on night shift work is due to the important effects on workers’ health and psychophysical wellbeing. The short-term effects are easily studied and they are: insomnia, difficulties in managing work and private life, lower work performance, more work and extra-work accidents. The long-term effects, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer, are difficult to study, because of the need for detailed exposure assessment and the long latency periods of these diseases. Method A review of literature on pubmed from 2000 to 2017on diet and health effects in night shift workers was conduct to collect epidemiologic evidence of diseases in night shift workers, describing their biological pathways and a set of dietary guidelines. Results Significant Rate Ratio and Hazard Ratio increases of different diseases associated to modified eating behaviour and poor eating habits among night shift workers are reported. The night shift work is a risk factor for disruption of the circadian rhythms and for some genetic deregulation, because it produces the inversion of the sleep/wake cycle and modifies the alternation between activity and rest. Discussion Healthy diet and improved dietary practices can reduce shift-workers’ chronic disease risk. In literature was shown the importance of eating behaviour in order to prevent diseases in these workers, therefore educational programs are necessary to encourage several important lifestyle changes. Interventions to reduce chronic disease risk among shift workers should incorporate several important lifestyle changes (i.e.: healthy diet, improved dietary practices, decreased drug and alcohol use, physical activity, proper sleep and light exposure). The reported findings suggest a possible role of education programs on eating behaviour as preventive strategies in this group of workers. Actually is missing a deep knowledge of the relationship between specific dietary compositions (i.e. Mediterranean diet) and the prevention programs of diseases among shift workers.

Epidemiologic studies have suggested that parental occupations, pesticide use, environmental factors, and genetic polymorphism are involved in the etiology of childhood acute leukemia (CAL). In total, 116 cases of CAL and 162 controls were recruited and submitted to blood drawing to assess the presence of genetic polymorphisms. Parental occupations, pesticides exposure, and other potential determinants were investigated. Increased risk for CAL was associated with prenatal maternal use of insecticides/rodenticides (odds ratio [OR]=1.87; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.04-3.33), with subjects living

(1) Background: Particulate matter increases the risk of respiratory, allergic and oncological diseases in both exposed workers and the general population due to its toxic compounds (e.g., PAHs, gases, heavy metals, microorganisms). The aim of this review is to show the results obtained by our department regarding air pollution’s contributions to health damage in both occupationally and non-occupationally exposed people. (2) Methods: This review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, searching articles on PubMed, using eligibility criteria, extracting data independently from reports to reduce bias and considering the accuracy of the statistical analyses. (3) Results: Of fifteen papers, only three respected the abovementioned criteria. A total of 453 cases (174 occupationally exposed and 279 non-occupationally exposed individuals) were included in the review. Qualitative analysis showed that among workers, occupational exposure to air pollution increased the risk of allergic and pulmonary diseases, whereas environmental exposure to PM increased heavy metal intake, the last of which was characterized by well-known carcinogenic effects. 4) Conclusion: The use of personal protective equipment, a meticulous health surveillance program and specific environmental protection policies are needed to protect public health from damages due to air pollution.

Indoor radon exposure is responsible for increased incidence of lung cancer in communities. Building construction characteristics, materials, and environmental determinants are associated with increased radon concentration at specific sites. In this study, routine data related to radon measurements available from the Apulia (Italy) Regional Environmental Protection Agency (ARPA) were combined with building and ground characteristics data. An algorithm was created based on the experience of miners and it was able to produce estimates of lung cancer cases attributable to radon in different municipalities with the combined data. In the province of Lecce, the sites with a higher risk of lung cancer are Campi Salentina and Minervino, with 1.18 WLM (working level months) and 1.38 WLM, respectively, corresponding to lung cancer incidence rates of 3.34 and 3.89 per 10 &times, 103 inhabitants. The sites in the province of Bari with higher risks of lung cancer are Gravina di Puglia and Locorotondo, measuring 1.89 WLM and 1.22 WLM, respectively, which correspond to an incidence rate of lung cancer of 5.36 and 3.44 per 10 &times, 103 inhabitants. The main determinants of radon exposure are whether the buildings were built between 1999 and 2001, were one-room buildings with porous masonry, and were built on soil consisting of pelvis, clayey sand, gravel and conglomerates, calcarenites, and permeable lithotypes.