Waste management health risk assessment: a case study of a solid waste landfill in South Italy

An integrated risk assessment study has been performed in an area within 5 km from a landfill that accepts non hazardous waste. The risk assessment was based on measured emissions and maximum chronic population exposure, for both children and adults, to contaminated air, some foods and soil. The toxic effects assessed were limited to the main known carcinogenic compounds emitted from landfills coming both from landfill gas torch combustion (e.g., dioxins, furans and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAHs) and from diffusive emissions (vinyl chloride monomer, VCM). Risk assessment has been performed both for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects. Results indicate that cancer and non-cancer effects risk (hazard index, HI) are largely below the values accepted from the main international agencies (e.g., WHO, US EPA) and national legislation (D.Lgs. 152/2006 and D.Lgs. 4/2008).

Meltzer-Lyon test simultaneous with fiberoptic gastroduodenoscopy

We have found that performing a Meltzer-Lyon test simultaneously with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is an efficient as well as accurate technique for diagnosing acalculous cholecystitis. For the patient with upper abdominal pain and normal contrast and sonographic studies, endoscopy is often the next logical step in diagnosis. When the results of endoscopy do not reveal a source of upper abdominal pain, one can proceed directly to a Meltzer-Lyon test. Early diagnosis and cost containment are the obvious advantages of this procedure. The reliability of the Meltzer-Lyon test justifies the additional five to ten minutes of endoscopic time in these diagnostically challenging patients.