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Miligi L, Piro S, Airoldi C, Di Rico R, Ricci R, Paredes Alpaca RI, De Pasquale F, Veraldi A, Ranucci A, Massari S, Marinaccio A, Stoppa G, Cenni A, Trane C, Peruzzi A, Aprea MC. Formaldehyde and Acetaldehyde Exposure in "Non-Traditional" Occupational Sectors: Bakeries and Pastry Producers. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:1983. [PMID: 36767350 PMCID: PMC9916260 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Formaldehyde, a colorless and highly irritating substance, causes cancer of the nasopharynx and leukemia. Furthermore, it is one of the environmental mutagens to which humans are most abundantly exposed. Acetaldehyde was recently classified as carcinogen class 1B and mutagen class 2 in Annex VI EC regulation. Occupational exposure to the two aldehydes occurs in a wide variety of occupations and industries. The aim of this study is to deepen exposure to the two aldehydes in the non-traditional productive sectors of bakeries and pastry producers. METHODS The evaluation of exposure to formaldehyde and acetaldehyde was conducted in Italy in 2019, in specific tasks and positions of 11 bakeries and pastry producers (115 measures, of which 57.4% were in fixed positions and the rest were personal air sampling). The measurements were performed using Radiello© radial diffusion samplers. A logarithmic transformation of the data was performed, and the correlation between the two substances was calculated. Moreover, linear models considering the log-formaldehyde as the outcome and adjusting for log-acetaldehyde values were used. RESULTS The study identified high levels of acetaldehyde and formaldehyde exposure in the monitored workplaces. Higher mean values were observed in the leavening phase (8.39 µg/m3 and 3.39 µg/m3 for log-transformed data acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, respectively). The adjusted univariate analyses show statistically significant factors for formaldehyde as the presence of yeast, the presence of type 1 flour, the use of barley, the use of fats, the type of production, the use of spelt, and the presence of type 0 flour. CONCLUSIONS The measurements confirmed the release of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde in bakeries and pastry industries, especially in some phases of the work process, such as leavening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Miligi
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Cancer Risk Factors and Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Piro
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Cancer Risk Factors and Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Airoldi
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Cancer Risk Factors and Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Renato Di Rico
- Local Health Unit AUSL Modena, SPSAL-Department of Public Health, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Raffaella Ricci
- Local Health Unit AUSL Modena, SPSAL-Department of Public Health, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio De Pasquale
- Local Health Unit AUSL Modena, SPSAL-Department of Public Health, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Angela Veraldi
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Cancer Risk Factors and Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ranucci
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Cancer Risk Factors and Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Stefania Massari
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marinaccio
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Stoppa
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Cancer Risk Factors and Lifestyle Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Cenni
- Unit of Occupational Hygiene and Toxicology, Public Health Laboratory, Department of Prevention, AUSL South-East Tuscany, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Cinzia Trane
- Unit of Occupational Hygiene and Toxicology, Public Health Laboratory, Department of Prevention, AUSL South-East Tuscany, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Antonio Peruzzi
- Unit of Occupational Hygiene and Toxicology, Public Health Laboratory, Department of Prevention, AUSL South-East Tuscany, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Aprea
- Unit of Occupational Hygiene and Toxicology, Public Health Laboratory, Department of Prevention, AUSL South-East Tuscany, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Modenese A, Gioia TC, Chiesi A, Abbacchini C, Borsari L, Ferrari D, De Pasquale F, Di Rico R, Ricci R, Sala A, Gianaroli E, Predieri G, Verri S, Gobba F. Evaluation of Occupational Exposure to Perchlorethylene in a Group of Italian Dry Cleaners Using Noninvasive Exposure Indices. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:E2832. [PMID: 31398862 PMCID: PMC6719957 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16162832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent data suggest a general trend in decreased occupational exposure to perchlorethylene (PCE) in the dry-cleaning sector. The aims of this study were to confirm this trend to lower exposure levels in a group of Italian dry cleaners and to evaluate the current occupational PCE exposure in these works using noninvasive biological indices. Environmental exposure was assessed by personal sampling in 60 operators working in 21 dry cleaning shops in North Italy. PCE in the exhaled alveolar air (PCEalv), urinary concentration of PCE and of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) (PCEu and TCAu respectively), were measured as biological exposure indices. Median PCE environmental concentration in the whole sample was 10.6 mg/m3 (i.e., less than the 25% of the levels measured in the same area in a previous study). All values were less than 10% of the occupational limits. PCEu measured in samples collected at the end of the work shift resulted the biological markers having the strongest correlation with environmental PCE (r = 0.81). PCEalv also resulted in a high correlation (r = 0.66), while a lower correlation was found for TCAu measured at the end shift (r = 0.32). According to our results, PCEu can be proposed as a valid, noninvasive, and easily reliable exposure index to evaluate PCE exposure at the low levels currently observed in dry cleaners, therefore representing a promising alternative to invasive blood sample collections needed to determine PCE blood concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Modenese
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Concetta Gioia
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Chiesi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Carlotta Abbacchini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Lucia Borsari
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Guerrino Predieri
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | | | - Fabriziomaria Gobba
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
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Chiesi A, Pellacani G, Di Rico R, Farnetani F, Giusti G, Pepe P, Prampolini P, Gobba FM. [Not Available]. Med Lav 2016; 107:205-212. [PMID: 27240224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of their frequent occurrence, in various situations it may be appropriate to carry out screening of skin disorders in groups of workers. For this purpose the self-administered standardized questionnaires are of great use. Among the best known is the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ-2002), which had not yet been translated and validated in Italian. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to translate the NOSQ-2002 into Italian and validate the resulting Italian version. METHODS The original English text of the NOSQ-2002 was subjected to the ISPOR task force's procedures for translation and cultural validation of questionnaires in health care. Subsequently, the Italian version was tested on a sample of 52 individuals to assess comprehensibility and reliability through analysis of internal consistency and stability over time and the predictive value of the clinical history through assessment of sensitivity and specificity in 32 subjects. RESULTS The Italian version of the NOSQ produced proved very true to the original, needing only minor changes. From interviews on the comprehensibility of the questionnaire no significant difficulties in understanding the text were detected. The results of the evaluation of internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha: 0.88 and 0.97) and stability (K Cohen> 0.81 in 52/57 items) indicated that the Italian version of the NOSQ may be considered reliable for the purposes proposed. There were also excellent sensitivity and specificity results, which were 86% and 89% respectively. CONCLUSIONS The Italian version of the NOSQ presented here is appropriate for self-administration and is reliable for use in studies on skin diseases in groups of workers.
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Chiesi A, Gioia TC, Modenese A, Abbacchini C, Borsari L, Clò E, Di Rico R, Ferrari D, Gobba FM. [Early effects of PCE exposure on visual function among dry cleaning workers]. Med Lav 2016; 107:12-21. [PMID: 26822242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 12/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of studies have shown a possible correlation between exposure to perchlorethylene (PCE) in dry cleaning workers and impairment of colour perception. OBJECTIVES to ascertain the possible presence of alterations in visual function in a group of workers exposed to current limit value levels of PCE. METHODS The study was conducted on 38 workers exposed to PCE in 21 dry cleaning establishments in the district of Modena and 60 controls selected according to criteria of comparability. We measured exposure to PCE among the dry cleaning workers using environmental monitoring (mean exposure 16.9 mg/m3). Both groups then answered a medical history questionnaire and underwent the Ishihara test for evaluating exclusion criteria followed by Lanthony D15d and Visual Acuity in Contrast Reduced (VCS) tests to evaluate changes in visual function. The results of Lanthony's test were expressed using Index Confusion Chromatic (ICC). RESULTS In the cases the average value of ICC was 1.28 (DS 0.21) and in the controls 1.15 (SD 0.21); the difference was statistically significant (p <0.01). The values of ICC tended to be worse in subjects engaged only in the washing phase, who also had higher levels of exposure to PCE (mean exposure 26.8 mg/m3). The values of VCS for each frequency did not show, however, significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS On this basis, our data indicate that occupational exposure to PCE well below the current limit values may still be able to induce impairment of colour perception and that such levels are therefore not adequately protective, at least against these effects.
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Alpaca RIP, Rota C, Canali C, Migliore A, Di Rico R, Trenti T, Cariani E. Effectiveness of the biological monitoring of chemical exposure in the workplace: results of a survey in an area of Northern Italy. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2010; 214:121-6. [PMID: 20956087 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2010.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2010] [Revised: 09/08/2010] [Accepted: 09/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A survey of biological monitoring results from 2000 to 2008 was carried out as a part of institutional activities performed by the Workplace Prevention and Safety Service (SPSAL) of the south area of Modena district (Italy). The survey involved 18 companies employing 945 workers altogether. According to workplace exposure, routine biological monitoring had been carried out yearly or 6-monthly in private laboratories chosen by each company. Analysis of consecutive data from six plants showed fluctuating biomarker levels inconsistent with expected occupational exposure and sometimes exceeding biological exposure indices. Surveillance samplings were thus organized for comparison to be carried out in a public reference laboratory. Overall results showed systematic underestimation of marker levels by the laboratories in charge of routine biomonitoring that, together with inappropriate biomarker selection and timing of sample collection, led to insufficient and/or ineffective corrective measures. These results raise major concerns on the reliability of laboratory assessments performed for the routine biomonitoring of exposed workers. Continuous surveillance of the consistency between biological and ambient monitoring data, together with the systematic evaluation of the analytical quality of laboratory results, would be essential for a reliable assessment of health risk in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudy Ivan Paredes Alpaca
- Workplace Prevention and Safety Service (SPSAL), South Area, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Modena, Modena, Italy
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