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The purpose of this study was an integrated assessment of exposure to benzene and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in 29 workers employed to manage a controlled-access highways. A campaign was performed in summertime by environmental monitoring (active and passive airborne personal sampler), as well as by biological monitoring (urine samples of the beginning and of the end of daily shift, baseline after two days of vacation). The measured environmental levels did not differ from background environmental concentrations found in a metropolitan area (i.e. benzo[a]pyrene <1 ng/m³; benzene <5mcg/m³), and the results of biological monitoring were in agreement and were compatible with extra-professional habits of the investigated subjects (1-hydroxipyrene 50-990 ng/g creatinine; unmetabolized benzene 15-2010 ng /l; t-t muconic acid <4-222 mcg/g creatinine). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The purpose of the work was the assessment of exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH), a family of ubiquitous pollutants of which some are carcinogens, in 100 Italian asphalt workers (exposed to bitumen fumes and diesel exhausts) and in a reference group of 47 ground construction operators (exposed only to diesel exhausts, reference group). The protocol included interview via questionnaires, environmental air-monitoring (active personal sampling during the work shift), dermal contamination measures (six pads placed on worker's wrist, neck, arm, chest, thigh, and ankle), and biological monitoring (determination of 1-hydroxypyrene in urine spot samples collected three at different moments: baseline after two days of vacation, before shift, and at end shift on a day in the second half of the week). Analysis of the most relevant PAH, according to the American Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, was performed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) by fluorimetric detector. Median airborne levels of PAH ranged from 426 to below 0.03 ng/m(3). Vapor-phase PAH, apart from naphthalene, were significantly higher in asphalt workers than in the reference group. Particle-phase PAH were similar and very low (< 1 ng/m(3)) in both exposure groups. Exposure levels did not vary in different work-tasks. Excretion of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (expressed by ng/g creatinine) showed a significant increase at different sampling moments in asphalt workers, smokers, and non-smokers: baseline was lower than at the beginning of the workshift, and values were even higher in the end workshift sample. Comparing the two groups, a significant difference in the levels of metabolite does not appear, whereas this trend can be viewed observing the non-smokers. All body regions monitored by pads showed equivalent values levels of Dermal Deposition Density in both exposure groups. The measured amount of dermal contamination was significantly higher in asphalt workers than in ground construction operators. In asphalt workers, skin contamination was significantly higher during asphalt paving than during asphalt mixing. Dermal Exposure Rate was calculated about threefold higher than Airborne Exposure Rate; whereas considering toxicokinetical information (Kp, lag time, experimental dermal absorption data) and hygienistic data (particle size of bitumen fume), the relevance of dermal absorption is lower than respiratory. The results of this study demonstrate that asphalt workers experience slight occupational exposure to PAH, both by inhalatory and dermal routes, resulting in a significant increase of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene during the workweek. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was the assessment of low-level exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by biological monitoring focusing on measurement of unmetabolized PAHs in urine. Italian asphalt workers (AW, n = 100) and roadside construction workers (CW, n = 47) were investigated by measurement of unmetabolized PAHs and 1-hydroxypyrene (OH-Py) in urine spot samples collected respectively after two days of vacation (baseline), before and at the end of the monitored workshift, in the second part of the workweek. Personal exposure was also assessed by use of active samplers collecting both vapor- and particulate-phase PAHs. Median airborne levels during the workshift of 15 PAHs (both vapor and particulate phases), from naphthalene to indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, ranged from below 0.03 to 426 ng/m(3). Median excretion values of OH-Py in end-shift samples was 690 ng/L for AW and 378 ng/L for CW (p < 0.01). Urinary low-boiling PAHs were detected in the majority of the samples. Median levels for urinary naphthalene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and pyrene in end-shift samples were 117, 50, 8, and 6 ng/L in AW and 104, 19, 5, and 4 ng/L in CW, respectively. Significantly higher levels of most of the unmetabolized compounds were found in AW than in CW. Moreover, in AW samples the urinary excretion of most analytes increased during the work shift (before-shift vs. end-shift) and the workweek (baseline vs. before-shift). Urinary high-boiling PAHs were found in less than 10% of the samples. Significant correlations between airborne and urinary PAHs were observed. The results of this study show that low-boiling unmetabolized PAHs in urine may be suggested as biomarkers of low-level exposure to PAHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The risk associated with exposure to chemical carcinogens (as classified by International Agency for Research on Cancer and / or the European Union), during painting activities in construction seems controversial. This study included all 43 activities of professional painting in this sector existing in the area of Cremona, in Lombardy region. The aim was to consider and promote preventive technical and medical solutions, basing on efficacy. The occupational exposure and the already adopted preventive measures were evaluated by investigations at workplaces, supported by standardized questionnaires and registrations. 860 commercial products (402 chemical substances) were classified: in 38% of cases the ingredients were not listed in the Material Safety Data Sheets (retrieved by the manufacturer). The real possibility of a risk exposure to carcinogens has been reported in a small proportion of situations. In all companies the presence of carcinogens was unrecognized or at least had not been taken into account in the risk assessment of workers. Key words: Chemical carcinogens [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The debate around the role of the work at personal computer as cause of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis was developed partially, without considering multidisciplinary available data. A systematic review of the literature, using an evidence-based approach, was performed. In disorders associated with the use of VDU, we must distinguish those at the upper limbs and among them those related to an overload. Experimental studies on the occurrence of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis are quite limited, as well as clinically are quite difficult to prove the professional etiology, considering the interference due to other activities of daily living or to the biological susceptibility (i.e. anatomical variability, sex, age, exercise). At present there is no evidence of any connection between De Quervain syndrome and time of use of the personal computer or keyboard, limited evidence of correlation is found with time using a mouse. No data are available regarding the use exclusively or predominantly for personal laptops or mobile "smart phone". Key words: upper limbs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to carcinogenic chemicals at work is again debated owing to continuous technological developments. The observed decrease in cancer mortality in North America and in Western Europe after the 1980s can be attributed to several factors including a reduction of exposure to carcinogens at work. A multicentric study was conducted in Lombardy (PPTP-Study) in order to assess the actual presence and possible exposure to chemical carcinogens, with the aim of mapping the work areas at greatest risk at present. The results showed that an integrated use of databases to map the exposed workers may provide a useful starting point to set priorities for preventive action, but it must be underlined the need of a constant updating about the evolution of the technological innovations of enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To check the current levels of exposure to fluorine and possible implications for health, 429 workers of a plant for aluminum production were involved in this study. The protocol included a medical examination with standardized questionnaire and dosage of urinary fluorine at the beginning and end of the shift. Workers with an urinary value greater than 5 mg F/L (66% of the limit SCOEL) were examined also by X-ray of the pelvis (AP); they were classified for the presence of fluorosis by a semiquantitative scale. Workers directly exposed showed a statistically significant difference compared to non / indirectly exposed ones (mean at the end of shift 3.11 vs 0.59 / 0.29 mg F/L respectively). No worker showed actual clinical signs or symptoms uniquely related to fluorosis. According to the adopted criteria it was found "possible fluorosis" or "initial fluorosis" in 4.81% of the workers (all with duration of exposure more than 20 years), no case of confirmed fluorosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Il dibattito medico-scientifico si è sviluppato spesso affrontando il complesso argomento dei disturbi della fonazione senza considerare le necessarie informazioni multidisciplinari oggi a disposizione. Scopo della ricerca condotta è stato quello di inquadrare con un'analisi sistematica della letteratura scientifica la problematica, avvalendosi di un approccio basato sull'evidenza e valorizzando gli studi che raccolgono informazioni sperimentali anche in ambito preventivo. Nel complesso gli studi disponibili appaiono indicare una possibile azione acuta con tendenza al rilassamento delle corde vocali e possibile formazione di noduli, legata allo sforzo continuo di muscoli, legamenti e dell'apparato fonatorio. In particolare una situazione da sovraccarico connessa all'attività di call center è un'ipotesi non ancora attualmente dimostrata con piena solidità. Gli studi disponibili relativi ad effetti sull'uomo di tipo cronico sono ancora pochi e richiedono ulteriori approfondimenti. Sul versante della prevenzione efficaci interventi sono risultati possibili, oltre che con interventi sugli ambienti di lavoro (studio acustico e pareti fonoassorbenti per evitare fenomeni di eco), attuando azioni di educazione e ginnastica mirata in soggetti ipersuscettibili. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To check the current levels of exposure to fluorine and possible implications for health, 429 workers of a plant for aluminum production were involved in this study. The protocol included a medical examination with standardized questionnaire and dosage of urinary fluorine at the beginning and end of the shift. Workers with an urinary value greater than 5 mg F/L (66% of the limit SCOEL) were examined also by X-ray of the pelvis (AP); they were classified for the presence of fluorosis by a semiquantitative scale. Workers directly exposed showed a statistically significant difference compared to non/indirectly exposed ones (mean at the end of shift 3.11 vs 0.59/0.29 mg F/L respectively). No worker showed actual clinical signs or symptoms uniquely related to fluorosis. According to the adopted criteria it was found "possible fluorosis" or "initial fluorosis" in 4.81% of the workers (all with duration of exposure more than 20 years), no case of confirmed fluorosis.

The risk associated with exposure to chemical carcinogens (as classified by International Agency for Research on Cancer and/or the European Union), during painting activities in construction seems controversial. This study included all 43 activities of professional painting in this sector existing in the area of Cremona, in Lombardy region. The aim was to consider and promote preventive technical and medical solutions, basing on efficacy. The occupational exposure and the already adopted preventive measures were evaluated by investigations at workplaces, supported by standardized questionnaires and registrations. 860 commercial products (402 chemical substances) were classified: in 38% of cases the ingredients were not listed in the Material Safety Data Sheets (retrieved by the manufacturer). The real possibility of a risk exposure to carcinogens has been reported in a small proportion of situations. In all companies the presence of carcinogens was unrecognized or at least had not been taken into account in the risk assessment of workers.

The debate around the role of the work at personal computer as cause of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis was developed partially, without considering multidisciplinary available data. A systematic review of the literature, using an evidence-based approach, was performed. In disorders associated with the use of VDU, we must distinguish those at the upper limbs and among them those related to an overload. Experimental studies on the occurrence of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis are quite limited, as well as clinically are quite difficult to prove the professional etiology, considering the interference due to other activities of daily living or to the biological susceptibility (i.e. anatomical variability, sex, age, exercise). At present there is no evidence of any connection between De Quervain syndrome and time of use of the personal computer or keyboard, limited evidence of correlation is found with time using a mouse. No data are available regarding the use exclusively or predominantly for personal laptops or mobile "smart phone".

Exposure to organic solvents in footwear manufacturing industry came from the glues used adhering the shoe parts to each other. Benzene was the first solvent used in shoe factories until the evidence of its capacity to cause leukaemia. Then, the demonstration that exposure to n-hexane was related to distal polyneuropathy limited the use of this substance. After that, results of neurotoxicological studies conducted on workers exposed to different mixtures of organic solvents make necessary prevention measure directed to a progressive reduction of air dispersion of these chemicals. Today exposure to solvents in workplaces is regulated by health based exposure limit values that should warranty absence of central nervous system effects. One of the most important rules of occupational medicine is verify that these exposure levels are really health protective also for workers with increased susceptibility.

The purpose of this study was an integrated assessment of exposure to benzene and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in 29 workers employed to manage a controlled-access highways. A campaign was performed in summertime by environmental monitoring (active and passive airborne personal sampler), as well as by biological monitoring (urine samples of the beginning and of the end of daily shift, baseline after two days of vacation). The measured environmental levels did not differ from background environmental concentrations found in a metropolitan area (i.e. benzo[a]pyrene < 1 ng/m3; benzene < 5 mcg/m3), and the results of biological monitoring were in agreement and were compatible with extra-professional habits of the investigated subjects (1-hydroxipyrene 50-990 ng/g creatinine; unmetabolized benzene 15-2010 ng/I; t-t muconic acid < 4-222 mcg/g creatinine).

Exposure to carcinogenic chemicals at work is again debated owing to continuous technological developments. The observed decrease in cancer mortality in North America and in Western Europe after the 1980s can be attributed to several factors including a reduction of exposure to carcinogens at work. A multicentric study was conducted in Lombardy (PPTP-Study) in order to assess the actual presence and possible exposure to chemical carcinogens, with the aim of mapping the work areas at greatest risk at present. The results showed that an integrated use of databases to map the exposed workers may provide a useful starting point to set priorities for preventive action, but it must be underlined the need of a constant updating about the evolution of the technological innovations of enterprises.

Nowadays nickel is a global problem, related to occupations (mainly metalworkers) and to life habits. The dietary intake, more than environments, is the source of a basic immune identification and also of possible complications after occupational inhalation or contact. Nickel insoluble compounds are proved to be cancerogenic. Nickel ions are very reactive with proteins and oxidant, then also potential irritant for the airways. Metallic nickel and soluble compounds are sensitizers, causing dermatitis, rhinitis and asthma. Recently a Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome (SNAS) has been identified in allergic subjects, with a clinical picture of urticaria, general hitching, headache, gastrointestinal troubles. SNAS may affect allergic occupational or non-occupational ones. Studies are in progress aimed to an oral treatment inducing immunotolerance. Nickel in urine seems to be the best tool for monitoring nickel absorption.

Objectives: To assess dermal exposure to 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in asphalt workers by applying polypropylene pads to six body sites (neck, shoulder, upper arm, wrist, groin, ankle), to identify the compounds and exposure sites most representative, and to integrate dermal exposure results with environmental and biological data., Methods: Twenty-four asphalt workers were recruited. Dermal exposure was assessed during a single work shift. Sixteen PAHs (from naphthalene to indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene) were quantified via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Airborne exposure, urinary PAHs and monohydroxy metabolites were also investigated., Results: Phenanthrene (PHE), present in all samples, was the most abundant compound (median 0.805-1.825 ng/cm(2)). Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) was present in 75% of the samples (0.046-0.101 ng/cm(2)). Wrist had the highest contamination, with median PHE, pyrene (PYR), and BaP concentrations of 1.825, 0.527, and 0.063 ng/cm(2). PHE and PYR on wrist correlated with almost all 3- to 4-ring PAHs (0.405< or =r< or =0.856), but not with BaP; BaP correlated with almost all 4- to 6- ring PAHs (0.584< or =r< or =0.633). Significant correlations were observed between PHE level, airborne exposure, and the corresponding urinary PHE and monohydroxy metabolites. For PYR, significant correlations existed only between urinary PYR and monohydroxy metabolites. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that 42% of the end-of-shift monohydroxy metabolites were the result of airborne exposure, dermal exposure, and baseline levels of biomarkers., Conclusions: Dermal exposure to PAHs was in the low ng/cm(2) range. PHE or PYR and BaP were the most representative compounds and the wrist was the best location to perform dermal exposure assessments. Both dermal and airborne exposure contributed to the total body burden of PAHs, though the relative contribution was analyte-dependent.

The possibility of health effects related to nanoparticles (less than 100 nanometers diameter) exposure may be considered as an emerging problem. Current approaches are usually partial and do not consider the multidisciplinary available data. The purpose of this work is to define the problem using an evidence-based approach: we characterized the possible nanoparticles-human interactions by collection of all pertinent scientific data available in the literature and by their critical evaluation. The distinction between non-intentional nanoparticles ("ultrafine particles", UFP) and intentional nanoparticles ("intentionally produced nanomaterials" or simply "nanomaterials", IPN) is a critical item. Each single type of nanoparticle is more relevant than isolated metric characteristics. Globally, the experimental studies suggest a possible inflammatory acute effect. The available data regard mainly the UFP. Regarding IPN, the studies about attaints on human health are actually few and limited: no cardiovascular. respiratory and coagulation effect were showed as consistent with exposure. No human study about IPN chronic effect is available, and any human data is not showed relating carcinogenic and sensitizing effects.

Evaluating the chemical risks at the workplaces, the potential carcinogenic risk is a primary interest. Particularly, in the rubber forming industry the main attention was directed to the hot processing as a possible source of exposure to chemical agents, several of which were classified as carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and/or the European Union (EU). A study on occupational exposure to chemical carcinogens in the rubber forming industry was planned during last two years, involving a representative sample of firms. In the first step the occupational exposure and the use of preventive measures were evaluated by an investigation at workplace supported with standardized questionnaires. The presence of above 100 chemical agents was registered; 15 agents were classified to carcinogenic or probably carcinogenic to human. The evaluation of exposure by air sampling and monitoring of most substances of interest (acrylonitrile, 1,3-butadiene, styrene, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons), demonstrated a low level of occupational exposure, the common hygienic prevention measure being applied.

The potential carcinogenic risk at the workplaces is a primary interest of occupational health, but some questions are also controversially discussed. Particularly, in the plastic forming industry a great attention was directed to the hot processing and their possible exposure to monomers, some of which were classified as carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and/or the European Union (EU). In Lombardy, a study on occupational exposure to chemical carcinogens in the plastic forming industry was planned during last years. The aim was to recognize and promote preventive technical and medical solutions, basing on efficacy. By an investigation at workplace supported with standardized questionnaires, the presence of chemical carcinogens was registered in 59% of a representative sample of firms; but an effective possibility of exposure was found only for 34% of cases. The evaluation of exposure to monomers by air monitoring (acrylonitrile, 1,3-butadiene, styrene, formaldehyde), involving a representative sample of factory with ABS and formaldehydic resins processing, showed low level exposure, because the common hygienic prevention measures were applied; some particular occupation shoved greater exposure to formaldehyde.

Among various chemical agents present at the workplaces in the rubber industry, a particular attention was adressed to the Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) contained in oil and carbon black, but some questions regarding level of exposure are also controversially discussed. The literature reports that PAH may have irritant effects; moreover some of these have been recognized as probably or possibly carcinogenic to human by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the European Union, and other institutions. In Lombardy, a study aimed to evaluate the occupational exposure in Benzo[b]fluorantene the rubber forming industry was planned during last two years. The results of environmental air monitoring (the 16 most relevant, according to the American Environmental Protection Agency, EPA) and biological monitoring (urinary 1-hydroxypyrene excretion) show that PAH exposure in these workers is not higher than that observed in other study regarding low level and acceptable exposure.

This survey was carried out in the molding of plastics and rubbers, in the "Professional Cancer Prevention Project" sponsored by the Lombardy region with the objective of developing and implementing protocols for evaluating exposure to carcinogens through the biological monitoring. The realities of molding the thermoplastic polymer ABS, rubber, and thermosetting plastics containing formaldehyde were examined. The carcinogenic substances identified in these processes were: 1,3-butadiene, acrylonitrile and styrene in molding ABS, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in molding rubber, and formaldehyde in molding the thermosetting plastics. Only for some of these substances biological indicators are available. The limited exposure to airborne chemicals in molding ABS and the intrinsic characteristics of biological indicators available for 1-3 butadiene have determined the non applicability of biological monitoring to this situation. The absence of a biological indicator of exposure to formaldehyde has made this situation not investigable. Exposure in the rubber molding was studied in 19 subjects applying the determination not metabolized PAH in urine. The levels of these indicators were similar to those measured in other groups of subjects without occupational exposure to PAH, confirming a low airborne contamination in this workplace.

An ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometric procedure was devised for the determination of polycyclic aromatic compound-oriented organic soluble matter in vapors and particulate collected from emissions of hot asphalt mix. Ultrasonic extraction was carried out with acetonitrile, followed by UV measurements at 254 nm. Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in volatile and particulate fraction were quantified as phenanthrene or benzo[k]fluoranthene equivalents. A comparison between UV and high-pressure liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection showed that PACs were one to three orders of magnitude higher than the sum of 15 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); still, significant correlations were found between volatile or particulate PACs and, respectively, total volatile or particulate PAHs. Moreover, in the particulate phase, PACs correlated with total particulate matter quantified by gravimetry. The proposed procedure was employed in a field study for monitoring personal exposure to asphalt emissions of workers engaged in road construction. Observed levels of acetonitrile-soluble PACs in air samples were very low (2-20 microg/m3); however, asphalt pavers were exposed to significantly higher concentrations of volatile PACs than construction workers (geometric mean, 5.9 microg/m3 vs. 4.1 microg/m3). This method for estimating the global content of volatile or particulate PACs in air samples satisfies our requirements of simplicity and is suitable for conducting an initial screening to assess exposure to airborne polyaromatic organics in asphalt pavers.

In the present article we assessed exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Italian asphalt workers (AW, n = 100), exposed to bitumen fumes and diesel exhausts, and in roadside construction workers (CW, n = 47), exposed to diesel exhausts, by means of environmental and biological monitoring. 1-hydroxypyrene (OH-Py) was determined in urine spot samples collected, respectively, after 2 days of vacation (baseline), before, and at the end of the monitored work shift, in the second part of the workweek. Median airborne levels during the work shift of 15 PAHs (both vapor and particulate phases), from naphthalene (NAP) to indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, ranged from below 0.03 to 426 ng/m(3). Median excretion values of OH-Py in baseline, before- and end-shift samples were 228, 402, and 690 ng/L for AW and 260, 304, and 378 ng/L for CW. Lower values were found in nonsmokers compared to smokers (e.g., in AW 565 and 781 versus 252 and 506 ng/L in before-shift and end-shift samples, respectively). In all subjects a weak correlation between personal exposure to the sum of airborne 15 PAHs and OH-Py was observed (r = 0.30). The results of this article show that AW experienced a moderate occupational exposure to airborne PAHs, resulting in a significant increase of urinary OH-Py during the workday and the workweek. The contribution of working activities to internal dose was in the same order of magnitude of the contribution of cigarette smoking.

In this paper we evaluated the possibility to assess occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) measuring unmetabolized PAHs in urine. With this aim, 24 road paving (RP) workers, exposed to bitumen fumes, and 6 road construction workers (CW), exposed to diesel exhausts, were investigated. Median personal exposure to low boiling PAHs (from naphthalene to pyrene) during the work shift ranged from 0.5 to 369 ng/m(3), with naphthalene as the most abundant compound. Three urine samples were collected for each worker: baseline (after 2 days of vacation), before- and end-shift samples (in the second part of the work week). The following urinary compounds were measured by headspace-solid phase microextraction GC/MS: naphthalene (U-NAP), acenaphthylene (U-ACY), acenaphthene (U-ACE), fluorene (U-FLE), phenanthrene (U-PHE), anthracene (U-ANT), fluoranthene (U-FLU), pyrene (U-PYR). Urinary PAHs were detected in almost all samples. Median levels for U-NAP, U-PHE, U-PYR and U-FLE in end-shift samples were 82, 48, 54 and 21 ng/L in RP and 69, 14, 24 and 15 ng/L in CW, respectively. Significant differences in the levels of U-PHE, U-FLU and U-PYR were found between RP and CW (p<0.05). Moreover in RP samples the urinary excretion of most analytes increased during the work shift (p<0.05). These results suggest that urinary PAHs may be useful biomarkers of occupational exposure.

Asphalt is a mixture of mineral matter and bitumen, its fumes contain about 1% of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH), some of which are carcinogens. In the PPTP-POPA Study of Lombardy Region, a group of 100 asphalt workers (exposed to bitumen fumes and diesel exhausts) and a group of 47 ground construction operators (exposed only to diesel exhausts) were investigated to assess PAH exposure in Italy, by means of environmental-air monitoring (the 16 most relevant, according to the American Environmental Protection Agency, EPA) and biological monitoring (urinary 1-hydroxypyrene excretion). Our results show that PAH exposure in these workers is not higher than that observed in traffic policemen working in urban areas. Since dermal exposure has been suggested as a major determinant of the total PAH dose absorbed by road pavers from bitumen fumes, we assessed skin contamination by organic aromatic compounds and by sixteen PAH: in both groups, six pads were applied to each subject in different parts of the body, during the workshift. The results show that the dermal contamination in road pavers is higher than in ground construction operators and that cutaneous dose rate is higher than respiratory dose rate, whereas the amount of absorption the ratio is inverted.

Asphalt is a mixture of bitumen, (its fumes contain about 1% of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAH), and mineral matter. 18 Workers were investigated during road paving to assess PAH exposure by environmental air-monitoring (the 16 most relevant, according to the American Environmental Protection Agency, EPA) and biological monitoring (urinary 1-hydroxypyrene excretion). Our results show that PAH exposure in these workers is not higher than that observed in traffic policemen working in urban areas.