Occupational exposure to environmental pollutants: evaluation of long-term effects on a group of newsagents in the city of Palermo

Abstract

Environmental pollution constantly threatens the health of urban populations. This problem of environmental hygiene takes a particular interest in Occupational Medicine, whereas some tasks take place mostly outdoors, so the airborne pollutants and noise can be considered as occupational hazards. The subject of this study is to evaluate the health of a group of newsagents in the city of Palermo, in relation to the level of urban pollution and noise monitored in ten years (2000-2010). It was assessed lung function, hearing, kidney, liver and cardiovascular systems, with particular reference to endothelial structures. Analysis of the results show the high prevalence of damage to the carotid district, for which we can not exclude a role simultaneously, contribute to various airborne pollutants.