Environmental prospection for PCDD/PCDF, PAH, PCB and heavy metals around the incinerator power plant of Reggio Emilia town (Northern Italy) and surrounding main roads.

Samples of soil, sediment and pine needles from the Reggio Emilia area were analysed in order to estimate the environmental pollution caused by an MSWI. PCDD/PCDF, PCB, PAH and metals were analysed in the collected samples. The data obtained showed relatively low pollution levels. Indeed, the PCDD/PCDF and PCB data were comparable to the values usually found in the grazing areas of the European Union countries. Metal concentrations in soils and sediments may be related to local geological occurrences and to agricultural activities. PAH values are significantly lower than the limit values set by the Italian law.

[Epidemiologic investigation on the prevalence of goiter and urinary excretion of iodine in the school population of the province of Reggio Emilia]. / Indagine epidemiologica sulla prevalenza del gozzo e sulla escrezione urinaria di iodio nella popolazione scolastica della provincia di Reggio Emilia.

The prevalence of goiter was evaluated in a sample from the schoolchildren population of Reggio Emilia district. 1020 children underwent physical examination of thyroid gland and thyroid ultrasonography for determination of thyroid volume. Urinary iodine excretion (UIE) was measured in 837/1020 (82.1%). Iodine content was measured in water samples collected from 65 wells and 12 springs all around the district. The prevalence of goiter according to thyroid gland palpation was 26.2%. Thyroid volume was 4.74 +/- 1.87 ml, and the median UIE value 85 micrograms/l. According to the UIE classes as defined by WHO, 57.8% of all subjects showed a UIE less than 100 micrograms/l. In 57 out of 65 wells and in all the 12 springs examined, iodine was completely absent. In the remaining 8 wells, only iodine traces were found. Based on the results of physical examination of the thyroid gland, Reggio Emilia district should be regarded as an endemic goiter area. Nevertheless, thyroid volume measurement by ultrasound indicates that goiter prevalence may be markedly overestimated by palpation. The high prevalence of subjects featuring an increased thyroid volume, the low median UIE value and the poor iodine content in the local reservoirs of drinkable water suggest the opportunity for iodine prophylaxis in the Reggio Emilia district.

[Experience in the use of data of air quality monitoring networks]. / Esperienze di uso dei dati delle reti di monitoraggio della qualità dell'aria.

An evaluation of environmental data for use in epidemiologic studies has been made, based on the experience of air pollution monitoring networks management. Univocal criteria are necessary for networks project and their management to have comparable data, underlining the importance of Quality Insurance Control Laboratories. Data elaborations to verify the Air Quality Standards observance are often not sufficient for exposure assessment. Some methods to explain to general populations environmental phenomena are shown from an experience carried out recently in Reggio Emilia and Milan. Finally, it is emphasised the importance to establish a cooperation between air pollution network managers and the data users to understand the representativeness and the correct use of data from monitoring systems.