[Significance of the synergy between the ASL and the Association of Formerly Exposed to Asbestos]. / L'importanza della sinergia tra la ASL e l'associazione ex esposti ad amianto.

In Frosinone's district there is a lot of attention for ex-exposed to asbestos problems. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the importance of synergy between AEA (ex-exposed to asbestos workers association) and the Health Service Unit (ASL) of Frosinone for timely diagnosis of professional diseases.

[Criteria of medical surveillance of the thyroid in occupational exposure to ionizing radiation: contribution of a caseload]. / Criteri di sorveglianza medica della tiroide nella esposizione lavorativa a radiazioni ionizzanti: contributo casistico.

In this paper preliminary results obtained by the application of a scheduled procedure for the diagnosis and management of thyroid nodular diseases in the medical surveillance of radiation workers are discussed. The study demonstrates the utility of the schedule in early diagnosis of thyroid cancer in medical surveillance of radiation protection.

[Method remarks and observations on the use of the respiratory function tests in occupational medicine]. / Appunti di metodo e riflessioni per l'esecuzione delle prove di funzionalità respiratoria in Medicina del Lavoro.

FVC test represents a preliminary test used to approach the 2nd diagnostic level of non invasive screening in occupational pneumopathy (DLCO, N2 wash out, closure volume). Quality, validity and ability to be replicated of the test in spirometry have been evaluated. Results have been examined by Fisher exact test and by linear regression analysis. It was possible to demonstrate the validity and reproducyibility of this simple, diagnostic and non invasive screening in Occupational Health.

[Pulmonary CO diffusion and radiological findings in subjects formerly exposed to asbestos cement]. / Diffusione polmonare per il CO e quadro radiologico in ex-esposti a cemento-amianto.

A cross-sectional study on 117 male former asbestos-cement workers was performed. The aims of the study were: evaluation of the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, measurement of pulmonary volumes, flows and DI(co) values, detection of asbestos-related diseases, and data collection for a medical follow-up of the participants. Medical examination included ECSC questionnaire, spirometry, DI(co) measurement and chest x-ray. Time since first exposure (latency) and duration of employment were used as exposure indices: participants were subdivided into three exposure groups, respectively for latency and duration of employment. For statistical analysis, multiple linear regression and logistic regression methods were applied; significance level was p < 0.05. In 28 participants abnormal DI(co) values (< 80% of predicted) were measured, 9 subjects (8%) had radiological asbestos-related abnormalities. Lower values of DI(co), after correcting for smoking, were observed in the third latency group of subjects; an increased risk of radiological asbestos-related abnormalities was observed in relation to the duration of employment and latency. This study confirmed DI(co) as an indicator of (asbestos-related) pulmonary interstitial disease.