Evaluation of the Risk of African Swine Fever Virus Transmission at the Interface between Feral and Domestic Pigs in Lombardy, with a View to Establishing Preventive Measures for Domestic Pigs.

African swine fever (ASF) continues to spread worldwide, and has reached multiple countries across Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific, representing a serious economic burden threatening pig health and welfare, as well as food security. The disease affects domestic pigs and wild boar, and in several European countries the disease is endemic in wild boars. The lack of vaccines or effective treatments highlights the importance of effective control measures used to keep domestic and feral pigs separated to prevent the spread of the virus. However, the study of the livestock-wildlife interface is quite complex and has many aspects to consider, including the uncertainty of wild-boar population data. In this study, we determined the risk of spread of the ASF virus at the interface between domestic pigs and wild boars using indicators that can indirectly indicate the presence of wild boars in order to target specific control measures in the highest risk areas. The results of the study were compared with those obtained by Pittiglio, in which the population data for wild boars was estimated using a geostatistical method and similar results were obtained. However, the present study used specific information relating to the wild-boar population and this allowed us to use fewer variables.

Epidemiological Features of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 in a Densely Populated Area of Lombardy (Italy) during the Epidemic Season 2021-2022.

In the last two years, there have been three major epidemic seasons in the territory of the European Union and the HPAI epizootic in 2021-2022 is the most severe in recent history. In Italy, the disease was introduced to dense poultry areas with serious economic consequences for the entire sector. In Lombardy, the analysis of the risk factors was carried out, also taking into account the density of domestic birds. In the most affected areas, 66.7% of the outbreaks occurred in the areas with the highest poultry density and the likelihood of an outbreak occurring increased with an increase in the density of birds per km2. In cells 10 × 10 km with a density greater than 10,000 birds/km2, the probability of outbreak occurrence was over 66.7%. The provinces involved in the last epidemic were the same involved in previous epidemics and, given the risk factors present in the area, it is plausible that the risk remains high also for future epidemic seasons. Therefore, to avoid the repetition of similar events, certain control measures shall be strengthened and vaccination considered as a complementary tool for the control of HPAI virus in risk areas.

Assessing the Epidemiology of Rotavirus A, B, C and H in Diarrheic Pigs of Different Ages in Northern Italy.

Rotaviruses are classified in 10 groups (A to J), where rotavirus A (RVA) is the major cause of diarrhea in humans and animals. With some exceptions, there is scarce information on the epidemiology of non-A rotaviruses in human and animal hosts. Currently, five species (A, B, C, E and H) have been identified in pigs. In the present study we investigated the prevalence of RVA, RVB, RVC and RVH among diarrheic pigs of different ages, in different seasons and in the presence of co-infections. Two molecular assays were developed for the detection of porcine RVA, RVB, RVC and RVH and were used to screen 962 stool specimens from suckling, weaning and fattening pigs with acute enteritis. Overall, rotaviruses were detected in a high percentage of samples (78%), with RVA being predominant (53%), followed by RVC (45%), RVB (43%) and RVH (14%). RVA was more common in the suckling (58%) and weaning cohorts (64%), while RVB, RVC and RVH were also frequently detected in fattening pigs. Only RVA and RVB infections followed a seasonal trend and exhibited age-related differences. Rotavirus infections were frequently present in combination with other pathogens. The present study depicts a portrait of rich rotavirus diversity in porcine herds, identifying seasonal and age-related patterns of circulation of the different rotavirus species in the surveyed areas.

Variation of Cancer Incidence between and within GRELL Countries.

Variation in cancer incidence between countries and groups of countries has been well studied. However cancer incidence is linked to risk factors that may vary within countries, and may subsist in localized geographic areas. In this study we investigated between- and within-country variation in the incidence of all cancers combined for countries belonging to the Group for Cancer Epidemiology and Registration in Latin Language Countries (GRELL). We hypothesized that investigation at the micro-level (circumscribed regions and local cancer registry areas) would reveal incidence variations not evident at the macro level and allow identification of cancer incidence hotspots for research, public health, and to fight social inequalities. Data for all cancers diagnosed in 2008-2012 were extracted from Cancer Incidence in Five Continents, Vol XI. Incidence variation within a country or region was quantified as r/R, defined as the difference between the highest and lowest incidence rates for cancer registries within a country/region (r), divided by the incidence rate for the entire country/region × 100. We found that the area with the highest male incidence had an ASRw 4.3 times higher than the area with the lowest incidence. The area with the highest female incidence had an ASRw 3.3 times higher than the area with the lowest incidence. Areas with the highest male ASRws were Azores (Portugal), Florianopolis (Brazil), Metropolitan France, north Spain, Belgium, and north-west and north-east Italy. Areas with the highest female ASRws were Florianopolis (Brazil), Belgium, north-west Italy, north-east Italy, central Italy, Switzerland and Metropolitan France. Our analysis has shown that cancer incidence varies markedly across GRELL countries but also within several countries: the presence of several areas with high cancer incidence suggests the presence of area-specific risk factors that deserve further investigation.

Analysis of Bee Population Decline in Lombardy during the Period 2014-2016 and Identification of High-Risk Areas.

The first events of bee decline in Italy were reported during 1999. Since then, population decline has frequently been reported in Lombardy. In this study, the association between bee decline and the type of land surrounding the apiary was evaluated. A risk map was developed to identify areas with the highest risk of decline. Apiaries in Lombardy were selected from the national beekeeping database (BDA). The study period was from 2014 to 2016. Apiaries were deemed "declined" if they reported at least one event of decline or tested positive for plant protection products; apiaries were "not declined" if they did not report any events of bee decline during the study period. Out of 14,188 apiaries extracted from the BDA, 80 were considered declined. The probability of an apiary being declined increases by 10% in orchards and by 2% in arable land for each additional km2 of land occupied by these crops. The study showed an association between bee decline and the type of territory surrounding the apiaries, and the areas at the greatest risk of decline in Lombardy were identified. This information can be used by Veterinary Services as a predictive parameter for planning prevention and control activities.

[Analysis of pigs' movement to Lombardy (Northern Italy) to assess the potential risk of pathogens introduction into this region and to plan mitigation measures]. / Analisi delle movimentazioni di suini in entrata in Lombardia al fine di valutare il potenziale rischio di introduzione di patogeni nella regione e pianificare misure di controllo.

OBJECTIVES: to analyse the trade flow of pigs to Lombardy (Northern Italy) to single out the farms more involved in animal movements to identify the holdings and areas most exposed to the risk of introducing pathogens into the region and to plan proper mitigation measures. Indeed, the movement of live animals and of the means of transport is one of the main risk factors in the spread of diseases and this is particularly relevant in areas with high stocking density. DESIGN: statistical analysis on movements of pigs entering Lombardy was carried out. Data on pigs' movements and farm characteristics were collected from the National and Regional databases. Social Network Analysis (SNA) was used to analyse the flows of pigs to Lombardy, to identify the holdings and geographical areas that are central in the trading network and that could have a role in the introduction of swine pathogens into the region. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: data on pigs' movements introduced into Lombardy in 2016 were analysed. Lombardy is a region of Northern Italy with intensive livestock husbandry. The pig sector is of particular economic relevance also in view of the processing industry, suited to the production of high quality pork products. Annually about 1.8 million pigs are introduced into the region also to satisfy the request of the processing industry for the production of pork products. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: in this study, the farms that buy pigs from outside the region were identified as well as the territories where the largest number of pigs are introduced. The analysis was carried out also considering certain factors related to the movement of animals, which can be relevant for the transmission of pathogens, such as number of commercial partners, number of exchanged animals, and number of shipments. RESULTS: in 2016, 1,782,568 pigs were introduced into Lombardy; by using SNA, it was possible to highlight a complex trade network of pigs, mainly involving the Northern regions. Indeed, the pigs were mostly purchased from Emilia Romagna (33.4%), followed by Veneto and Piedmont. These regions have been the most closely analysed in this study. SNA was also used to identify Lombardy territories (provinces and municipalities) which, based on the number of introduced pigs, are potentially most exposed to the introduction of pathogens from outside the region. Mantua and Brescia provinces resulted the most exposed area. CONCLUSIONS: Italy is one of most important European producers of pigs and about 50% of national pig assets is present in Lombardy; furthermore, about 1.8 million pigs are introduced yearly into the region. Currently, the region is free from the main diseases of pigs and the introduction of an epidemic disease into the pig population could adversely affect the entire productive sector. For this reason, an analysis of the movements of pigs entering the region was carried out to identify the areas (provinces, municipalities) and holdings most exposed to the risk of introduction of pathogens. This information is relevant for the veterinary authorities to plan appropriate control activities (official controls, surveillance, biosecurity, and vaccination, where possible) in order to enhance disease prevention and promote early detection.

Analysis of Risk Factors for African Swine Fever in Lombardy to Identify Pig Holdings and Areas Most at Risk of Introduction in Order to Plan Preventive Measures.

In 2019, the area of the European Union (EU) affected by African swine fever (ASF) expanded progressively in a southwestern direction from Baltic and eastern countries. The disease can severely affect and disrupt regional and international trade of pigs and pork products with serious socioeconomic damages to the pig industry. Lombardy is one of the most important European pig producers and the introduction of ASF into the pig population could adversely affect the entire sector. A study was carried out to identify the farms and territories in the region most at risk of ASF introduction to plan preventive measures. The pig holdings were identified through a descriptive analysis of pig movements and Social Network Analysis (SNA), while, for the identification of the most exposed municipalities, an assessment of risk factors was carried out using the ranking of summed scores attributed to the Z-score. From the analysis, it was found that 109 municipalities and 297 pig holdings of the region were potentially more at risk, and these holdings were selected for target surveillance. This information was provided to veterinary authority to target surveillance in pig farms, in order to early detect a possible incursion of ASF and prevent its spread.

A Case-Crossover Study to Investigate the Effects of Atmospheric Particulate Matter Concentrations, Season, and Air Temperature on Accident and Emergency Presentations for Cardiovascular Events in Northern Italy.

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) has multiple adverse effects on human health, high temperatures are also associated with adverse health outcomes, and the frequency of cardiovascular events (CVEs) varies with season. We investigated a hypothesized increase in PM-related accident and emergency (A&E) presentations for CVE with high temperature, warm season, days of high influenza incidence, and in people with a cancer diagnosis, using a time-stratified case-crossover study design. Outcomes were associations of A&E presentation for CVE with atmospheric PM ≤ 10 µm (PM10), season, and air temperature. PM10 levels in the municipality of residence (exposure variable) were estimated by modeling data from local monitoring stations. Conditional logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for presentations in relation to supposed influencers, adjusting for confounders. Study participants were all who presented at the A&E of a large hospital near Milan, Italy, for a CVE (ICD-9: 390-459) from 1st January 2014 to 31st December 2015. There were 1349 A&E presentations for CVE in 2014-2015 and 5390 control days. Risk of A&E presentation was significantly increased on hot days with OR 1.34 (95%CI 1.05-1.71) per 10 µg/m3 PM10 increment (as mean PM10 on day of presentation, and 1 and 2 days before (lags 0-2)), and (for lag 0) in autumn (OR 1.23, 95%CI 1.09-1.37) and winter (OR 1.18, 95%CI 1.01-1.38). Risks were also significantly increased when PM10 was on lag 1, in people with a cancer diagnosis in the spring and summer months (1.88, 95%CI 1.05-3.37), and on days (lags 0-2) of high influenza incidence (OR 2.34, 95%CI 1.01-5.43). PM10 levels exceeded the 50 µg/m3 "safe" threshold recommended by the WHO and Italian legislation for only 3.8% of days during the warm periods of 2014-2015. Greater risk of A&E presentation for CVE in periods of high PM10 and high temperature suggests that "safe" thresholds for PM10 should be temperature-dependent and that the adverse effects of PM10 will increase as temperatures increase due to climate change.

[Formaldehyde in electronic cigarettes and in heat-not-burn products: let's make the point]. / La formaldeide nelle sigarette elettroniche e nei riscaldatori di tabacco (HnB): facciamo il punto.

The spread of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) and of the so-called heat-not-burn (HnB), also known as heated tobacco products, presented as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, required further in-depth studies to demonstrate the real benefits or possible risks linked to this type of habit among smokers and possible new smokers. There are numerous harmful substances produced by these devices, such as metals, organic compounds, and aldehydes. The presence of formaldehyde is particularly worrying: its indoor concentration is 2.7, 1.2, and 40 µg/m3 for HnB, e-cigs, and traditional cigarettes, respectively. The evidence of this substance, which numerous epidemiological studies have already shown to be harmful to health (in particular, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified it as a group 1 carcinogen), would lead to the need to modify the legislation with more restrictive rules on the use of these devices in public environment and in particular in the presence of more susceptible subjects, such as minors and pregnant women.

Atmospheric fine particulate matter and breast cancer mortality: a population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has multiple adverse effects on human health. Global atmospheric levels of PM2.5 increased by 0.55 µg/m3/year (2.1%/year) from 1998 through 2012. There is evidence of a causal relationship between atmospheric PM2.5 and breast cancer (BC) incidence, but few studies have investigated BC mortality and atmospheric PM2.5. We investigated BC mortality in relation to atmospheric PM2.5 levels among patients living in Varese Province, northern Italy. METHODS: We selected female BC cases, archived in the local population-based cancer registry, diagnosed at age 50-69 years, between 2003 and 2009. The geographic coordinates of each woman's place of residence were identified, and individual PM2.5 exposures were assessed from satellite data. Grade, stage, age at diagnosis, period of diagnosis and participation in BC screening were potential confounders. Kaplan-Meir and Nelson-Aalen methods were used to test for mortality differences in relation to PM2.5 quartiles. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards modelling estimated HRs and 95% CIs of BC death in relation to PM2.5 exposure. RESULTS: Of 2021 BC cases, 325 died during follow-up to 31 December 2013, 246 for BC. Risk of BC death was significantly higher for all three upper quartiles of PM2.5 exposure compared to the lowest, with HRs of death: 1.82 (95% CI 1.15 to 2.89), 1.73 (95% CI 1.12 to 2.67) and 1.72 (95% CI 1.08 to 2.75). CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that the risk of BC mortality increases with PM2.5 exposure. Although additional research is required to confirm these findings, they are further evidence that PM2.5 exposure is harmful and indicate an urgent need to improve global air quality.

Female breast cancer and electrical manufacturing: results of a nested case-control study.

BACKGROUND: A previous explorative record-linkage study suggested a putative role of employment in electrical manufacturing in increasing female breast cancer risk in the Province of Milan (Italy). We deepened the understanding of this possible association in a single large electrical manufacturing plant located in Lombardy in the Province of Milan. METHODS: We carried out a nested case-control study within a cohort of women employed in a large electrical manufacturing plant. All incident cases during 2002 to 2009 of female breast cancer in individuals who worked at least a 1 year in the factory and resided in Lombardy, Italy, were selected. Controls were randomly sampled from all women who worked in the same plant and resided in Lombardy as of December 31, 2005. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using multiple logistic regression models, taking into consideration only female workers as ever/never exposed to physical/chemical agents and their longest occupational period. ORs were adjusted for several potential confounders, namely, other known risk factors. RESULTS: The ORs for female breast cancer were significantly increased for exposure to chlorinated solvents (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.04-2.62), and there was a twofold increase (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.21-3.66) among women exposed for at least 10 years. We found no other significantly increased OR by exposure or job title. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest an increased risk of breast cancer after exposure to chlorinated solvents among women employed in the electrical manufacturing industry.

[Female breast cancer and occupational sectors: a preliminary study in the provinces of Lombardy, Italy]. / Cancro della mammella e settori occupazionali: studio esplorativo nelle province lombarde.

BACKGROUND: The role of occupational exposures in breast cancer development is still uncertain. A recent paper showed increased risks in some occupational sectors in Lombardy, Italy. We deepened this analysis at the level of single provinces of the same Italian region. METHODS: Based on administrative data, a case-control study was carried out recruiting all incident cases of female breast cancer in the period 2002-2009, aged between 35 and 69 years, residing in Lombardy, Italy. Controls were randomly sampled from all women residing in Lombardy as of December 31, 2005. Occupational histories, including blue collar status, were available from 1974 through record linkage with a social security pension database, and were obtained for 11188 cases and 25329 controls. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 90% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using multiple unconditional logistic regression models. Analyses were performed also by single provinces of Lombardy, Italy. Multiple comparisons were accounted for according to the Benjamini-Hochberg method. RESULTS: The ORs for female breast cancer were modestly but significantly increased for employment in electrical manufacturing (OR 1.12, 90% CI 1.04-121), textile (OR 1.08, 90% CI 1.02-1.15), paper (OR 1.25, 90% CI 1.06-1.46) and rubber (OR 1.26, 90% CI 1.03-1.54) industries. Analysis by province showed significantly increased ORs for electrical manufacturing in the Milano province. After adjustment for multiple comparisons no estimates remained statistically significant, except OR for electrical manufacturing in the Milano province. CONCLUSIONS: Although with several limitations, our results point to a possible role of exposures in electrical manufacturing, textile, paper and rubber industries in the process leading to breast cancer. An in-dept study for the electrical manufacturing industry has been already planned in Milano province.

Occupational brain cancer risks in Umbria (Italy), with a particular focus on steel foundry workers.

OBJECTIVES: As a part of the Occupational Cancer Monitoring (OCCAM) project, a routine analysis based on Umbria region cancer registry (RTUP) database in 2002-2008 was performed. Among other results, the incidental finding of brain cancer increased risk in steel foundry workers in Terni province (Italy), lead us to deepen the analysis, focusing on this specific industrial sector. METHODS: A monitoring study, based on Umbria Regional Cancer Registry data, was recently carried out. Brain cancer cases and controls identified within this preliminary study were selected. Therefore, we considered all incident cases (in Umbria region 2002-2008) of brain cancer occurred among workers occupied for at least one year in private companies since 1974 and controls randomly sampled from the same population. Afterwards, taking in to account results from steel foundry in Terni province, we further deepened our analysis, focusing on this productive sector. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 90% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using multiple logistic regression models, adjusted by age at diagnosis or sampling, sex and province of residence, when appropriate. RESULTS: Statistical analyses were carried out on 14913 subjects, 56 cases and 14857 controls. Significantly increased ORs were observed for garment, mechanical manufacturing and chemical industries. Moreover, the risk estimates were strongly correlated with exposures in iron and steel foundries and a cluster of 14 cases in the same foundry in Terni was observed (OR 9.59, 90% CI 2.76-33.34). CONCLUSIONS: Results of this explorative study showed increased ORs of brain cancer in some productive branches, involving possible exposures to chemical compounds and/or solvents. Moreover, our results pointed out a significantly increased risk in Terni foundry workers, determining an interesting brain cancer cluster (14 cases). Further studies on this industrial sector are needed with improved definitions of tasks and exposures.

Female breast cancer in Lombardy, Italy (2002-2009): a case-control study on occupational risks.

BACKGROUND: The role of occupational exposures in breast cancer development is still uncertain and, to our knowledge, no studies have been recently carried out in Italy to provide a comprehensive estimation of this possible risk. METHODS: Based on administrative data, a case-control study was carried out recruiting all incident cases of female breast cancer in the period 2002-2009, aged between 35 and 69 years, residing in Lombardy, Italy. Controls were randomly sampled from all women residing in Lombardy as of December 31, 2005. Occupational histories, including blue-collar status, were available from 1974 through record linkage with a social security pension database, and were obtained for 11,188 cases and 25,329 controls. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 90% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using multiple unconditional logistic regression models, including terms for sectors of longest employment and for duration of employment. Multiple comparisons were accounted for according to the Benjamini-Hochberg method. RESULTS: The ORs for female breast cancer were modestly but significantly increased for employment in electrical manufacturing (OR 1.12, 90%CI 1.04-1.21), textile (OR 1.08, 90%CI 1.02-1.15), paper (OR 1.25, 90%CI 1.06-1.46) and rubber (OR 1.26, 90%CI 1.03-1.54) industries. Analysis by duration of employment within sectors showed significantly increased ORs for electrical manufacturing and rubber industries. After adjustment for multiple comparisons no estimates remained statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Although with several limitations, our results point to a possible role of exposures in electrical manufacturing, textile, paper and rubber industries in the process leading to breast cancer. An in-dept study for the electrical manufacturing industry has been already planned.

[Multiple sclerosis and occupational exposures: results of an explorative study]. / Sclerosi multipla e esposizioni occupazionali: risultati di uno studio preliminare.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to explore possible relationships between occupational exposures and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), whose etiology is not well defined yet. To date, only few literature data are available on this subject. METHODS: We carried out a case-control study, where cases were MS patients included in the MS Register of the Province of Pavia, Northern Italy, and controls, 1:4 matched by sex and age (5 years classes), were randomly selected from the National Health Service population files. The occupational histories were obtained from Italian Institute for Social Security (INPS) archives by automatic linkage using Italian Occupational Cancer Monitoring (OCCAM) method that estimates the risk of specific occupational cancers, by geographic area and industrial sector. OR adjusted for sex and age and corresponding 90% confidence intervals were used to estimate the association between exposure and disease. RESULTS: We included in the study 227 MS patients (130 (57.3%) female, 97 (42.7%) male) and 907 controls (514 (56.7%) female, 393 (43.3%) male). Our results suggest an increased risk for men in mechanical manufacturing industry (OR 1.71, 90% CI 1.03-2.85) and agriculture (OR 2.47, 90% CI 1.03-5.91). Women show an increased risk in mechanical manufacturing industry (OR 2.05, 90% CI 1.22-3.45), agriculture (OR 2.57, 90% CI 1.09-6.09) and leather/shoe industry (OR 2.34, 90% CI 1.06-5.20). CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary findings indicate that solvent exposures could be related to the risk of MS, as both shoe/leather workers and mechanical manufacturing industry workers are exposed to organic solvents. Interestingly, a major risk of MS was also found among workers engaged in agriculture, suggesting a role of pesticides, whose neurotoxic effect is well known.

Lung cancer risk in the electroplating industry in Lombardy, Italy, using the Italian occupational cancer monitoring (OCCAM) information system.

BACKGROUND: Occupational Cancer Monitoring (OCCAM) is an Italian organization that monitors occupational cancers, by area and industrial sector, by retrieving cases and employment history from official databases. OCCAM previously estimated a relative risk (RR) of lung cancer of about 1.32 among "metal treatment" workers in Lombardy, northern Italy, potentially exposed to chrome and nickel. In the present study, lung cancer risk was estimated among electroplating workers only. METHODS: Lombardy electroplating companies were identified from descriptions in Social Security files. Lung cancer risk was evaluated from 2001 to 2008 incident cases identified from hospital discharge records. RESULTS: The RR for lung cancer among electroplating workers was 2.03 (90% CI 1.33-3.10, 18 cases) for men; 3.00 (90% CI 1.38-9.03, 4 cases) for women. CONCLUSIONS: Electroplaters had higher risks than "metal treatment" workers. Although the risks were due to past exposure, case histories and recent acute effects indicate a present carcinogenic hazard in some Lombardy electroplating factories.

[Study of lung cancer risk in the electroplating industry in Lombardy based on the OCCAM method]. / Studio del rischio cancerogeno per il polmone nell'industria galvanica in Lombardia basato sul metodo OCCAM.

BACKGROUND: The OCCAM method consists of case-control studies aimed at estimating occupational risks by cancer site, by area and by economic sector, using available archives to identify cases and controls; for exposure definition each subject is assigned to the category code of the economic sector or company where he/she worked the longest, obtained by automatic link with the Social Security Institute (INPS) files. The reference category (unexposed) consists of service industry workers. The economic sector is given by the ATECO category that INPS assigns to each firm. OBJECTIVES: In the Lombardy Region, lung cancer risk evaluated for the "metal treatment" industry as a whole was 1.32 (90% CI 1.33-3.10, 67 cases) for males and 1.33 (90% CI 0.51-3.59, 10 cases) for females. The aim of the study was to estimate lung cancer risk among metal electroplating workers only. METHODS: The metal electroplating firms were identified according to the detailed description of production, data which was also contained in INPS files, instead of using the "metal treatment" ATECO code. Lung cancer risk was evaluated using 2001-2008 incident cases identified from hospital discharge records of residents in the Lombardy Region. Controls were a sample from National Health Service files. RESULTS: For the group of firms identified as metal electroplating industries the risk was 2.03 (90% CI 1.69-8.32, 18 cases) for males and 3.75 (90% CI 1.38-9.03, 4 cases) for females. CONCLUSIONS: Focusing on the true electroplating firms increased the risk estimates. Even though these risk were due to past exposures, case histories and recent acute effects indicate that, at least in some factories, a carcinogenic hazard still exists.

[From research on occupational tumors to interventional prevention: use of the OCCAM method at the ASL in Como]. / Dalla ricerca dei casi di tumore professionale agli interventi di prevenzione: l'utilizzo del metodo OCCAM nell'ASL di Como.

In the framework of "Occupational Cancers" project of the Lombardy Region, estimates of cancer risk by site and by economic activity for the incidence period 2001-2004 have been produced in the Local Health Unit of Como. Using these estimates a set of cancer cases with possible occupational origin has been determined. This has been carried out using the OCCAM approach, a case control study where incident cases are identified by hospital discharge records, controls are sampled from health population files and occupational histories are obtained by automatic link with social security archives. This has been integrated with the knowledge of firms and the workers' awareness of other cancer cases in the workforce of the same firms. Among 45 cases with potential occupational origin, 24 were established as due to occupation. These cases were referred for compensation. Moreover, carcinogenic risks still present in some firms were identified and appropriate interventions were carried out.

Confounders and confusion: Dealing with cancer cases of occupational origin.

BACKGROUND: The recognition of occupational cancers is often hampered by confusion between the individual determinants of the disease and effects at the group level. METHODS: Here we propose an approach, based on the evaluation of the attributable risk at the group level, that provides quantitative estimates of the roles of multiple causes in individuals affected of cancer within a population exposed to occupational risk. RESULTS: The estimate of individual probability can be easily obtained computing the attributable risk. This can be often achieved by using the existing information available in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: Dismissing the occupation as a cause of a cancer in an exposed subject on the sole basis of potential confounding is erroneous and should be withdrawn from medical practice.