OBJECTIVES to estimate the health impact of asbestos fibres naturally occurring in Mount Pollino area (Basilicata Region, Southern Italy). DESIGN geographic mortality, hospitalization, and incidence study. Setting and participant s:… Click to show full abstract
OBJECTIVES to estimate the health impact of asbestos fibres naturally occurring in Mount Pollino area (Basilicata Region, Southern Italy). DESIGN geographic mortality, hospitalization, and incidence study. Setting and participant s: population resident in 12 Municipalities of Mount Pollino area with naturally occurring asbestos fibres. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and standardized hospitalization rate (SHR) for asbestos-related diseases; standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for mesotheliomas. Result s: in the area of Mount Pollino, where asbestos fibres naturally occur, especially in the sub-area in which fibres are close to dwellings and settlements, it was observed: • a significant excess of mesothelioma incidence (SIR: 208; CI95% 111-355; 13 observed); • a non-significant excess of hospitalization for malignant pleural neoplasms (SHR: 176; CI95% 93-335; 9 observed); • a significant excess for mortality and hospitalization for pneumoconiosis (SMR: 534; CI95% 345-824; 20 observed - SHR: 245; CI95% 149-405; 15 observed); • a significant excess for hospitalization (SHR: 852; CI95% 290-2,506; 3 observed) for asbestosis. CONCLUSION it is necessary to continue environmental monitoring and environmental remediation in the area with higher asbestos exposure. It is suggested to implement a permanent process of epidemiological surveillance in this same area. A communication plan with local administrators, general practitioners, school teachers, media, and the resident population at large should be realized.
               
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