[Carcinogens project in a Local Health Unit in Umbria: updating of risk so as to estimate worker exposure levels]

The gradual increase of substances coming onto the market, many of which are still not classified in terms of hazard for worker's health, in addition to those classified as carcinogens by the European Economic Community, imposes a review of the implementation of protective measures foreseen in specific regulations, also with the aim of assessing worker exposure.

For this purpose, the SPSAL (Prevention and Safety at the Workplace Service) of ASL (Local Health Unit) No. 2, Umbria Region, in 1996, when Law No. 626/94 came into force, started a project aimed at identifying the companies located in the Unit's territory that used and/or produced carcinogens in their production cycle. In a sample of these companies, divided by category (wood,fuel distributors, engineering, galvanization,foundries, brickworks, ceramics processing, tobacco industries, and companies specializing in removal and recovery of asbestos-containing materials) environmental investigations were carried out to verify the levels of worker exposure to the carcinogens thus identified. In some cases, sampling was repeated even after the implementation ofspecific remedial measures in order to verify their effectiveness in terms of reducing risk.

The production cycle, the use or production of carcinogenic substances was investigated in 811 companies, where the number of exposed workers was 3821. The environmental sampling carried out showed levels of exposure to various carcinogens that were below the limits specified by law or recommended by the major industrial hygiene associations. Checks carried out after the improvements confirmed their effectiveness and a significant reduction in risk. The exposed workers were identified for the purposes of entry in a special register that could, in the long term, facilitate the reconstruction of occupational exposure to carcinogens. This will also facilitate correct insurance and pension benefits and any legal action that might be taken.