271
© Springer Nature B.V. 2020
G. Sindona et al. (eds.), Toxic Chemical and Biological Agents, NATO Science
for Peace and Security Series A: Chemistry and Biology,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-2041-8_29
Chapter 29
Impact of Asbestos-Related Toxicity
on Italian Working Population:
Preliminary Incidence Data from the Last
5 Years across the Whole Country
Antonio Vinci, F. Ingravalle, S. Mancinelli, M. D’Ercole, F. Lucaroni,
and L. Palombi
29.1 Introduction
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silica minerals consisting of long and thin
fibrous crystals, each one composed of minuscule volatile units named “fibrils” [1].
Asbestos fibrils interaction with human biology is well-known and documented,
and asbestos is a notorious health hazard, being the sole aetiologic agent of asbestosis and mesothelioma [2]. It has also been linked to an increased risk for ovaries,
larynx and gastro-intestinal cancer [ 3].
Asbestos is nowadays banned in more than 55 countries [4], because of its ascertained toxicity and carcinogenicity, as the result of a process begun in 1973 [5].
However, it still represents a global hazard because of its widespread use during the
A. Vinci (*) · F. Ingravalle · M. D’Ercole
School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
S. Mancinelli · F. Lucaroni · L. Palombi
Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Abstract During the last years Italy showed an overall decreasing tendency of
asbestos-related diseases, following the general trend happening in all the highincome countries because of the ban of the asbestos compounds.
There is significant distribution gradient between northern and southern Italian
provinces. Further studies could be aimed at investigating whether this gradient is
attributable to a real gap in incidence, due to the highest industrialization process
affecting Northern Italy, or to an underreporting phenomenon in the South.
Therefore, a detailed surveillance of the problem, for instance by case finding methods, could be an effective tool to assess new emerging cases. Identifying workers at
risk would indeed allow public health servants to manage large-scale primary, secondary and tertiary prevention programs targeted on occupational risks.
© Springer Nature B.V. 2020
G. Sindona et al. (eds.), Toxic Chemical and Biological Agents, NATO Science
for Peace and Security Series A: Chemistry and Biology,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-2041-8_29
Chapter 29
Impact of Asbestos-Related Toxicity
on Italian Working Population:
Preliminary Incidence Data from the Last
5 Years across the Whole Country
Antonio Vinci, F. Ingravalle, S. Mancinelli, M. D’Ercole, F. Lucaroni,
and L. Palombi
29.1 Introduction
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silica minerals consisting of long and thin
fibrous crystals, each one composed of minuscule volatile units named “fibrils” [1].
Asbestos fibrils interaction with human biology is well-known and documented,
and asbestos is a notorious health hazard, being the sole aetiologic agent of asbestosis and mesothelioma [2]. It has also been linked to an increased risk for ovaries,
larynx and gastro-intestinal cancer [ 3].
Asbestos is nowadays banned in more than 55 countries [4], because of its ascertained toxicity and carcinogenicity, as the result of a process begun in 1973 [5].
However, it still represents a global hazard because of its widespread use during the
A. Vinci (*) · F. Ingravalle · M. D’Ercole
School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
S. Mancinelli · F. Lucaroni · L. Palombi
Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Abstract During the last years Italy showed an overall decreasing tendency of
asbestos-related diseases, following the general trend happening in all the highincome countries because of the ban of the asbestos compounds.
There is significant distribution gradient between northern and southern Italian
provinces. Further studies could be aimed at investigating whether this gradient is
attributable to a real gap in incidence, due to the highest industrialization process
affecting Northern Italy, or to an underreporting phenomenon in the South.
Therefore, a detailed surveillance of the problem, for instance by case finding methods, could be an effective tool to assess new emerging cases. Identifying workers at
risk would indeed allow public health servants to manage large-scale primary, secondary and tertiary prevention programs targeted on occupational risks.