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Content archived on 2022-11-21

Study of toxic effects on the central and peripheral nervous system of workers in the ferro-alloy industry

Objective

The aim of the research is to determine the frequency and progression in time of changes to the central and peripheral nervous systems of workers in the ferro-alloy industry compared with control groups. The relationship between exposure to metals and neurotoxic effects will be studied on order to produce a dose-response curve, if possible. The identification of biological indicators and function parameters of the nervous system will help to pinpoint the preventive action to be taken.

The exposed population will comprise about 250 workers at a foundry producing ferro-manganese alloys; a comparable control group will be identified. The air will be monitored to assess the level of pollution by metals. The subjects to be studied will be checked at regular intervals, under a variety of conditions, to establish the levels of Cr an Mn in blood and urine. They will also undergo specialist neurological examinations, electroneurography and other tests to establish evoked cerebral potentials. They will also undergo a neurobehavioural test battery preceded and followed up by interviews.

METHODS AND MEANS BY WHICH THESE AIMS ARE TO BE ACHIEVED

Metal pollution will be measured in terms of the particles present in the air and the gaseous phase with the aid of air samplers and personal samplers, and the values obtained will be related to the specific jobs performed. The questionnaire on subjective disorders comprises 38 items, including the most common disorders or behavioural, changes emotions and/or unusual sensations.

The neurobehavioural test battery will include 10 of these, selected from the most useful indicators for brain confusion of organic origin. A sample of exposed subjects and controls will indergo pneumomagnetometric examination of the thorax to establish the extent of metal deposition in the lungs.

Topic(s)

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Call for proposal

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Coordinator

Università degli Studi di Milano
EU contribution
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Address
Via S. Barnaba 8
20122 Milano
Italy

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Total cost
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