Indications of public health in areas naturally polluted with asbestiform fibers
Comba, P.; Bruno, C.; Pasetto, R.
Giornale Italiano di Medicina del Lavoro Ed Ergonomia 25(3): 405-407
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 1592-7830 PMID: 14582276 Document Number: 554420
Adverse health effects of naturally occurring asbestiform fibres have been reported since the Seventies in various countries. The present paper describes the case of Biancavilla, a municipality located in Eastern Sicily, where the occurrence of the amphibolic fibre fluoro-edenite has been associated to a cluster of pleural mesotheliomas. The public health recommendations aimed at reducing exposure to fluoroedenite are described. This case study shows the importance of public-driven remedial action, including interruption of activities of previously operating quarries and asphalt paving of roads, in influencing population's compliance to recommendations aimed at modifying individual behaviours. In order to pursue the goal of fostering community's autonomy in decision making, the optimal approach is ensuring timely and transparent information dissemination.