The role of high risk groups in environmental health research
Fazzo, L.; Comba, P.
Annali Dell'istituto Superiore di Sanita 40(4): 417-426
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-2571 PMID: 15815108 Document Number: 583694
High risk groups in environmental epidemiology are characterized by particularly high exposure levels with respect pollutant agents occurring in the various environmental matrices. An investigation of these groups may offer elements of interest also for the general population, which is exposed to lower levels of the agents at study, besides providing the evidence needed in order to implement appropriate remedial action. The discussion of four case-studies concerning populations resident in the neighbourhood of waste dump sites, power lines, incinerators and in areas with presence of fluoro-edenitic fibres, throws light on the rationale of studies on high risk groups. Special emphasis in placed on validity aspects, connections between epidemiologic studies and remediation interventions and ethical issues.