ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY AND HUMAN HEALTH RISK - Environmental Hygiene
There are no pre-requisite constraints. However, knowledge of Physics, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry are recommended. Understanding of the written English language is intended to be established.
Final oral exam. The exam will focus on 3 questions related to the course program to define the level of learning and the ability to understand the topics, with reference to both the knowledge acquired and the ability to apply it through the discussion of practical cases.
To pass the test, the student must demonstrate adequate theoretical knowledge of the topics covered and the ability to properly expose the knowledge acquired. The answers will positively evaluate the completeness and synthesis in the presentation of the topics also using diagrams, graphs and illustrations. Passing the exam is linked to the positive outcome (minimum assessment of 18 thirtieths) of the test.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the course is to provide a solid preparation for understanding the main chemical processes occurring in the environment and the phenomena resulting from man's alteration of environmental processes up to the risks that environmental contamination, primarily chemical, but also physical and biological, may pose to human health.
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the teaching the student will be able to:
-know and understand the main characteristics of environmental compartments, the main aspects of contamination by chemical compounds in different environmental compartments (main organic and inorganic pollutants) and the appropriate intervention strategies for specific environmental problems
- to describe the general principles of prevention in the living and working places, starting from the conceptual scheme of risk analysis and assessment and the fundamental bases of prevention (primary, secondary, tertiary) and protection
- know the intrinsic characteristics (chemical-physical properties and adverse effects on humans) of the main chemical, physical and biological risk agents;
- achieve autonomy of judgement with reference to the assessment and interpretation of chemical pollution issues also in relation to multidisciplinary fields including eco-toxicological and exposure assessments, in the light of the basic principles of the regulations on the protection of human health and the environment
- Legislative elements for prevention in living and working environment [4 hours].
- Practical applications of the conceptual paradigm of risk assessment in real scenarios [4 hours]
- Urban air pollution and health [4 hours]
- Approaches to the assessment of exposure to risk agents for the general population [4 hours]
-Exposure of the general population to pollutants for epidemiological and population health impact studies [4 hours]
- Risk assessment for non-industrial indoor living and working environments agents [4 hours]
- Discussion of applied case studies: risk assessment for chemical agents subject to ban or restriction, industrial processes with high environmental impact [6 hours]
Frontal teaching, supported by power point presentations. Case studies and real-life case studies are presented for all topics. The lectures combine a robust theoretical approach with the discussion of case studies. During the lectures, the lecturer constantly encourages interaction with students, through moments of discussion and shared analysis of the topics presented, in order to stimulate and develop the ability to critically analyse and make interdisciplinary correlations.
Prof. Spinazzè and Prof. Cavallo are available to receive students in the classroom before and after the lessons and in their offices (DiSAT, via Valleggio Como), by appointment by request by e-mail (andrea.spinazze@uninsubria.it; domenico.cavallo@uninsubria.it)