SAFETY ELEMENTS, INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES AND CHEMICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL RISK - MOD. CHEMICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL RISK
Basic concepts of General, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry are assumed to be established and knowledge of general concepts of General and Occupational Hygiene is recommended. A good understanding of written English is assumed.
Final written 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.
AIM OF THE COURSE
The course aims to provide students with basic knowledge of methods and techniques for the assessment and management of risk resulting from exposure to chemical risk agents in living and working environments that may have a potential effect on human health.
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of the teaching, the student will be able to:
1. Know the main health risk agents and the ways of exposure to such risk agents in living and working environments.
2. To be able to assess the toxicological risk from environmental pollutants in order to protect the health of populations in contaminated environments.
3. To be able to apply the knowledge acquired by setting up chemical agent exposure measurement campaigns aimed at risk assessment and management.
Introduction to the course and recall of the basic concepts of chemical risk assessment and the fundamentals of occupational and environmental toxicology [4 hours]
Chemical risk agents: methods and monitoring techniques for assessing exposure to chemical agents in particulate form with discussion of case studies [4 hours]
Chemical hazard agents: methods and monitoring techniques for the assessment of exposure to chemical agents in gas and vapour form with discussion of case studies [4 hours]
Chemical hazard agents: methods and monitoring techniques for the assessment of exposure to chemical agents in gas and vapour form with discussion of case studies [4 hours]
Chemical hazard agents: methods and monitoring techniques for the assessment of exposure to crystalline and fibrous materials, with discussion of case studies [4 hours]
Chemical risk agents: Occupational exposure estimation models. Methodological and practical aspects; reliability and representativeness of exposure estimation - Application of Tier 1 and 2 exposure models in CSR REACH and for exposure assessment [4 hours]
Elements of statistics for the processing and interpretation of environmental monitoring results [4 hours]
Chemical agents environmental monitoring strategy - EN 689 [4 hours]
Chemical risk agents - dermal and oral exposure assessment [4 hours]
Strategies for chemical risk management in occupational environments with discussion of case studies [4 h]
Personal protective equipment for protection from chemical risk agents and fit testing for airway personal protective equipment [4 h]
Approaches and methodologies for risk assessment associated with combined exposure to different chemicals [4 h]
General population exposure to airborne pollutants for epidemiological and population health impact studies: exposure estimation, use of miniaturised sensors for monitoring selected populations and citizen-science approach. [2 hours].
Application case studies on both banned or restricted substances and industrial processes with high environmental impact [2 h]
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 is available to receive students in the classroom before and after the lessons and in his office (DiSAT, via Valleggio 11, Como; oppure via Monte Generoso, Varese – Ex Colonia Agricola), by appointment by request by e-mail (andrea.spinazze@uninsubria.it)