TOSSICOLOGIA AMBIENTALE E OCCUPAZIONALE CON ELEMENTI DI DIRITTO AMBIENTALE MOD. 1: TOSSICOLOGIA AMBIENTALE E OCCUPAZIONALE

Degree course: 
Corso di Second cycle degree in ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Academic year when starting the degree: 
2023/2024
Year: 
1
Academic year in which the course will be held: 
2023/2024
Course type: 
Supplementary compulsory subjects
Credits: 
6
Period: 
First Semester
Standard lectures hours: 
48
Detail of lecture’s hours: 
Lesson (48 hours)
Requirements: 

There are no pre-requisite constrains. The basic concepts of General, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry are recommended. Understanding of the written English language is intended to be established.

The verification is divided into two tests, one relating to each module.
To pass both tests, the student must demonstrate adequate theoretical knowledge of the topics covered, ability to make calculations and 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 both tests scheduled for each of the two modules. The final evaluation will be the average of the evaluations of the two tests, provided that both are sufficient.

More specifically:

ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL TOXICOLOGY
Final written exam. The exam will focus on at least 6 questions related to the course program to define the level of learning and the ability to understand the topics, the terminological property, the ability to apply the acquired knowledge, as well as obviously the communication skills in relation to the theoretical bases of the prevention and risk assessment for health and the environment.

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.

More specifically, a final written test will be carried out to evaluate the learning outcomes, consisting of 6 open-ended questions covering all the topics covered in the course; each correct and complete answer is evaluated 5 points. The candidate, having read the overall assessment, can agree with the Professor on an oral exam on a date to be defined.
The time set for the written test is one hour.

Assessment: 
Voto Finale

AIM OF THE COURSE

ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL TOXICOLOGY
Study of man-environment interactions, in terms of effects of human activities and anthropogenic pressures on environmental systems and also in
terms of potential effects of the contamination of life and work environments on human health (toxicological risk). Particular emphasis will be given to effects and arising from exposure to contaminants (xenobiotics, endocrine disruptors, atmospheric particulate), to their mechanisms of action, to the
environmental pressure on biological systems in vivo and in vitro (DNA and protein damage, cell damage, reproductive abnormalities, developmental
alterations, teratogenesis and other biomarkers). The genetic, epigenetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate cell cycle and metabolic functions

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
1. assess the toxicological risk from environmental pollutants in order to protect the health of populations in contaminated environments;
2. participate in health impact assessments,
3. manage any environmental problems;
4. communicate by conveying information about the risk
5. toxicological in the most effective way.

Introduction to anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. Elements of General Toxicology: absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of toxicants [2 hours]

Assessment methods of the toxic action: acute, chronic toxicity, genotoxicity. Dose-effect curves, dose-response curves. Mechanisms of receptor and non-receptor action. Definition of NOEL, NOAEL, LOEL, LOAEL, DL50 [4 hours]

Methods for the evaluation of in vitro, in vivo and in silico toxicity [2 hours]

Risk assessment and derivation of occupational and environmental limit values (health based) [2 hours]

Industrial Process Toxicology [8 hours]:
Metals (e.g. Lead, Mercury, Chrome etc.)
Gas (e.g. Sarin, CO etc.)
Solvents (eg Hexane, Toluene, Benzene etc.)
Plant protection products (organophosphorus etc.)

Pathologies of environmental and professional etiology [6 hours]

Environmental impact: regulatory references (SIA-VIA, VAS and VIS) [2 hours]

Impact on soil, water and air of anthropogenic activities and consequent impact on health through the different routes of exposure [4 hours]

Population exposure assessment. “Global” population exposure and Total Exposure Assessment (air in living and working environment, water, food) [2 hours]

IPPC and AIA. Read 152/06 and 81/08 [2 hours]

REACH Regulation - Chemical Safety Assessment, Chemical Safety Report, Exposure Scenario, DNEL and DMEL; GLP and GHS [6 hours]

Application case studies both on substances subject to a ban or restriction, and on industrial processes with high environmental impact and therefore subject to assessment of the Environmental Damage and related corrective actions (petrochemical, steel, industrial accidents, waste-to-energy plants) [8 hours]

Integrated environmental management and certification systems [2 hours]

Risk management, environmental communication and information management, corrective action, environmental policies [2 hours]

Frontal teaching, by teleconference, alternating the presence in the classroom between the Como and Varese classrooms and with slide support. Case studies and real case images are presented for all topics.
The lectures combine a robust theoretical approach with the discussion of case studies. During the lessons, the teacher constantly encourages interaction with students, through moments of discussion and shared analysis of the issues presented, in order to stimulate and develop the ability of critical analysis and to make interdisciplinary relationships.

Prof. Cavallo is available in the classroom before and after the lessons and in his office (DiSAT, Floor 1 “Cubo” building in via Valleggio 9, Como), by appointment by request by e-mail (domenico.cavallo@uninsubria.it)