SAFETY ELEMENTS, INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES AND CHEMICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL RISK - MOD. CHEMICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL RISK
Basic concepts of General Chemistry are understood to be established, and knowledge of general concepts of General and Occupational Hygiene is recommended. A good understanding of written English is understood to be established.
Final written examination. The exam will cover 3 questions inherent to the course program to define the level of learning with reference to both the knowledge and acquired and the ability to apply it with the discussion of practical cases. To pass the test, students will have to demonstrate adequate theoretical knowledge of the topics covered and ability to appropriately expound the knowledge acquired. Comprehensiveness and synthesis in the presentation of the topics, including using diagrams, graphs and illustrations, will be positively evaluated in the answers.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES The course aims to provide an in-depth understanding of advanced methods and strategies for the assessment of chemical exposure and risk in both environmental and occupational settings. Specifically, it explores methodological approaches for the identification, quantification, and management of risks associated with chemical agents, with the goal of analyzing their potential impact on human health. The training program includes specialized content in environmental and occupational hygiene, covering both theoretical aspects and practical and regulatory applications. EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of the course, students will be able to: 1. Identify and classify the main chemical agents posing health risks, understanding their exposure dynamics in various environmental and occupational contexts. 2. Critically and effectively apply advanced methodologies for the assessment of exposure and toxicological risk, including in complex scenarios of environmental contamination. 3. Integrate theoretical and practical knowledge in environmental and occupational hygiene to contribute to the development of strategies for the prevention and protection of health in settings with potential chemical risk factors.
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 risk agents: methods and monitoring techniques for assessing exposure to chemical agents in gas and vapor form with discussion of case studies [4 hours] Chemical risk agents: monitoring methods and techniques for exposure assessment of 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 processing and interpretation of environmental monitoring results [4 hours] Strategy for environmental monitoring chemical agents - EN 689 standard [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 hours] Personal protective equipment for protection from chemical hazard agents and fit-testing for airway personal protective equipment [4 hours] Approaches and methodologies for assessing risks associated with combined exposure to different chemicals [4 hours] General population exposure to airborne pollutants for the purpose of epidemiological and population health impact studies: exposure estimation, use of miniaturized 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 hours]
Frontal teaching, supported by power point slide presentations. For all topics, frontal lectures combine a robust theoretical approach with the discussion of case studies. Throughout the lectures, the lecturer constantly encourages interaction with students, through moments of shared discussion and analysis of the topics presented, to stimulate and develop the ability to critically analyze and make interdisciplinary correlations.
Prof. Spinazzè is available to receive students in the classroom before and after classes, or in his office (DiSAT, via Valleggio 11, Como; or via Monte Generoso, Varese - Ex Colonia Agricola), by appointment to be requested by e-mail (andrea.spinazze@uninsubria.it).