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Francesco Forastiere

Publications and source records attributed to Francesco Forastiere.

68 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

[Parental smoking and respiratory disorders in childhood].

The present study shows associations between parental smoking and respiratory diseases in Italian children and adolescents participating in SIDRIA-2. We studied associations (odds ratios, ORs, and 95% confidence intervals, 95% CI) between exposure to mothers smoking fathers smoking, both parents' smoking, and three categories of cases: current asthma, current asthmatic symptoms, chronic bronchitis. At least one parent smoker was associated with a greater risk for asthmatic diseases compared to subjects not exposed. Our findings are in agreement with other published studies' results on the adverse effect of passive smoking on childhood respiratory health. The proportion of families with at least one parent smoker is very high (about 50%), confirming that measures aimed to reduce passive smoking in the community, and particularly in all places where children are present, are urgently needed in Italy.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Effects of indoor exposures on respiratory and allergic disorders].

Several studies have shown that indoor pollution increases the risk for chronic pulmonary diseases and acute respiratory symptoms in children/adolescents. Some associations have been confirmed by studies. Other relations are still unclear, such as those regarding dog and cat ownership. In this study we assessed the relationships of the exposure to mould and dog/cat ownership with respiratory/allergic symptoms/diagnoses, such as wheezing, asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, eczema, and cough/phlegm in 20,016 children (6-7 yrs old) and 13,266 adolescents (13-14 yrs old) from 12 Italian areas. Early mould exposure (in the first year of life) was positively related to all considered symptoms/diagnoses (significantly for wheezing, asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis in both children and adolescents, and for cough/phlegm among children); current exposure (in the last year) was a significant risk factor for wheeze, among children. In the latter, dog exposure only in the first year of life increased the risk for wheezing and cough/phlegm, whereas the presence of a dog lifetime seemed a protective factor (though not significant) for all symptoms/diagnoses; negative relations (but not significant) suggested a protective effect by the cat for asthma, independently of exposure period. Among adolescents, the presence of a dog both lifetime and only in the first year of life was significantly related to cough/phlegm; except for rhino-conjunctivitis, all symptoms/diagnoses were negatively related to the presence of a cat lifetime (though not significantly). In conclusion, our results confirmed the effects of mould exposure, especially when it occurs early, on the prevalence of respiratory disorders such as asthma, rhinitis and cough in the pediatric age. The complex relations between keeping a dog or cat at home and respiratory/allergic symptoms/diseases in childhood warrants further studies.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The proportion of respiratory disorders in childhood attributable to preventable and not preventable risk factors].

On the basis of the results of the SIDRIA-2 study, we estimated the population attributable risk (PAR%) of chronic respiratory disorders in childhood for the exposure to some preventable risk factors (passive smoking-ETS, molds/dampness on the walls of the bedroom, high traffic in the street of residence) and for not preventable risk factors such as parental history of respiratory disorders or allergies. About 27% of respiratory disorders could be attributed to this latter factor, while 15.5% and 18% (among children and adolescents respectively) are potentially avoidable if exposure to ETS, molds in the home and high traffic in the street of residence are avoided.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Asthma attacks at school in Italian adolescents].

We evaluated the occurrence of asthma attacks at school in a sample of 13,266 adolescents (13-14 year old) from 12 centers across Italy (SIDRIA-2 study). 23.8% of asthmatic subjects reported at least one wheezing attack at school in the previous 12 months. The attacks occurred in the gymnasium (55.4%), in the classroom (42.6%), outside (28.7%), in the bathroom (4.5%) and in other school environments (4%). During the attacks, self-administration of a bronchodilator was reported by 66% of the subjects. Educational programs and specific guidelines to deal with asthmatic schoolchildren are warranted.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Changes in social characteristics and risk factors for asthma and allergies among children and adolescents in Italy].

One of the main objectives of SIDRIA-2 study was to evaluate the possible changes in the occurrence of social characteristics and risk factors for asthma and allergies in childhood, comparing the data obtained in 2002 to those collected in 1994-1995. A positive change in socio-economic characteristics of the childrens' and adolescents' families was generally observed. The levels of exposure to outdoor (traffic) and indoor (passive smoking) pollutants are still high, although a decreasing trend in parents' smoking habits is evident.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Trends in the frequency of asthma and allergies].

The increase in the prevalence of asthma and allergies observed during the last decades has been largely investigated, but the reasons for such trend are still unclear. The distribution of factors traditionally considered responsible of the allergic disorders (such as pollen or moulds), do not explain the geographical differences observed internationally in the prevalence of asthma and allergies. The conduction of new studies aimed at monitoring the trend in asthma and allergies, and in the risk factors associated with these disorders, such as the SIDRIA study (Italian Studies on Respiratory Disorders in Children and the Environment), will shed new light on this phenomenon.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Health effects of environmental contamination due to volcanic ash of Mount Etna in autumn 2002].

OBJECTIVE: During autumn 2002 a large eruption of Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy) occurred. High levels (over 200 microg/m3) of total suspended particles (PM10) were recorded. The aim of the study was to evaluate the acute health effects on mortality and hospital admissions in the area around the volcano. DESIGN: Deaths and hospital admissions occurring during the eruption period were compared with the corresponding figures during the same periods of the previous year (same day of the week). Relative risks, RR, and their 95% confidence intervals, CI, were computed. Variations in daily hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases associated with daily level of PM10 were estimated. RESULTS: No effects on overall and cause-specific mortality were observed during the eruption period. Increases were observed in hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases (ischemic diseases: RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.10-1.56; myocardial infarction: RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.02-1.76) and for cerebrovascular diseases (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.05-1.47). The excesses were stronger among the elderly. Daily admissions for cardiovascular diseases were not associated to PM10 levels. CONCLUSION: The effects of the eruption of Mount Etna were limited to a temporary increase of cardiovascular morbidity, especially among the elderly, possibly as a consequence of stress.

Age Factors↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Preliminary study of cause-specific mortality of a population exposed to 50 Hz magnetic fields, in a district of Rome municipality].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate cause-specific mortality in a population exposed to high levels of 50 Hz magnetic fields, in a district of Rome. DESIGN: A cohort of 357 subjects that are resident in an area of about 100 meters on the two sides of a 60 kV power line was studied. Exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields was evaluated by spot and long-term measurements and by adopting a model based on current load, characteristics of the line and distance of dwellings from conductors. The mortality experience of the cohort was observed from January 1st, 1980 through December 31st, 2003. Analysis took into account duration of residence and latency. Separate analyses were performed for three subcohorts characterized by different distances from the line and different estimated and measured field levels. MAIN OUTCOMES: Cause-specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were computed comparing the observed number of deaths with the corresponding expected figures derived from the Latium Region mortality rates. This was done both in the overall cohort and in the subcohorts. RESULTS: All-causes mortality of the cohort did not differ from expected values (SMR 0.99; 95% CI 0.73-1.35; 40 observed). All cancers mortality showed a non-significant increase (SMR 1.34; 95% CI 0.82-2.18; 16 observed), that reached statistical significance in the analyses limited to subjects with more than 30 years of residence (SMR 2.09; 95% CI 1.05-4.19; 8 observed). Mortality from lymphohaematopoietic malignancies was increased, based on two cases of leukemia. All cancers mortality was highest in the subcohort closest to the power line and exposed to highest levels of magnetic fields. An increased risk for digestive tract neoplasms (SMR 3.57; 95% CI 1.49-8.58; 5 observed) was observed, which was mainly caused by pancreatic cancer. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Some increase in mortality of the overall cohort and especially of the highly exposed sub cohort was detected, notwithstanding the low power of the study. Other studies are currently on-going in the same area: a cross-sectional investigation on health status, an analysis of hospital discharge cards, a project for estimating individual exposure levels and a research in veterinary epidemiology. It is recommended to replicate the present study in areas presenting similar exposure patterns, in order to be able to pool data with the aim of estimating risk associated with the exposure levels of interest.

Cause of Death↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Mortality (1995-2000) and hospital admissions (2001-2003) in the industrial area of Gela].

AIMS: the area of Gela (Sicily Italy) has been included by the Italian national law among the "areas of environmental concern", due to several industrial plants located in the area: a refinery, a petrolchemical plant and an industrial waste disposal. The aim of the study was to evaluate the health of residents in the area, through the analysis of the mortality registry and the hospital discharge records. DESIGN: cause and gender specific indirect Standardized Mortality (1995-2000) and Morbidity (2001-2003) Ratios were computed, with 95% confidence intervals, using the population of surrounding municipalities as reference. RESULTS: increases of malignant neoplasm of stomach, colon rectum, larynx, lung, bladder and non Hodgkin lymphoma were observed in the area, both in men and women. Moreover, an increased frequency of hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases and for respiratory diseases (acute and chronic diseases, asthma both among adults and among children) were observed. Excesses of pneumoconiosis among men and of renal diseases among women were also present. CONCLUSION: the excesses in mortality and morbidity observed in this study are consistent with previous findings and might partly be explained by occupational exposures. However, the excesses found among women suggest a possible role of environmental pollutants.

Catchment Area, Health↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Mortality and hospital admissions in the industrial area of Civitavecchia, 1997-2004].

OBJECTIVE: the industrial area of Civitavecchia (central Italy) has been object of concern because of several sources of environmental contamination potentially affecting the residential communities: a harbor, a cement factory and several power plans are present in the area. A coal power plant is currently under construction. The aim of the study is to evaluate the health of residents in the area, through the analysis of the mortality registry and the hospital discharge records. DESIGN: cause and gender specific indirect Standardized Mortality (1997-2001) and Hospitalization (1997-2000 and 2001-2004) Ratios were computed, with 95% Confidence Intervals, using regional population as reference. RESULTS: mortality and morbidity excesses for cancer were observed, in particular an increased mortality for lung cancer (observed 134, SMR= 120) and for malignant neoplasm of pleura (observed 8, SMR= 516) were detected among men. An increased frequency of hospital admissions for asthma was observed among children aged 0-14 (period 1997-2000: males, observed 73, SHR= 177; females, observed 40, SHR= 157). Finally an significantly increased incidence of renal diseases was recorded by the Lazio Dialysis Registry in the period 2001-2004 (observed 28, SHR= 156). CONCLUSION: in view of the environmental changes of the area, the excesses observed in this study suggest the need for epidemiologic monitoring found in excess (lung and pleural cancer, respiratory diseases among children, renal diseases) in the area.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Mortality and hospital discharges in the population of Biancavilla (Sicily) contaminated by natural fibres].

OBJECTIVE: The volcanic area of Biancavilla (Sicily Italy) has been included by the Italian national law among the areas of "environmental reclamation" due to the presence of amphibole fluoro-edenitic fibres in the environment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the health of residents in the area, through the analysis of the mortality registry and the hospital discharge records. DESIGN: Age, cause and gender specific indirect standardized mortality ratios SMR (1995-2000) and morbidity ratios SHR (2001-2003) were computed with 95% confidence intervals, using the population of surrounding municipalities as reference. RESULTS: statistically significant increases in mortality and morbidity were observed, both in men and women, for malignant pleural neoplasms (mortality: men SMR= 700, 6 observed; women SMR= 840, 3 observed; hospital admissions: women SHR= 1210, 5 observed), cardiovascular diseases (mortality: men SMR= 115, 267 observed, women SMR= 115, 278 observed; hospital admissions: men SHR= 109, 631 observed; women SHR= 114, 528 observed) and respiratory diseases (mortality: men SMR= 164, 68 observed; women: SMR= 215, 44 observed; hospital admissions: men SHR= 139, 558 observed, women SHR= 125, 374 observed). CONCLUSIONS: the excesses observed in this study are consistent with previous findings and suggest the need for further investigations aimed at improving the knowledge of the mineralogical aspects of the fibres, the assessment of human exposure and at estimating the prevalence of pleural plaques and lung fibrosis.

Asbestos, Amphibole↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[PM 10 exposure and asthma exacerbations in pediatric age: a meta-analysis of panel and time-series studies].

OBJECTIVE: review of the time series and panel studies on the short term effects of PM10 on the increases of the illness in childhood. DESIGN: meta-analysis of panel and time-series studies. METHODS: all studies cited in PubMed that were published between 1990 and 2003 were selected. The results of individual studies were combined to provide an overall estimate of the effect of PMl0 exposure on hospital admissions or emergency room visits for asthma, the frequency of asthmatic symptoms (wheezing and cough), the use of anti-asthma medications (in addition to regular therapy) and lung functioning (peak expiratory flow PEE 1/min) using fixed effects models. Random effects models were used (ORRE or betaRE, 95% CI) when heterogeneity (p <0.10) was present. The presence of publication bias was tested using Egger's test and the bias was corrected with the "trim and fill" method RESULTS: ten time series studies and 23 panel studies fit the search criteria. Exposure to PM10 was associated with an increase in hospitalizations for asthma (ORRE= 1.017, 95% CI 1.008;1.025), with episodes of wheezing (ORRE= 1.063, 95% CI 1.038;1.087) and coughing (ORRE= 1.026, 95% CI 1.013;1.039), in the use of medications for asthma (ORRE= 1.033, 95% CI 1.008;1.059) and to a decrease in lung function (PRE=-0.269, 95% CI -0.451;-0. 087). We observed heterogeneity and publication bias. The correction for publication bias mitigated the estimates of risk but the most important impact on the results was due to a single, multicenter european study (PEACE) that was very influential CONCLUSION: exposure to PM10 was associated with an increase in hospitalizations for asthma and, in asthmatic children, with the frequency of asthmatic symptoms (wheezing and cough), the use of anti-asthma medications (in addition to regular therapy) and a decrease in lung functioning. Additional research is necessary to explain the causes of the heterogeneity in the estimates.

Air Pollutants↗