SAFETY ELEMENTS, INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES AND CHEMICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL RISK - MOD. CHEMICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL RISK
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Bibliography
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
There are no pre-requisite constraints. The basic concepts of General, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry are recommended. The concepts of Hygiene and General and of the Work delivered in a Bachelor's Degree in the environmental or safety sector are strongly recommended (but not mandatory). Understanding of the written English language is intended to be established.
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 Chemical Risk Module
Final written exam. The exam will focus on at least 3 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.
AIM OF THE COURSE - Chemical-Environmental Risk Module
The course aims to provide students with the skills necessary to carry out the risk assessment of the workers and the general population exposed to
chemical hazards, as well as to plan experimental tests for risk assessment to define the improvement actions. The course aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge regarding the risk assessment for humans and the environment, knowledge relating to the main environmental pollutants and the main study methods (sampling, analysis and exposure assessment) of pollutants. Elements relating to the application of these methods will also be provided for the purpose of assessing long-, medium- and short-term exposure to environmental pollutants as part of the risk assessment procedure and for the purpose of protecting human health and the environment.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
Industrial Processes and Safety Module
Environmental Chemical Risk Module
1. recognize and describe the various types of chemical risk agents and their classification
2. know the sector regulatory references and be able to consult them
3. plan an exposure monitoring campaign to chemical agents and participate in environmental monitoring campaigns
4. know how to assess the risks related to exposure to chemical agents, to minimize them
• Chemical risk assessment [4 hours]
• Chemical risks: Basic principles of toxicology (general concepts, toxic effects of chemicals, dose-response relationships, routes of exposure, metabolism and elimination of toxicants, carcinogenesis, mutagenesis and teratogenesis) [4 hours]
• Main risk agents in indoor environments for non-industrial use and effects on humans; Air pollution and impacts on human health (atmospheric particulate matter and main air pollutants) / Industrial emissions: limits and determination of contamination in the conveyed flows of pollutants. [4 hours]
• Main environmental and occupational pollutants. Estimation of generations, techniques for planning investigations and evaluating results, analysis of the main methods of environmental improvement [12 hours]
• Statistical approaches to the assessment of occupational exposure by inhalation by comparison with limit values and application on real data [4 hours]
• Estimate of occupational exposure to chemical agents using mathematical models: methodological and practical aspects; reliability and representativeness of the exposure estimate - Application of Tier 1 and 2 exposure models in the CSR REACH area and for the exposure assessment [4 hours]
• Approaches and methodologies for assessing the risks associated with combined exposure to different chemicals [4 hours]
• Exposure of the general population to airborne pollutants, for the purpose of epidemiological studies and of health impact on the population: estimate of exposure (dispersion models; Land-use regression model), use of miniaturized sensors for monitoring selected populations and approach "citizen-science". [4 hours]
• Risk management. Environmental communication and information management, corrective action, environmental policies [4 hours]
• 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) [4 hours]
Book:
- Manuale di Medicina del Lavoro. A cura di F. Tomei et al. Piccin Edizioni, 2018
- W.R. Ott, A.C. Steinemann, L.A. Wallace: “Exposure Analysis” – CRC Taylor and Francis (ISBN– 13: 978-1-56670-663-6). Dispense del corso.
- P.A. Bertazzi, I. Grappasonni. Igiene e Sità Pubblica. Salute e Ambiente. Piccin Nuova Libreria. 2016.
Slides of lessons: from the e-learning website
During the course, selected technical papers and other supplementary material will be reported, downloadable from the e-learning site or available in the University libraries. Course handouts in pdf format will also be provided and made available on the e-learning platform
Frontal teaching, with slide support. Case studies and real case-studies 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.
The teacher is available to receive students in the classroom before and after the lessons and in her office (DiSAT, Floor -1 “Anello” building in via Valleggio 11, Como), by appointment by request by e-mail (andrea.spinazze@uninsubria.it)