**Author details**

already appeared the first cases of chloracne, a disease that is documented to be associated

In order to estimate health problems of population, a great number of laboratory tests were carried out on blood samples. In 1987, it became possible to measure low levels of dioxin in blood samples. Another important effect of the dioxin exposure concerned reproduction, in particular affecting the sex ratio (a higher proportion of females were born in the first 7 years after the accident). In addition, a large number of pregnancies ended as spontaneous abortions

The affected places still show signs of contamination. The new EU legislation on industrial equipment of chemical and their coordinated management was started in June of 1982, when the Council of Ministers approved the European Union's Council Directive 82/501/EEC, the

A central part of the directive was made by reference to the obligation of transparent public information about industrial accidents, as well as new security measures to be taken in case of

The new concept was approved for industrial workers and the public, the right to know the substance and the form of the problems that could threaten them and the exact operation of

From the analysis of situation in the sites at risk of environmental crisis on the Italian territory, the greatest criticalities are represented by the effects of emissions from industrial plants although increasing attention must be paid to the effects of vehicular traffic, as shown by recent data of RTI report, according to which the highest incidence of neoplastic diseases is recorded

As regards the comparison between the role of indoor and outdoor pollution in the onset of diseases related to environmental exposure, the second is still predominant and, in the case of sites of national interest, indoor air pollution can be regarded as a factor that may enhance the

Pollution situation is controlled through the application of numerous laws on environmental protection, which in our country are very stringent and thanks to which it was possible at least

The effect of environmental stressors on human health and policy-making today can be explained using the Driving Force-Pressure-State-Exposure-Effect-Action (DPSEEA) model [62]. Ideal environmental management is based on a reduction of environmental risk exposure, as well as the risks themselves, in all stages of the process. However, this policy-based intervention is not accurate or simple for several motifs (problematic approach for many variables as time lag between exposure reduction to environmental stressor and its negative

in areas characterized by the presence of large urban agglomerations.

to contain both the emission of pollutants and their effects on human health.

with dioxin.

438 Current Air Quality Issues

were reported.

Seveso Directive.

an accident [60, 61].

the safety procedures.

**6. Conclusions**

effects induced by outdoor pollutants.

M. Ferrante\* , M. Fiore, C. Copat, S. Morina, C. Ledda, C. Mauceri and G. Oliveri Conti

\*Address all correspondence to: marfer@unict.it

Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratories (LIAA), Department of Medical Science, Surgical and Advanced Technologies "GF Ingrassia", Hygiene and Public Health, University of Catania, Italy

## **References**


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