39578 - Air and Water Hygiene

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student is able to: Know the main sources of pollution and the principles of hygiene of the soil, water and air. Know the general principles of hygiene of living environments. Know the tools and methodologies for designing and implementing effective communication regarding environmental risks.

Course contents

Teaching module assigned to the professor Matteo Montalti (24 hours):

1) Reference regulatory context;

2) Concept of Environment & Health from a "One Health" perspective;

3) The air: chemical-physical characteristics, outdoor pollution and impact on human health;

4) The air: indoor pollution and impact on human health;

5) Building-related diseases: sick building syndrome, building-related diseases and multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome;

6) In-depth analysis of the carbon monoxide risk and radon risk in living environments and effects on human health;

7) Fundamentals of urban, special and dangerous waste;

8) Urban health: policies to promote intersectoral interventions for urban liveability, health and well-being;

9) Reading and analysis of scientific articles on outdoor and indoor pollution (sources: indexed databases).

Teaching module assigned to the professor Serena Lanzarini (12 hours):

1) Environmental determinants of health;

2) The assessment and communication of environmental risks;

3) Drinking water:

a) the different sources of supply and their exposure to pollution risk and protection measures for sources of extraction;

b) physical, chemical and bacteriological characteristics of drinking water;

c) indicators of chemical and microbial contamination of drinking water and effects on human health;

d) mutagenic substances in drinking water;

e) purification treatments of water intended for human consumption;

f) treatments of waste water aimed at allowing it to be released onto the ground or into surface water bodies.

Readings/Bibliography

-Relevant legislation:

DLgs 152/2006 e s.m.i.; DLvo 4/2008 e s.m.i.; DLgs 22/1997; DLgs 155/2010 e s.m.i.; DLgs 81/2018 e s.m.i.; DLgs 18/2023; Linee guida per la qualità dell'aria WHO del 2021; DM 5 Luglio 1975; DLgs 101/2020; DPCM 11/01/2024; Legge 3/2003 e s.m.i.; DM 10/10/2008; Piano Nazionale e Regionale (Emilia-Romagna) della Prevenzione.

-Literature (For additional information):

Chimica Ambientale - Colina Baird, Michel Cann - Zanichelli

Carlo Signorelli, Igiene e Sanità Pubblica, 2019

F. Bianucci, P. Legnani, Elementi di Igiene e Medicina Preventiva, Esculapio (Terza Edizione) 1998

Teaching methods

Lectures, supplementary and refresher activities on topics covered, analysis and in-depth analysis of real cases.

Assessment methods

In-person exam in written and oral form.

Teaching tools

Presentations in Power Point or PDF, reference legislation, illustrations on the blackboard, links to links or texts for further information.

Office hours

See the website of Matteo Montalti

See the website of Serena Lanzarini