GENERAL HYGIENE AND ELEMENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY

Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students will acquire basic knowledge of the main determinants of health and the risk factors associated with lifestyles and environmental conditions, as well as the general principles of prevention of infectious and chronic-degenerative diseases. Students will also gain knowledge of the relationships between environment and health, with particular reference to the effects of pollution of different environmental matrices (air, water, and soil) and the main mechanisms through which exposure to pollutants can produce adverse effects on human health. Furthermore, the fundamental principles of environmental epidemiology and the theoretical bases of environmental monitoring and control will be introduced.

Applying knowledge and understanding
Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge to interpret the main indicators of environmental quality and to understand the relationships between environmental exposure and health outcomes. In particular, they will be able to understand and describe the principal methodologies used in environmental monitoring, including sampling techniques, the most commonly measured chemical and physicochemical parameters, and the instrumental methods used in environmental analyses. Students will also be able to recognize the role of environmental epidemiology in the study of health effects associated with environmental pollutants.

Making judgements
Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate scientific information concerning the relationships between environment and health, interpreting data derived from epidemiological studies and environmental monitoring activities. These skills will enable them to formulate preliminary assessments regarding the impact of environmental factors on human health and the effectiveness of strategies for prevention and control of environmental risks.

Communication skills
Students will be able to use appropriate scientific terminology to describe the relationships between environmental factors and health, communicating clearly and accurately data and information related to environmental quality, risk factors, and prevention measures in both academic and professional contexts.

Learning skills
By the end of the course, students will have acquired the conceptual tools necessary to independently deepen their knowledge of environmental hygiene, environmental epidemiology, and environmental monitoring, and to critically update their knowledge through the scientific literature concerning the effects of the environment on human health.

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.

Hygiene goals and methodologies. Models of diseases. Prevention of infectious and chronic-degenerative diseases. Risk factors associated with habits and lifestyles (tobacco and alcohol habits, Unhealthy eating habits, sedentary).

Environmental policies and health protection. Environmental Sustainability and Urban Health. Environmental and health impact assessment. Environmental pollutants: bioavailability, biological amplification and major pathological effects. National Interest Sites.

Epidemiology. History and development of environmental epidemiology. Role of epidemiology in the management of environmental hygiene. Population Concepts. Epidemiological measures. Demographics and health statistics. Impact and prevalence. Analytical epidemiology and risk measures. Comparisons and Associations. Validity (systematic error, bias and confusion). Accuracy (random error, statistical reliability).

Types of epidemiological studies (observational studies, experimental studies). Methodological aspects related to the design of the study. Strategies in choosing the design of the study. Analysis and interpretation of a study. Practical aspects in carrying out a study.

Screening and biological monitoring. Data sources. Exposure assessment. Exposure assessment concepts. Matrices and exposure scenarios. Exposure Measurement Techniques. Exposure Modeling Techniques

Limits of studies in environmental epidemiology. Causality between exposure and outcomes. Methodologies for data analysis in environmental hygiene. Critical evaluation of literature in environmental epidemiology.

1. M. Buffoli, S. Capolongo, A. Odone, C. Signorelli. Salute e ambiente. Igiene edilizia, urbanistica e ambientale. EdiSES
2. FREE text available online. Metodi di studio e applicazioni in sanità pubblica traduzione in lingua italiana di: Environmental Epidemiology A Textbook on Study Methods and Public Health Applications. WHO (World Health Organization) in collaborazione con USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency)