2016 Roberto Cappelletti Health status of male steel workers at an electric arc furnace EAF in Trentino Italy s12995 016 0095 8

The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to determine if the workers of an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), which recycles scrap, had higher mortality and morbidity due to possible exposure to pollutants at work. A cohort of 331 exposed workers was studied from 19/03/1979 to 31/12/2009. The mortality study found an excess mortality in exposed workers compared to the general population and a small control group, with increased rates for lung cancer and ischemic heart disease. The morbidity study indicated a statistically significant increase in diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases among exposed workers. These findings suggest that exposure to metal particulates, rather than PAH alone, is a significant risk factor for the observed health issues. A reliable method for measuring metal particulate matter in tissues is urgently needed for exposure assessment. The study underscores the necessity to improve safety standards regarding exposure to foundry dusts. Further research on health impacts in EAF workers is needed to fully understand the risks associated with this occupational exposure.