[Exposure to neurotoxic metals and prevalence of parkinsonian syndrome in the area of Brescia].
The prevalence of parkinsonian syndromes was studied in the province of Brescia (Northern Italy), in order to verify its possible increase in the surroundings of ferroalloy plants located in a valley of the pre-Alps. A case-list of subjects affected by these disturbances was identified using four different sources of information: a) registers from local medical clinics; b) admission charts from local hospitals; c) consumption of levodopa; d) NHS list of exemption from prescription payment, due to the illness. Exploratory data show a frequency of parkinsonian disturbances among the residents in the surroundings of the ferroalloy plants and downwind (crude prevalence = 358/100,000 population, standardized for age and sex = 438) significantly higher (s.m.r, = 1.58; C.I. = 1.41-1.76) than the entire Province (crude prevalence 246/100,000). This preliminary result could indicate the interaction of prolonged environmental exposure to heavy metals, such as manganese, and genetic factors, potentially relevant in this mountain population.
Lucchini
R
R
Cattedra di Medicina del Lavoro, Università degli Studi di Brescia.
Benedetti
L
L
Borghesi
S
S
Garattini
S
S
Parrinello
G
G
Alessio
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008669:Metallurgy; D008875:Middle Aged; D020258:Neurotoxicity Syndromes / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020734:Parkinsonian Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence