At the end of the course, the student will be able to: • Understand the fundamental concepts related to human exposure to chemical contaminants and their implications for public health; • Apply chemical risk assessment methodologies in environmental and occupational contexts; • Critically analyze issues related to waste disposal and the associated risks; • Communicate exposure and risk assessments using appropriate technical terminology; • Self-assess and improve their competencies in the field of environmental hygiene, also in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Course Prerequisites
The student is expected to have a basic knowledge of general and environmental hygiene, with particular reference to the concepts of chemical risk and environmental toxicology. Familiarity with the fundamentals of general chemistry, as well as with the main environmental prevention methodologies, is also recommended.
Teaching Methods
The teaching activities include: • Lectures supported by multimedia presentations (PowerPoint) made available on the KIRO platform; • Practical exercises with case studies related to chemical risk assessment; • Optional in-depth seminars with industry experts to illustrate practical cases and best practices; • Possible use of project work based on simulated environmental scenarios to consolidate competencies.
Assessment Methods
Learning will be assessed through: • A written exam, lasting 60 minutes, consisting of multiple-choice and open-ended questions; • An additional oral interview, if necessary. The evaluation will be based on: • Accuracy and completeness of the answers (graded on a scale of 0 to 30); • Use of technical and scientific language; • Ability to make connections between the various topics covered; • Possible discussion of practical cases assigned during the lessons.
Texts
“Aspetti qualificanti l’igiene ambientale (rischio chimico)” by E. Zecca Teaching materials provided by the lecturer and available on the KIRO platform.
Contents
HUMAN EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS Exposure, environmental matrices, exposure path Generic exposure equation Measurement and estimation of exposure to pollutants
CALCULATION OF THE RISK FOR HUMAN HEALTH DUE TO CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS Calculation of the risk that can be derived from non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic contaminants Criteria for reducing exposure
SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL Quali-quantitative evolution of solid waste Disposal Health risks Controlled landfills: relationship between mass of waste, environmental matrices and human exposure; composting and incineration.
