The first Italian study to introduce breath analysis into occupational medicine, specifically in the automotive sector, has begun at the Military Hospital Centre in Baggio, Milan.
Approximately 100 workers will participate in the project, in which the Mistral Sampler will be used to easily and non-invasively collect breath samples from these individuals in order to assess their exposure to potentially harmful substances at work. By comparing the air exhaled with the ambient air at the start and end of a shift, the body absorption of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be analysed, thereby refocusing attention on occupational biomonitoring.
Mistral technology enables analysis of the alveolar component of breath, which is directly correlated with gas exchange in the blood. This approach transforms breath into a source of clinical data, paving the way for faster and more accessible monitoring methods. This trial represents the first application of Mistral technology in occupational medicine in Italy, marking its entry into Lombardy. The expected results will reinforce the use of breath analysis as a supplementary tool for health and safety in professional settings, in line with an increasingly integrated and predictive approach.
