The impact of COVID-19 management on the risk of exposure to specific chemical products: a multicentric Italian study based on 2017-2021 poison centers consultancies.

Publication date: Oct 01, 2025

In Italy, the emergency of COVID-19 led to the promotion of preventive measures like hygiene protocols, biocides use, and lockdowns. This study assesses whether the Italian COVID-19 prevention Decrees led to significant changes in exposure to specific chemicals, also examining the post-COVID-19 period (2021). This multicentric observational study analyzed 2017-2021 exposure data to specific chemicals coming from six Italian Poison Centres (PCs). A multivariate analysis valued the association between the exposure to a specific product category and the predictive variables in different periods of 2020 and 2021, calculating crude and adjusted ORs and applying the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. The issuing of Decrees against COVID-19 conducted to peaks in exposure to chemicals. Higher proportions of children aged 1-5 were found among patients exposed to Laundry detergents (PC-DET-1) and Handwashing products (Soaps and Gel/Spray). For Gel/Spray, significant increases in the risk of exposure in 2020 (OR-lockdown period = 4. 61; OR-post-lockdown period = 4. 43) and 2021 (OR-whole year = 4. 34) were observed. Adults (>19) account for higher percentages among patients exposed to All-purpose products (PC-CLN-2) and to Surface Disinfectants (PP-BIO-2). A significant increase was also found for PP-BIO-2 in lockdown period of 2020 (OR = 1. 64). The risk of exposure to Biocides for human (PP-BIO-1) was almost statistically significant in post-lockdown period of 2020 (OR = 1. 74). This study evaluated the risk of exposure to chemicals during 2020 and 2021 vs. 2017-2019, considering the association between periods and exposures to specific chemicals as a crucial factor to correctly conduct these kinds of epidemiological studies.

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