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To evaluate the usefulness of passive reactive dosimeters for the determination of individual exposure to carbon disulphide, field studies in viscose plants in Poland and East Germany have been carried out. Totally, 43 workers have been examined, using active charcoal pipes joined with personal samplers as a reference air sampling method. The results of measurements point to a statistically significant difference between passive dosimeters findings and exposure evaluation by the reference method. The 1.5-2.2 times lower results indicate too little usefulness of passive dosimeters made in East Germany as a quantitative method of evaluating occupational exposure to carbon disulphide in Polish viscose plants.

The authors discuss methods for applying individual dosimetry in the assessment of occupational exposure to toxic substances. Methods for air sampling using individual pumps and individual passive dosimeters in order to estimate weighted average concentration and momentary concentration for the whole working shifts are presented. Also, the principles of interpreting measuring results are indicated.

Information concerning exposure to vinyl chloride collected in Occupational Hygiene Departments of Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations were verified. On the basis of the studies performed it was found that about 3700-4000 persons in Poland are occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride; 400 of these workers are employed at the synthesis and polymeryzation of vinyl chloride, and the others at plasticination and processing of polyvinyl chloride. About 200 workers employed in 3 plants of vinyl chloride polymerization and synthesis and about 30 employees of one of the plants processing this compound are exposed to vinyl chloride whose concentration exceeds the hygienic standard accepted in Poland (30 mg/m3).

Literature on biological action of mineral oils used as coolants has been surveyed. The data indicate different biological action depending on the origin of fundamental materials and additives used to improve the functional quality. In industry mineral oils may adversely affect primarily the respiratory system and skin. Both investigations of mineral oil aerosols effects in animals and epidemiological examinations of workers exposed to oil mist urgently call for the reduction of oil concentrations in work environment. The irritating properties of oils and oil emulsions vary with quantitative--qualitative chemical composition of those substances. Carcenogenic effects of oils are due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

The paper presents the principles of performing stationary measurements for the assessment of occupational exposure to toxic substances. A classification of work-stands was introduced according to the length of time spent at them. The strategy of measurements was adapted to the type of a given work-stand. The interpretation of measurement results was based on the exposure factors, relevant for a specific work-stand. Also, the principles of air sampling and of the interpretation of the results of the evaluation of instantaneous and threshold concentrations are discussed.