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Intensive animal farming emits to the environment very high concentrations of bioaerosol, mainly composed of microorganisms, including antibiotics resistant strains, and their derivatives. Poland is a significant producer of poultry and swine in Europe; Ukraine is located in the immediate vicinity of Poland and the EU. Thus, the review focuses on the presence of potentially pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant zoonotic bacteria and antimicrobial genes in the environment of farms and food of animal origin in Poland and Ukraine. Existing data confirms presence of these bacteria in the food animal origin chain environment in both countries. However, it is difficult to compare the scale of multidrug-resistant bacteria (e.g. MRSA, ESBL) dissemination in Poland and Ukraine with other EU countries due to lack of more extensive studies and large-scale monitoring in these two countries. A series of studies concerning resistance of pathogenic bacteria isolated from livestock environment have been published in Poland but usually on single farms with a very limited number of samples, and without a genotypic drug resistance marking. From Ukraine are available only few reports, but also disturbing. The risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria transmission does not only concern animal farming, but also other facilities of animal origin food supply chains, especially slaughterhouses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies investigating the associations between indoor air quality and health symptoms of schoolchildren have created a substantial knowledge; however, there are still inconsistencies and knowledge gaps. In the framework of the InAirQ study, the associations between the occurrence of recent health symptoms of children and the exposure to air pollutants in school buildings were investigated across Central Europe. Volatile organic compounds, aldehydes, PM 2.5 mass, carbon dioxide and physical parameters (temperature, relative humidity) were measured during the heating period of 2017/2018 in 64 primary school buildings. A questionnaire was used to survey the prevalence of allergy and the occurrence of past-year asthma-like and recent (<3 months) respiratory, ocular, dermal and general symptoms of the children in the monitored classroom. In total, 1084 parent-reported questionnaires were completed. Significant spatial differences were identified in the reported symptoms. While the highest frequencies of asthma-like symptoms were reported among the Slovenian schoolchildren, the highest occurrences of recent respiratory, dermal and general symptoms were found in Poland. Regarding the relationship between the frequencies of respiratory symptoms and the concentrations of air pollutants, the following significant associations were identified: nasal obstruction and ethylbenzene, xylenes, formaldehyde, PM 2.5 mass; sore throat and formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, hexanal, carbon dioxide, air stuffiness; irritative cough and PM 2.5 , hazard index. High concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons were associated with the high occurrences of dermal symptoms. Significant associations were found between the frequencies of headache and fatigue and the levels of air stuffiness, while the occurrence of fatigue was also associated with hexanal concentrations. • IAQ was investigated in 64 school buildings in 5 Central European countries. • Recent health symptoms of 1084 children were collected by questionnaire. • Significant spatial differences were observed in the reported health symptoms. • The occurrences of health symptoms were similar to those reported previously. • Further insight in the IAQ-related health symptoms was provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: The work presents the intentional use of harmful biological agents based on National Register of Biological Agents (Krajowego Rejestru Czynników Biologicznych - KRCB) collected by June 2023., Material and Methods: The KRCB is a central database gathering notifications of the intentional use of biological agents in risk groups 2-4 in the workplace in accordance with the regulation of the Minister of Health of December 11, 2020 amending the regulation regarding biological agents., Results: with the regulation of the Minister of Health of December 11, 2020 amending the regulation regarding biological agents. Results: Notifications were sent by 712 enterprises for: diagnostic - 62%, research - 31% and industrial purposes - 7%. Notifications were most often sent by hospital and non-hospital clinical and diagnostic laboratories (33% each group) and higher education and research units - 16%. In total, 7352 workers (88% women, 12% men) were exposed to biological agents intentionally used at work. Biological agents from 2 and 3 group risk were used by 98% and 16% enterprises, respectively. The most frequently were used bacteria Escherichia coli (with the exception of non-pathogenic strains) - 5972 (81%) exposed workers, Staphylococcus aureus - respectively 5760 (78%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa - 5155 (70%). Among the total workers, nearly 25% were exposed to at least 1 biological agent carcinogenic to humans, including viruses (hepatitis B virus [HBV] - 1800 workers, 24%; hepatitis C virus [HCV] - respectively, 1767, 24%; human immunodeficiency virus-1 [HIV-1] - 1557, 21%; human gammaherpesvirus type 4 (Epstein-Barr virus) - 199, 3%; Papillomaviridae - 52, <1%; human gammaherpesvirus type 8 [HHV-8] - 16, <1%; human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 [HTLV- 1] - 38, <1%; bacteria Helicobacter pylori - 299, 4%; parasites Schistosoma haematobium - 9, <1%)., Conclusions: Intentionally used biological agents most often pose a threat to workers of hospital and non-hospital clinical and diagnostic laboratories, but a higher health risk concerns workers of and higher education and research units. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;74(6):501-11., (This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.)

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the occupational exposure to Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, including methicillin- resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and other antibiotic-resistant strains in the municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) environment., Material and Methods: In 16 WWTPs in Poland, 33 wastewater and 253 air samples were collected in the spring-summer season. The microbiological analysis was carried out using a chromogenic medium. Species identification was carried out using the matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight method, while the antibiotic-resistance analysis was performed with an automatic method., Results: Among 2805 bacterial isolates from the air and wastewater, 574 were identified as S. aureus species (20.5%). The presence of S. aureus species was found in 11 WWTPs (69%), among them in 11 WWTPs in raw wastewater and in 1 WWTP additionally in treated wastewater. The concentrations of S. aureus in wastewater ranged 2-1215 colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml). In the air, 2 S. aureus isolates were identified in concentrations of 5 and 10 CFU/m 3 ; both samples were collected at the stage of mechanical wastewater treatment. The results revealed the following trend: the higher the outdoor temperature, the bigger the number of WWTPs with confirmed S. aureus presence. Among 149 S. aureus isolates (2 from the air and 147 from wastewater, including 2 MRSA), 100 isolates were resistant only to penicillin, while 34 isolates showed multi-antibiotic resistance (to penicillin and other drugs). It was found that isolated bacteria were resistant almost strictly to critical and highly important antibiotics in veterinary medicine., Conclusions: In general, WWTPs workers are occupationally exposed to S. aureus , including MRSA, and other antibiotic- and multi-antibiotic-resistant strains. The highest risk of infection concerns the activities carried out in direct contact with wastewater or devices through which wastewater flows, particularly at the stage of mechanical treatment. A significant source of S. aureus seems to be intensive livestock farming located in the area of the WWTPs under analysis. The study confirms the necessity to disinfect the wastewater discharging into WWTPs. Med Pr. 2020;71(3):265-78., (This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.)

Background: Paper presents the intentional use of biological agents for industrial, diagnostic and research purposes in enterprises in Poland., Material and Methods: The source of data is the National Register of Biological (in Polish KRCB) - the type of the database that gathers data about the intentional use of biological agents at work in Poland. The analysis includes tabular summaries of the data as of December 2017., Results: Notifications were sent by 598 enterprises for: diagnostic - 67.5%, research - 25% and industrial purposes - 75%. Those mostly were hospital diagnostic laboratories - 36%, entities other than hospitals - 32% and higher education and research units - 13%. In total, 4477 workers (91.3% women, 8.7% men) were exposed to biological agents. Agents from 2nd and 3rd group of risk were used in 581 and 106 enterprises, respectively. Escherichia coli bacteria was most frequently used (with the exception of non-pathogenic strains) in 504 enterprises (3529 exposed workers), Staphylococcus aureus - 495 enterprises (3464 workers) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa - 459 enterprises (3157 workers). In 58 enterprises, biological agents recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as carcinogenic were used (viruses: hepatitis B virus (HBV) - 10 enterprises and 257 workers, hepatitis C virus (HCV) - 10 enterprises and 232 workers, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) - 9 enterprises and 227 workers, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) - 8 enterprises and 186 workers, human papilloma virus (HPV) - 3 enterprises and 94 workers, human herpes virus type 8 (HHV-8) - 3 enterprises and 22 workers, human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) - 1 enterprise and 17 workers; parasites: Schistosoma haematobium - 2 enterprises and 4 workers, Clonorchis viverrini - 1 enterprises and 2 workers, Clonorchis sinensis - 1 enterprises and 2 workers; bacteria: Helicobacter pylori - 10 enterprises and 137 workers)., Conclusions: The network organization, legal base and central nature cause that the KRCB is a unique database that allows for diagnosis of the situation and tracking of dynamics in the context of occupational exposure to biological agents used intentionally in enterprises in Poland. Med Pr 2018;69(4):413-424., (This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.)

Objectives: The main objective was analysis and assessment of toxinogenic capabilities of fungi isolated from moldy surfaces in residential rooms in an urban agglomeration situated far from flooded areas in moderate climate zone., Material and Methods: The assessment of environmental exposure to mycotoxins was carried out in samples collected from moldy surfaces in form of scrapings and airborne dust from 22 moldy dwellings in winter season. In each sample 2 mycotoxins were analyzed: sterigmatocystin and roquefortine C produced by Aspergillus versicolor and Penicillium chrysogenum, respectively. Mycotoxins were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in: scrapings from moldy surfaces, mixture of all species of fungi cultured from scrapings on microbiological medium (malt extract agar), pure cultures of Aspergillus versicolor and Penicillium chrysogenum cultured from scrapings on microbiological medium; mycotoxins in the indoor air dust were also analyzed., Results: The production of sterigmatocystin by individual strains of Aspergillus versicolor cultured on medium was confirmed for 8 of 13 isolated strains ranging 2.1-235.9 μg/g and production of roquefortine C by Penicillium chrysogenum for 4 of 10 strains ranging 12.9-27.6 μg/g. In 11 of 13 samples of the mixture of fungi cultured from scrapings, in which Aspergillus versicolor was found, sterigmatocystin production was at the level of 3.1-1683.2 μg/g, whereas in 3 of 10 samples in which Penicillium chrysogenum occurred, the production of roquefortine C was 0.9-618.9 μg/g. The analysis did not show in any of the tested air dust and scrapings samples the presence of analyzed mycotoxins in the amount exceeding the determination limit., Conclusions: The capability of synthesis of sterigmatocystin by Aspergillus versicolor and roquefortine C by Penicillium chrysogenum growing in mixtures of fungi from scrapings and pure cultures in laboratory conditions was confirmed. The absence of mycotoxins in scrapings and air dust samples indicates an insignificant inhalatory exposure to mycotoxins among inhabitants in moldy flats of urban agglomeration situated far from flooded territories. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(5):823-836., (This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.)

Background: The paper presents the intentional use of biological agents for industrial, diagnostic and research purposes in Polish enterprises., Material and Methods: The National Register of Biological Agents (Krajowy Rejestr Czynników Biologicznych - KRCB) is an online database that collects the data on the intentional use of biological agents at work in Poland., Results: As of December 2013 there were 533 notifications in KRCB, mainly for diagnostic (73%), research (20%) and industrial purposes (7%). Mostly there were hospital diagnostic laboratories (37%), and other laboratories (35%), as well as higher education and research institutions (11%). In total, 4015 workers (91.7% of women, 8.3% of men) were exposed tobiological agents. Agents classified in risk group 2 were used in 518 enterprises, and in risk group 3 in 107 enterprises. Of those agents the following bacteria were the most frequently used: Escherichia coli except for non-pathogenic strains (455 enterprises and 3314 exposed workers); Staphylococcus aureus (445 and 3270); and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (406 and 2969, respectively). In 66 enterprises there were used biological agents recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as carcinogens. They are viruses: Epstein-Barr (7 enterprises, 181 exposed workers); hepatitis B (16 and 257); hepatitis C virus (15 and 243); human immunodefi- ciency virus (8 and 107); human papillomaviruses (2 and 4); parasites: Clonorchis viverrini (1 and 2 ); Clonorchos sinensis (1 and 2); Schistosoma haematobium (1 and 2) and bacteria Helicobacter pylori; (15 and 230, respectively)., Conclusions: The National Register of Biological Agents at Work permits to evaluate the situation of occupational exposure to biological agents used intentionally in enterprises in Poland.

Objectives: The study was aimed at assessment of exposure to endotoxins, (1→3)-β-D-glucans and mite, cockroach, cat, dog allergens present in settled dust in premises of children as agents which may be significantly correlated with the occurrence of allergic symptoms and diseases in children., Materials and Methods: The study covered 50 homes of one-or two-year-old children in Poland. Samples of settled dust were taken from the floor and the child's bed. The levels of (1→3)-β-D-glucans (floor), endotoxins (floor) and allergens of mite, cat, dog and cockroach (floor and bed) were analyzed., Results: Average geometric concentrations (geometric standard deviation) of endotoxins, (1→3)-β-D-glucans, Der p1, Fel d1, Can f1 and Bla g1 in children homes were on the floor 42 166.0 EU/g (3.2), 20 478.4 ng/g (2.38), 93.9 ng/g (6.58), 119.8 ng/g (13.0), 288.9 ng/g (3.4), 0.72 U/g (4.4) and in their beds (only allergens) 597.8 ng/g (14.2), 54.1 ng/g (4.4), 158.6 ng/g (3.1) 0.6 U/g (2.9), respectively. When the floor was covered with the carpet, higher concentrations of endotoxins, (1→3)-β-D-glucans and allergens (each type) were found in the settled dust (p < 0.05). The trend was opposite in case of allergens (except dog) analyzed from bed dust and significantly higher concentrations were found in the rooms with smooth floor (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Among the analyzed factors only the type of floor significantly modified both the level of biological indicators and allergens. The results of this study could be the base for verifying a hypothesis that carpeting may have a protective role against high levels of cockroach, dog and cat allergens.

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the biological risks of medical laboratory employees with particular focus on laboratory acquired infection (LAI), activities having the greatest risk, accidents with biological material, post exposure procedure, preventive measures and workers' knowledge about biological exposure., Materials and Methods: The study involved 9 laboratories. A questionnaire survey was attended by 123 employees and 9 heads of these units with the use of two questionnaires for laboratory workers and the managers., Results: 32.5% of the respondents (40 persons) had an accident at least once. Needlestick or a broken glass injury covered 18.7% respondents (23 persons), while splashing the skin, mucous membranes or conjunctivae related to 22.8% (28 persons). Among the employees who had an accident, only 45% of the respondents (18 persons) reported this to the manager. Microbes dominant in the biological material were known only to 57 respondents (46.3%), less than half could correctly give an example of a disease (57 persons, 46.3%). More than half of the respondents admitted that they do not know all of the possible routes of infection while working in the laboratory (68 persons, 55.3%)., Conclusions: In the study population, a high incidence of accidents was observed, usually during blood sampling and transfer of biological material. Condition of the workers' equipment with personal protective measures and laboratory facilities in devices to reduce the risk of infection and procedures for handling the potentially infectious material should be considered as insufficient. Lack of basic knowledge of the employees about biohazards at workplaces was shown.

Objectives: This study is aimed at evaluation of bacterial air contamination in intensive poultry breeding. The evaluation was based on the determined levels of bacterial concentrations and qualitative identification of isolated microorganisms., Materials and Methods: The study covered 5 poultry houses: two hatcheries and three hen houses with the litter bed system. The air was sampled in three measurement series in the central part of the investigated workplace at the height of about 1.5 m over the ground, using portable measuring sets consisting of a GilAir 5 (Sensidyne, USA) pump and a measuring head filled with a glass microfibre filter (Whatman, UK). For the quantitative and qualitative analysis of microorganisms were used appropriate microbiological media., Results: The total concentrations of airborne mesophilic bacteria inside the poultry breeding houses ranged from 4.74 × 10(4) cfu/m(3) to 1.89 × 10(8) cfu/m(3). For Gram-negative bacteria, the range comprised the values from 4.33 × 10(2) cfu/m(3) to 4.29 × 10(6) cfu/m(3). The concentrations of the cocci of Enterococcus genus ranged from 1.53 × 10(4) cfu/m(3) to 1.09 × 10(7) cfu/m(3), whereas those of other Gram-positive bacteria from 3.78 × 10(4) cfu/m(3) to 6.65 × 10(7) cfu/m(3). The lowest concentrations of each group of the examined microorganisms were noted in the second measurement series when the air exchange in the breeding houses was over twice higher than in first and third measurement series because the mechanical ventilation was supported by natural ventilation (opened gates in the buildings). The lowest concentrations of total bacteria were obtained in those buildings where one-day old chickens were kept. Gram-positive bacteria of the genera: Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Corynebacterium, Brevibacterium, Micrococcus, Cellulomonas, Bacillus, Aerococcus, and Gram-negative bacteria of the genera: Pseudomonas, Moraxella, Escherichia, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Pasteurella, Pantoea were isolated. It was shown that for most of the investigated livestock premises the total bacteria concentrations exceeded the reference value of 1.0 × 10(5) cfu/m(3). Furthermore, pathogenic microorganisms which are a potential threat to human health (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp. ozaenae, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium) were found among the identified bacteria., Conclusions: The results indicate that the hygienic conditions of the working environment connected with litter bed system production of poultry are affected by changes of the efficiency of ventilation and create a direct health risk to employees. They should use personal protective measures to protect their respiratory tract, especially when the gates in the hen houses are closed.

The aim of the paper was to discuss the problems related to the classification of B. subtilis and B. thuringiensis bacteria to the 2nd risk group under the 2005 decree of the Ministry of Health on hazardous biological agents (Law Gazette No. 81, item 716 with later amendments). The decree is a Polish implementation of the Directive 2000/54/EC generally consistent with its recommendations, but in the case of certain microorganisms a separate decision has been taken and having in mind the health of workers, changes in the list of hazardous agents existing in Poland have been made. The paper presents in detail the legal situation in this field, as well as current knowledge about the biology of these microorganisms, their use in the biotechnology industry and related production of allergenic proteins, and their effect on the human health. Placement ofB. subtilis and B. thuringiensis in the 2nd risk group resulted in the interpretative difficulties encountered by employers who use products containing these bacteria, institutions involved in such products trade and inspectorates supervising working conditions. Based on the literature review it is suggested to initiate actions leading to the development of hygiene norms for certain enzymes/bioinsecticides present in the air, the more that the tests to assess air concentrations of some of them are available. This solution would permit to remove B. subtilis and B. thuringiensis bacteria from the 2nd risk group without the risk for the care of workers' health.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess fungal air contamination in the processes associated with poultry breeding depending on the season. The evaluation was based on the determined concentrations of fungi and qualitative identification of isolated microorganisms., Materials and Methods: The study covered 2 hatcheries and 3 hen buildings. The air was sampled in spring, summer and autumn directly onto a filter using air aspirator. For the quantitative analysis of fungi, the medium MEA with chloramphenicol and streptomycin was used. The qualitative identification of fungi was carried out based on macro- and microscopic analysis., Results: The concentrations of total airborne mesophilic fungi in breeding facilities ranged from 1.22 x 10(3) to 5.87 x 10(5) cfu/m3 with the arithmetic mean value 1.60 x 10(5) cfu/m5. In 45% of the taken samples, these levels exceeded the reference value recommended in Poland for occupational environment exposure. The fungi concentration in the air of poultry houses was significantly modified by season (p = 0.04). A higher concentration of fungi occurred in autumn (p = 0.05). The dominant fungal microflora in the air was composed of molds (88%), with the most prevalent genus Acremonium. Yeasts constituted another 10% of bioaerosol and were mainly represented by genus Candida. The fungal aerosol contained two species qualified to the 2 group of risk--Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida tropicalis., Conclusions: Facilities of poultry farms are contaminated with high concentrations of fungal aerosols, especially in a colder season, often exceeding the recommended limits. Among the fungi, there are also present pathogenic microorganisms that may pose a risk to farm workers' health.

Introduction: The National Register of Biological Agents at Work and the National Information Centre for Biological Agents Present at Workplaces were established in the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine in 2005. The National Information Centre carries out consultation and education activities concerning occupational exposure and risk assessment, development and implementation of preventive programs and accurate registration of reliable information about the use of biological agents. Educational materials on biological exposure are published on the website., Material and Methods: The National Register of Biological Agents (database) collects and periodically analyzes the information obtained from employers about the use of biological agents for research, diagnostic or industrial purposes., Results and Conclusion: As of 10 December 2010 there were 240 notifications from companies, which use biological agents for the following purposes: research--69, industrial--30 and diagnostic--321. Near 75% of all notifications were obtained from different diagnostic laboratories (public and private). In total, 3226 workers, including 2967 (92%) women and 256 (8%) men were exposed to biological agents. In general, occupational exposure to 209 biological agents (186 of risk group 2 and 23 of risk group 3, of which 16 are additionally marked by 3**) were registered in the data base.

Background: In this paper the exposure assessment to airborne biohazards (organic dust, microorganisms, endotoxins and ((1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucans) as well as to ammonia and hydrogen sulfide among CAFO (swine farms) workers is presented., Materials and Methods: Occupational exposure assessment was carried out on 30 swine farms. Personal dosimetry was carried out among 90 swine farm workers to assess the exposure to organic dust, endotoxins and glucans. Concentrations of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide were measured using Draeger pipes. Endotoxins were assayed with the LAL test in a kinetic, chromogenic version and ((1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucans with the Glucatell test in a kinetic version., Results: Concentrations of inhalable dust ranged from 0.16 to 37.2 mg/m3, with AM = 3.65 mg/m3, whereas AM for respirable fraction was 0.39 mg/m3 with the range from zero to 4.28 mg/m3. Mean concentration of culturable bacteria was 4.79 x 10 (5) jtk/m3, and fungi concentration was ten times lower - 1.55 x 10(4) jtk/m3. Exposure to endotoxins with high degree of differentiation ranged from 95 to 147 885 EU/m3 in inhalable and from 5.5 to 18 708 EU/m3 in respirable fractions. Glucan concentrations ranged from 6 to > 5200 ng/m3 in unhalable and from 1 to 800 ng/m3 in respirable fraction. Ammonia concentrations in the workplace air ranged from 1.78 mg/m3 (2.50 ppm) to 30.1 mg/m3 (42.4 ppm). Hydrogen sulfide did not exceed the level of 4.1 mg/m3., Conclusion: Work conditions found in CAFOs may induce adverse effects on workers' respiratory system and should be considered as an important harmful agent. The protection of workers respiratory airways should be recommended.

Background: The aim of the study was to recognize exposure to biological agents in the air of waste sorting plants. This publication contains the characteristics of technical solutions in use during sorting of waste and the results of quantitative analysis in terms of the presence of moulds and inhalable dust in the air., Material and Methods: The study was conducted in the summertime inside two waste sorting plants with different production capacity ("big" and "small"). To evaluate inhalable dust in the air, 53 samples were collected using personal samplers on glass fiber filters. To assess mycological contamination of the air, 30 triple samples were directly collected on Petri dishes (Malt Extract Agar medium), using the volumetric impact method in the worker's respiratory zone. Samples were incubated for 5 days at 30 degrees C. Outcomes of the total number of moulds were provided in cfu/m3 (cfu--colony forming units)., Results: The mean concentration of inhalable dust, determined in the "big" waste sorting plant, was 2.38 mg/m3 and in the "small" plant 1.12 mg/m3. The quantitative analysis revealed the following values of the total number of moulds present in the air: 1) "big" waste sorting plant, 2.9 x 10(4) cfu/m3 (work premises) and 3.6 x 10(3) jtk/m3 (office premises); 2) "small" waste sorting plant, 7.8 x 10(4) cfu/m3 (work premises) and 2.5 x 10(3) jtk/m3 (office premises)., Conclusions: Mould concentrations determined in the environment of waste sorting plants were high. To protect health of workers in this kind of plants, preventive programs focused on the protection of the skin and respiratory system should be implemented. Offices should be properly isolated from work premises to minimize spreading of inhalable dust.

The National Information Centre for Biological Agents Present at Workplaces and the National Register of Biological Agents were established in the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine in 2005. The former carries out consultation and education activities concerned with occupational exposure and risk assessment, planning and implementation of preventive programs and accurate registration of reliable information about the use of biological agents. The latter aims at collecting and analyzing the aforesaid information obtained from employers for research, diagnostic or industrial purposes. The data base is a source of information for occupational environment supervising inspections and occupational health service. useful among others in planning various forms of prevention. As of December 10, 2008 there were 281 notifications from companies using biological agents (for the following purposes: research--34, diagnostic--225 and industrial--22). The majority of notifications were obtained from different diagnostic laboratories and universities/ research institutes. In total, 2197 workers, including 2011 (91.5%) women and 186 (8.5%) men were exposed to biological agents, were registered.

Background: The quantitative assessment and qualitative identification of moulds at workplaces in wastewater treatment plants were the aim of the study., Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in four wastewater treatment plants, where 15 stationary points were selected according to mechanical, biological and sewage sludge treatment processes. In addition, background level samples from the city area were also collected. Bioaerosols were sampled with use of a Burkard Aerosol Sampler and directly put on Malt Extract Agar plates. Identification of moulds was based on morphological properties described in the professional literature., Results: The identified concentrations of moulds were low and ranged between 0.11 and 16.75 x 10(2) cfu/m3. The highest mean levels of fungal microflora were found during sewage sludge treatment processes. In total, there were 65 fungal isolates, of which 80% were found in wastewater treatment plants. In bioaerosol samples of the occupational origin, the highest (40%) amount of isolates originated from sewage sludge treatment processes and the lowest (25%) from biological treatment stages. In wastewater treatment plants, moulds of Aspergillus genus predominated and represented nearly 35% of all identified fungi. Comparing to background levels, the content of this genus was almost 4.5 times higher. Pathogenic Aspergillus fumigatus was found at all stages of wastewater treatment and Trichophyton genus at the stage of mechanical treatment. Moreover, there were numerous moulds of Mucor, Penicillium and Alternaria genera. In background samples moulds of Penicillium genus predominated and no pathogenic species were found., Conclusions: The obtained results reveal that the sewage sludge is the main source of mould emission into the air at workplaces in wastewater treatment plants. On account of the presence of moulds with the evidenced infectious and allergic activity it is suggested that personal protective equipment should be used by employees.

Microbiological contamination with fungi, including moulds, can pose a significant health hazard to those working in archives or museums. The species involved include Aspergillus, Penicillium, Geotrichum, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Mucor, Rhizopus, Trichoderma, Fusarium which are associated mostly with allergic response of different types. The aim of the study was to analyse, both in quantitative and qualitative terms, workplace air samples collected in a library and archive storage facilities. Occupational exposure and the related health hazard from microbiological contamination with moulds were assessed in three archive storage buildings and one library. Air samples (total 60) were collected via impact method before work and at hourly intervals during work performance. Surface samples from the artifacts were collected by pressing a counting (RODAC) plate filled with malt extract agar against the surface of the artifacts. The air sample and surface sample analyses yielded 36 different mould species, classified into 19 genera, of which Cladosporium and Penicillium were the most prevalent. Twelve species were regarded as potentially pathogenic for humans: 8 had allergic and 11 toxic properties, the latter including Aspergillus fumigatus. Quantitative analysis revealed air microbiological contamination with moulds at the level ranging from 1.8 x 10(2)-2.3 x 10(3) cfu/m(3). In surface samples from library and archive artifacts, 11 fungal species were distinguished; the number of species per artifact varying from 1-6 and colony count ranging from 4 x 10(1) to 8-10(1) cfu/100 cm(2). Higher contamination levels were found only for Cladosporium cladosporioides (1.48 x 10(3) cfu/100 cm(2)) and Paecillomyces varioti (1.2 x 10(2) cfu/100 cm(2)). At the workposts examined, although no clearly visible signs of mould contamination could be found, the study revealed abundant micromycetes, with the predominant species of Cladosporium and Penicillium. The detected species included also potentially pathogenic microorganisms which can cause allergic and toxic effects, such as Aspergillus fumigatus, that could be hazardous to workers' health. For some species, the concentration levels exceeded the values considered the proposed hygienic standards for total microscopical fungi in occupational settings. The findings of the study point to unsatisfactory hygienic conditions at the worksites examined, resulting in microbiological contamination with moulds, as well as the necessity for prompt remedial activities on the part of the employers.

In metalworking, the temperature of the cutting edge can reach 700 degrees C, which can adversely affect either the surface of the metal processed or the cutting edge itself. To reduce the heat and friction, the metalworking fluids and coolants are used. The most common are the oil-in-water emulsions, which are a mixture of concentrated mineral oils, different additives, and water. The presence of water and organic substrates generates conditions for microbial growth. Bacterial endotoxins can also be frequently detected in metalworking fluids. Rapid rotation of the metalworking tools makes various biological agents to be released as droplet bioaerosols that can be inhaled by the workers, thus producing adverse health effects, mainly on the respiratory system. More than 130 species of bacteria (including pathogens), moulds and yeasts have so far been found in the metalworking fluids and coolants. This paper summarizes the outcomes of projects on the impact of biological agents present in metalworking fluids. Exposure to oil mist, bacteria and endotoxins as well as the variety of health effects resulting from that exposure have been discussed. The findings indicate that the most frequent symptoms reported by the workers include cough with phlegm, wheezing breath, chest tightness and throat irritation. The most common among the diagnosed diseases are chronic allergic bronchitis, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and acute respiratory dysfunction indicated by decreased FEV1 values. The main skin diseases include oil acne, bacterial infections, dermatomycosis and allergic reactions. The review made the authors conclude that the problem of occupational exposure to biological agents released with coolants during metalworking has not been well recognized in Poland.

Background: Health care workers belong to a high risk occupational group in view of their permanent contact with biological agents. It is essential to take all available and effective technical, organizational and medical preventive measures to protect the exposed workers., Methods and Materials: Activities aimed at protecting workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents, according to recommendations laid down in Directive 2000/54/EC, were assessed in a questionnaire survey carried out in 47 hospitals., Results and Conclusions: The following requirements were best satisfied by the hospitals under study: provision of workers exposed to biological agents with collective and personal protective measures; washing and toilet facilities; separate dinning rooms; registration of accidents involving handling of biological agents and including biological agents issues in the program of occupational training of workers. Most flaws and oversights were observed in regard to: biological agents risk assessment; appropriate marking of rooms where biohazard may occur; written procedures for safe handling of biological agents and the implementation of vaccination program against hepatitis B.

The presented data concern occupational exposure understood as work performed in working conditions with exceeded values of maximum allowable concentrations/intensities (MAC/MAI) of hazardous/noxious agents. In Poland, the State Sanitary Inspection (PIS) is responsible for the occupational hygiene surveillance in the work environment. Information on occupational exposure to various hazardous agents (chemical and physical, as well as industrial dust, lighting or microclimate) is collected by the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine every three years on the basis of routine statistics of sanitary inspectorates. Information on occupational exposure apply exclusively to workers employed in PIS-supervised enterprises. In 2000, the Polish enterprises, registered and supervised by PIS, employed 4 321 312 workers, including 505 638 (11.7%) workers employed in working conditions with exceeded MAC/MAI values. In 2000, both the proportion of workposts with exceeded MAC/MAI values and the proportion of workers employed in exposure decreased. The data show a general improvement in working conditions in Poland.

Background: Occupational, biological factors of microbial, plant and animal origin may become a health hazard to the exposed workers. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of biological agents present in the work environment, related health risks, and health protection against biological exposure at work among workers of certain occupational categories., Materials and Methods: A population of 150 workers, employed in the health, forestry and municipal services, was interviewed using a specially developed questionnaire. Each occupational category comprised 50 workers., Results and Conclusions: The level of workers' knowledge of occupational, biological agents, their effect on human body, symptoms and diseases induced by occupational exposure to biological hazards is rather limited in the study groups. Personal protective measures, prophylactic vaccination and compliance with principles of personal hygiene are considered to be the most effective ways of health protection against occupational exposure to biological hazards.