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Masa poreakcyjna 5-chloro-2-metylo-2H-izotiazol-3-onu i 2-metylo-2H-izotiazol-3-onu (3: 1), zwana dalej CIT/MIT, jest jasnożółtym krystalicznym ciałem stałym, bardzo dobrze rozpuszczalnym w wodzie. Jest stosowana jako środek biobójczy w płynach technologicznych oraz jako konserwant w różnorodnych produktach konsumenckich. Skutki przewlekłego narażenia ludzi były badane prawie wyłącznie pod kątem potencjału działania uczulającego na skórę. Skutki przewlekłe-go narażenia zwierząt wynikały przede wszystkim z działania drażniącego. Skutkiem krytycznym CIT/MIT jest działanie drażniące na błony śluzowe nosa. Podstawą do obliczenia proponowanej wartości NDS były wyniki 13-tygodniowego eks-perymentu inhalacyjnego na szczurach, w którym wyznaczono wartość NOAEC na poziomie 0,34 mg/m3. Do obliczenia wartości NDS przyjęto współczynnik niepewności A = 2 ze względu na różnice wrażliwości osobniczej u ludzi, pozostałe współczynniki przyjęto równe 1. Zaproponowano przyjęcie wartości NDS równej 0,2 mg/m3. Ze względu na działanie drażniące proponuje się przyjęcie wartości chwilowej NDSCh wynoszącej 0,4 mg/m3. Dostępne dane są niewystarczające do ustalenia wartości dopuszczalnego stężenia w materiale biologicznym DSB. Zaproponowano oznakowanie CIT/MIT: A – substancja uczulająca; C – substancja żrąca; Skóra – wchłanianie substancji przez skórę może być tak samo istotne jak przy narażeniu drogą oddechową. Zakres tematyczny artykułu obejmuje zagadnienia zdrowia oraz bezpieczeństwa i higieny środowiska pracy będące przedmiotem badań z zakresu nauk o zdrowiu oraz inżynierii środowiska.

Furan jest stosowany w syntezie organicznej, przy produkcji lakierów, leków, stabilizatorów, zamienników detergentów, środków chemicznych stosowanych w rolnictwie, laminatów odpornych na temperaturę, jako rozpuszczalnik żywic i odczynnik w laboratoriach. Furan jest zaklasyfikowany do substancji rakotwórczych kategorii zagrożenia 1B. W latach 2005-2017 wzrastała liczba zakładów pracy zgłaszających furan do Centralnego Rejestru Danych o Narażeniu na Substancje, Czynniki i Procesy Technologiczne o Działaniu Rakotwórczym lub Mutagennym w Środowisku Pracy. W 2017 r. 9 zakładów zgłosiło 183 narażonych pracowników. Dotychczas w Polsce nie ustalono wartości NDS dla furanu. W warunkach narażenia zawodowego furan wchłania się do organizmu drogą inhalacyjną i dermalną. Jako skutek krytyczny narażenia na furan przyjęto działanie hepatotoksyczne. Wartość NDS na poziomie 0,05 mg/m3 powinna zabezpieczyć pracowników również przed działaniem rakotwórczym. Dodatkowe ryzyko białaczki u osób zatrudnionych przez 40 lat na furan o stężeniu 0,05 mg/m3 jest poniżej 10-3 i nie przekracza wartości ryzyka akceptowalnego w środowisku pracy. Ze względu na działanie drażniące furanu ustalono wartość chwilową NDSCh na poziomie 0,1 mg/m3. Substancja powinna być oznakowana: „Carc. 1B” (substancja rakotwórcza kategorii zagrożenia 1B), „I” (substancja o działaniu drażniącym) oraz „skóra” (wchłanianie substancji przez skórę może być tak samo istotne, jak przy narażeniu drogą oddechową). Zakres tematyczny artykułu obejmuje zagadnienia zdrowia oraz bezpieczeństwa i higieny środowiska pracy będące przedmiotem badań z zakresu nauk o zdrowiu oraz inżynierii środowiska.

Akrylonitryl jest wysoce łatwopalną, lotną, bezbarwną lub bladożółtą, przezroczystą cieczą o nieprzyjemnym zapachu. Związek jest bardzo reaktywny chemicznie, niestabilizowany ulega spontanicznej polimeryzacji. Jest głównie stosowany jako surowiec do produkcji włókien i tworzyw sztucznych. Akrylonitryl działa toksycznie (w warunkach narażenia przewlekłego działa szkodliwie na układ nerwowy), drażniąco i uczulająco. Jest zaklasyfikowany do kategorii zagrożenia 1B substancji rakotwórczych (na podstawie wyników badań na zwierzętach, w dostępnym piśmiennictwie i bazach danych brak informacji na temat wyników badań epidemiologicznych). Propozycję wartości najwyższego dopuszczalnego stężenia (NDS) akrylonitrylu wyznaczono na podstawie ilościowego szacowania ryzyka nowotworów OUN u szczurów narażanych inhalacyjnie. Zaproponowano przyjęcie wartości NDS akrylonitrylu w powietrzu środowiska pracy na poziomie 1 mg/m3, przy której dodatkowe ryzyko nowotworu OUN (przy założeniu 40 letniego okresu aktywności zawodowej) wynosi 2,2 · 10 4 ÷ 6,2 · 10 4. Aby ograniczyć możliwość wystąpienia stężeń pikowych zaproponowano przyjęcie wartości najwyższego dopuszczalnego stężenia chwilowego (NDSCh) akrylonitrylu na poziomie 3 · NDS, tj. 3 mg/m3. Jako wartość DSB zaproponowano 60 μg/l (2 cyjanoetylo)waliny (CEV) we krwi pobranej po 3 miesiącach narażenia. Ze względu na działanie rakotwórcze, drażniące, uczulające oraz wchłanianie akrylonitrylu przez skórę substancję oznakowano literami: „Carc. 1B” – substancja rakotwórcza kategorii zagriożenia 1B, „A” - substancja uczulająca, „I” - substancja drażniąca oraz „skóra” - wchłanianie substancji przez skórę może być tak samo istotne, jak przy narażeniu drogą oddechową. Zakres tematyczny artykułu obejmuje zagadnienia zdrowia oraz bezpieczeństwa i higieny środowiska pracy będące przedmiotem badań z zakresu nauk o zdrowiu oraz inżynierii środowiska.

Masa reakcyjna 5-chloro-2-metylo-2H-izotiazol-3-onu i 2-metylo-2H-izotiazol-3-onu (3: 1), zwana dalej CIT/MIT, jest jasnożółtym krystalicznym ciałem stałym, bardzo dobrze rozpuszczalnym w wodzie. Jest stosowana jako środek biobójczy w płynach technologicznych oraz jako konserwant w różnorodnych produktach konsumenckich. Skutki przewlekłego narażenia ludzi były badane prawie wyłącznie pod kątem potencjału działania uczulającego na skórę. Skutki przewlekłego narażenia zwierząt wynikały przede wszystkim z działania drażniącego. Skutkiem krytycznym CIT/MIT jest działanie drażniące na błony śluzowe nosa. Podstawą do obliczenia proponowanej wartości NDS były wyniki 13-tygodniowego eksperymentu inhalacyjnego na szczurach, w którym wyznaczono wartość NOAEC na poziomie 0,34 mg/m3. Do obliczenia wartości NDS przyjęto współczynnik niepewności A = 2 ze względu na różnice wrażliwości osobniczej u ludzi, pozostałe współczynniki przyjęto równe 1. Zaproponowano przyjęcie wartości NDS równej 0,2 mg/m3. Ze względu na działanie drażniące proponuje się przyjęcie wartości chwilowej NDSCh wynoszącej 0,4 mg/m3. Dostępne dane są niewystarczające do ustalenia wartości dopuszczalnego stężenia w materiale biologicznym DSB. Zaproponowano oznakowanie CIT/MIT: A – substancja uczulająca; C – substancja żrąca; Skóra – wchłanianie substancji przez skórę może być tak samo istotne jak przy narażeniu drogą oddechową. Zakres tematyczny artykułu obejmuje zagadnienia zdrowia oraz bezpieczeństwa i higieny środowiska pracy będące przedmiotem badań z zakresu nauk o zdrowiu oraz inżynierii środowiska.

Phosphoryl trichloride is a clear, colorless or yellowish liquid with an unpleasant, pungent odor. In contact with water or steam, it rapidly hydrolyses by releasing hydrogen chloride and phosphoric(V) acid. Phosphoryl trichloride is used in industry primarily for the production of alkyl and aryl triesters of phosphoric(V) acid. It is also used in the production of plasticizers, flame retardants, hydraulic fluids, insecticides, pharmaceuticals, gasoline additives and dye intermediates. Phosphoryl trichloride is also used as chlorinating agent, pH regulator, catalyst, solvent in cryoscopy, dopant for semiconductor grade silicon, and as reagent in laboratories. Phosphoryl trichloride is classified for acute toxicity as category 2 with inhalation (inhalation may lead to death) and as category 4 if swallowed (harmful if swallowed). In addition, it is classified as corrosive category 1A (causes severe skin burns and eye damage) and toxic to target organs due to repeated exposure, category 1 (causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure). Both in acute and chronic cases of inhalation exposure, the primary effect was irritating to the respiratory tract and eyes (burning eyes and throat, feeling of breathlessness, tearing, coughing, bronchospasm, pain behind the sternum, pleurisy). In exposed workers, deterioration of pulmonary spirometric parameters was observed. The late effects of exposure were asthmatic problems and obstructive respiratory disease. Available animal studies are poorly documented. Phosphoryl trichloride did not show any mutagenic effects. There is no information on the carcinogenic, embryotoxic or teratogenic effects of this substance in the available literature. The critical effect of the action of phosphoryl trichloride is a strong irritation on the mucous membranes of the eyes and upper respiratory tract. A concentration of 0.48 mg/m3 constituting the threshold for toxic effects of phosphoryl trichloride in studies in rats and guinea pigs was taken as the LOAEC value. After applying the uncertainty coefficients, the MAC value of phosphoryl trichloride calculated on this basis is 0.06 mg/m3. It is proposed to adopt the MAC value in accordance with the SCOEL and ACSH recommendation, i.e., 0.064 mg/m3. Phosphoryl trichloride is a strongly irritating substance, in order to prevent peak concentrations of this substance it is proposed to set the maximum allowable short-term concentration (MAC-STEL) at level 2 x MAC value, i.e., 0.13 mg/m3. There are no substantive foundations to determine the permissible biological exposure indices to phosphoryl trichloride (DSB). Due to the corrosive effect of phosphoryl chloride, it is proposed to label it with the letter "C" (a substance with a corrosive effect). This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental engineering.

Cytostatics not only induce significant side-effects in patients treated oncologically but also pose a threat to the health of occupationally exposed healthcare workers: pharmacists, physicians, nurses and other personnel. Since the 1970s numerous reports from various countries have documented the contamination of working areas with cytostatics and the presence of drugs/metabolites in the urine or blood of healthcare employees, which directly indicates the occurrence of occupational exposure to these drugs. In Poland the significant scale of occupational exposure to cytostatics is also confirmed by the data collected in the central register of occupational carcinogens/mutagens kept by the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine. The assessment of occupational exposure to cytostatics and health risks constitutes employers' obligation. Unfortunately, the assessment of occupational risk resulting from exposure to cytostatics raises a number of concerns. Provisions governing the problem of workers' health protection are not unequivocal because they derive from a variety of law areas, especially in a matter of hazard classification and safety data sheets for cytostatics. Moreover, no legally binding occupational exposure limits have been set for cytostatics or their active compounds, and analytical methods for these substances airborne and biological concentrations are lacking. Consequently, the correct assessment of occupational exposure to cytostatics, the evaluation of health hazards and the development of the proper preventive strategy appear difficult. The authors of this article described and discussed the amendments to the European provisions concerning chemicals in the light of employers' obligations in the field of employees' heath protection against the consequences of exposure to cytostatics. Some modifications aimed at a more effective health protection of workers occupationally exposed to cytostatics were also proposed. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(2):141-59.

Phenolphthalein is a colorless and odorless crystalline solid; in a powdered form white or pale yellow. It is non-volatile, practically insoluble in water, but it dissolves in ethanol. Phenolphthalein is not known to occur as a natural product. The synthetic substance is used as a pH indicator in laboratories, during work on metal surfaces in galvanizing plants as well as for measuring the saturation of concrete with carbon dioxide. Until the end of the 20th century, it was widely used as a component of non-prescription laxatives – in 1999 FDA removed phenolphthalein from the list of substances considered safe. In 2016 in Poland 255 enterprises were reported to work with phenolphthalein (mainly laboratories) and there were 2500 occupationally exposed people. Phenolphthalein used in therapeutic doses was well tolerated. Only a few side effects were reported: abdominal discomfort, nausea, reduced blood pressure and weakness. Chronic use of phenolphthalein resulted in widening of the colon, reduced thickness of the lining of the mucosa, gastric disorders, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. In a 13-week study in which phenolphthalein was administered to laboratory animals with diets, mice turned out to be a more sensitive species from rats. Changes in testes and epididymides were observed in males and hypoplasia and bone marrow necrosis in males and females. The results of genotoxicity studies indicated that phenolphthalein acts as a promutagen and exerts a clastogenic effect after metabolic activation. Studies on the effect of phenolphthalein on the reproduction of animals indicated its harmful effect on reproductive functions of males. In the EU, phenolphthalein is classified as a category-2 mutagen and category-2 reproductive toxicant (due to its effect on fertility). A small increase in the risk of colorectal cancer and ovarian cancer was observed in case-control studies in patients using phenolphthalein-based laxatives (especially with intensive use of these agents), but the relationship was not statistically significant. In a 2-year NTP carcinogenicity study a significant increase in the number of benign phaeochromocytomas and adenomas of renal tubular epithelium was observed in male rats. There was also a significant increase in histiocytic sarcomas in mice of both sexes and in malignant lymphomas (of all types) and thymic lymphomas and benign ovarian tumors in females. Based on these experiments phenolphthalein has been identified as a substance reasonably anticipated as human carcinogen (NTP R). The experiment on heterozygous p53 (+/-) mice of both sexes confirmed an increase in lymphoma cases. Phenolphthalein is classified by European Union experts as a category-1B of carcinogenic substances, i.e. known or presumed human carcinogens, however the classification is largely based on animal evidence. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) identified phenolphthalein as a substance of very high concern (SVHC). Based on the NTP test results, the additional risk of malignant lymphoma at 8.25 mg/m3 occupational exposure to phenolphthalein for 40 years is 10-4. A concentration of 8 mg/m3 was proposed as the MAC-TWA value for phenolphthalein. Since phenolphthalein is a poorly water-soluble solid, only dust exposure of the substance will occur in the work environment, hence the proposed MAC value should concern the inhalable fraction of the substance. It is proposed to label phenolphthalein as "Carc. 1B" indicating that phenolphthalein is a category-1B carcinogen and "Ft" due to reprotoxicity. There are no bases for establishing the short-term exposure limit value (STEL) and the limit value in biological material (BEI).

Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and its salts: potassium cyanide (KCN), sodium cyanide (NaCN) and calcium cyanide [Ca(CN2)] are very toxic. Hydrogen cyanide at ambient conditions is a colourless liquid or a colourless gas with the characteristic odour of bitter almonds. Sodium, potassium and calcium cyanides are white hygroscopic, crystalline solids with a slight HCN odour. Hydrogen cyanide is used mainly in a fumigation of ships, buildings, orchards and various foods, in electroplating, in the production of chelating agents such as EDTA, and in metal treatment processes. It is also used as a chemical intermediate. Cyanides are used in the extraction and recovery of gold and silver from ores, the heat treatment of metals, and electroplating. They are also precursors in chemical syntheses. Workers from metal, electrochemical, plastics, pharmaceutical, textile, chemical and food industries are exposed to these compounds. In 2008–2013, there were no workers exposed to the concentration of hydrogen cyanide and sodium, potassium and calcium cyanides exceeding the maximum admissible ceiling concentration MAC(C) 5 mg/m3 (the national database maintained by the Regional Sanitary Station in Bydgoszcz). Hydrogen cyanide and cyanides are irritating to mucous membranes and skin. They are absorbed by inhalation, dermal and oral exposure. The acute hydrogen cyanide and cyanides poisoning indicate a great danger and hazard, because these compounds are quickly absorbed into the body and their effects are present within a few minutes after the start of exposure. Exposure to sodium cyanide at a concentration of 286 mg/m3 or to hydrogen cyanide at a concentration greater than 300 mg/m3 for 1 min may be fatal. Sodium, potassium or calcium cyanides at concentrations of 25 mg/m3 are direct hazards to life and health of workers if exposure lasts about 30 min and without respiratory protection. For hydrogen cyanide this value was established as 56 mg/m3. The development of symptoms of acute poisoning by hydrogen cyanide or cyanides in humans occurs in three phases: breathlessness and excitement, convulsions and paralysis. The results of studies of subchronic and chronic exposures of workers to cyanides by inhalation indicate that symptoms of exposure were associated with changes in the central nervous system (headache, weakness, changes in the sensation of taste and smell) and damage to the thyroid (enlargement, changes in uptake of iodine, elevated concentration of thyroid stimulating hormone TSH and a reduction of thyroid hormones T3 and T4). Other studies suggest that chronic exposure to hydrogen cyanide in the hardening plant of metals caused decrements in lung functions among workers. Hydrogen cyanide and cyanides, both in aqueous solution, applied to the conjunctival sac or on the skin is quickly absorbed into the body of animals in amounts sufficient to cause toxic effects and death. In rats and mice treated with sodium cyanide in drinking water at a dose of 4.5 mg/kg bw/day for 13 weeks, no significant changes in biochemical and haematological parameters of peripheral blood and histopathological findings in the internal organs were observed. There were no pathological changes in the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous system and kidneys in rats which were feed with hydrogen cyanide over two years. Calculated NOAEL was approximately 10.4 mg/kg body weight. There is no available data on the carcinogenicity of hydrogen cyanide and cyanides in human and animals. Positive effects were obtained in one study only, in which hydrogen cyanide was tested with Salmonella typhimurium strain TA 100 in the absence of metabolic activation, while the other strains employed in this study yielded negative results. Cyanides did not show mutagenic activity in the tests in vitro and in vivo. On the basis of the studies on hamsters, teratogenic effects of sodium cyanide were observed. This compound was toxic for pregnant mothers and caused an increase in fatal resorption and malformations in an offspring. The results of the study of workers exposed to hydrogen cyanide and cyanides and with changes in thyroid were the basis for calculating MAC (NDS) value. The LOAEL value was establishes as a concentration of 4.7 mg/m3. The MAC of 1 mg/m3 (calculated CN–) was established for hydrogen cyanide and the inhalable fraction of sodium, potassium, calcium cyanides was accepted. Due to totally different mechanism of action of hydrogen cyanide and cyanides (sodium, potassium, calcium) in chronic exposure (effects on the thyroid gland) and in the acute exposure, which is primarily associated with inhibition enzymatic system of cytochrome c oxidase, which prevents cells from using oxygen (histotoxic hypoxia), for these compounds the ceiling value MAC(C) of 5 mg/m3 was not changed. Such an approach is a deviation from the basic methodology adopted by the Group of Expert and the Interdepartmental Commission for MAC and MAI. MAC and ceiling MAC(C) values for these substances should be establish due to the different effects of critical action and mechanisms of action in the acute and chronic condition. This approach is consistent with the DECOS Committee (Dutch Expert Committee on Occupational Standards) from 2002. According to the committee, the acute human data show the most sensitive effect, i.e., death. The steepness of the dose-response relationship and the severity of the acute effects in humans imply at the same time that utmost care should be taken to prevent this exposure level from being exceeded, not even for a short time. Therefore, the committee proposed to establish a ceiling value for the acute health effects of 10 mg/m3 for hydrogen cyanide. The Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limit Values (SCOEL) proposed an OEL value of 1 mg/m3. However, since the acute effects in humans are severe (i.e., death) and show a rather steep dose-response relationship, peak exposures should be avoided. Based on the steepness of the dose-response relationship and the severity of the acute effects in humans a STEL of 5 mg/m3 is recommended as CN– from any combination of the three compounds. Based on the very high skin permeability measured for hydrogen cyanide and cyanide anions in aqueous solutions, a skin notation is recommended for hydrogen cyanide and sodium, potassium, calcium cyanides.

The research purpose was to analyze data concerning chemical incidents in Poland collected in 1999-2009 in terms of health hazards. The data was obtained, using multimodal information technology (IT) system, from chemical incidents reports prepared by rescuers at the scene. The final analysis covered sudden events associated with uncontrolled release of hazardous chemical substances or mixtures, which may potentially lead to human exposure. Releases of unidentified substances where emergency services took action to protect human health or environment were also included. The number of analyzed chemical incidents in 1999-2009 was 2930 with more than 200 different substances released. The substances were classified into 13 groups of substances and mixtures posing analogous risks. Most common releases were connected with non-flammable corrosive liquids, including: hydrochloric acid (199 cases), sulfuric(VI) acid (131 cases), sodium and potassium hydroxides (69 cases), ammonia solution (52 cases) and butyric acid (32 cases). The next group were gases hazardous only due to physico-chemical properties, including: extremely flammable propane-butane (249 cases) and methane (79 cases). There was no statistically significant trend associated with the total number of incidents. Only with the number of incidents with flammable corrosive, toxic and/or harmful liquids, the regression analysis revealed a statistically significant downward trend. The number of victims reported was 1997, including 1092 children and 18 fatalities. The number of people injured, number of incidents and the high 9th place of Poland in terms of the number of Seveso establishments, and 4 times higher number of hazardous industrial establishments not covered by the Seveso Directive justify the need for systematic analysis of hazards and their proper identification. It is advisable enhance health risk assessment, both qualitative and quantitative, by slight modification of the data collection system so as to enable the determination of released chemical concentration and exposed populations. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(1):95-110. Funding: the study was funded by a grant from the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (IMP No. 24.9.) “Analysis of chemical accidents in Poland in the period of 1999–2009 in the context of health risk assessment possibility.” Grant manager: Anna Pałaszewska-Tkacz, Ph.D.

This article discusses the effect of chromium(VI) (Cr(VI)) on human health under conditions of acute and chronic exposure in the workplace. Chromium(VI) compounds as carcinogens and/or mutagens pose a direct danger to people exposed to them. If carcinogens cannot be eliminated from the work and living environments, their exposure should be reduced to a minimum. In the European Union the proposed binding occupational exposure limit value (BOELV) for chromium(VI) of 0.025 mg/m³ is still associated with high cancer risk. Based on the Scientific Commitee of Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL) document chromium(VI) concentrations at 0.025 mg/m³ increases the risk of lung cancer in 2-14 cases per 1000 exposed workers. Exposure to chromium(VI) compounds expressed in Cr(VI) of 0.01 mg Cr(VI)/m3; is responsible for the increased number of lung cancer cases in 1-6 per 1000 people employed in this condition for the whole period of professional activity.W artykule omówiono wpływ związków chromu(VI) (Cr(VI)) na zdrowie człowieka w warunkach ostrego i przewlekłego narażenia w środowisku pracy. Związki chromu(VI) jako substancje rakotwórcze i mutagenne są zagrożeniem dla życia osób narażonych na ich działanie. Jeżeli nie można ich wyeliminować ze środowiska pracy i życia, narażenie na nie należy ograniczyć do minimum. Zaproponowana w Unii Europejskiej wartość wiążąca dopuszczalnego stężenia chromu(VI) w środowisku pracy (binding occupational exposure limits – BOELV), wynosząca 0,025 mg/m³, jest nadal związana z dużym ryzykiem wystąpienia choroby nowotworowej u osób narażonych. Zgodnie z rekomendacją Komitetu Naukowego ds. Dopuszczalnych Norm Zawodowego Narażenia na Oddziaływanie Czynników Chemicznych (Scientific Commitee of Occupational Exposure Limits – SCOEL) narażenie na Cr(VI) o stężeniu 0,025 mg/m3; wiąże się ze wzrostem liczby przypadków raka płuc u 2–14 pracowników na 1000 osób narażonych. Narażenie pracowników na związki chromu(VI) (w przeliczeniu na Cr(VI)) na poziomie 0,01 mg Cr(VI)/m3; jest związane ze wzrostem przypadków raka płuca u 1–6 pracowników wśród 1000 osób zatrudnionych w narażeniu na Cr(VI) o tym stężeniu przez cały okres aktywności zawodowej. Med. Pr. 2015;66(3):407–427.

The objective of the study was the analysis of structure of carcinogenic or mutagenic chemical substances and dusts occurring in Polish enterprises, 2011-2012, including the number of exposed employees reported to the "Central register of data on exposure to carcinogenic or mutagenic chemical substances, mixtures, agents or technological processes", Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź. In the paper the aims, range and methodology of data collecting by the Central Register are presented. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the data on occupational expo- sure to carcinogenic substances and technological processes reported by employers were carried out. In 2011-2012 approximately 2600 plants reported more than 300 carcinogenic or mutageaic chemical substances annually. The most common occupational chemical carcinogens/mutagens were: benzene, one of the unspecified gasoline, chromium(VI) compounds, asbestos, chroniurn(VI) trioxide, ethylene oxide and benzo[a]pyrene. The highest number of employees was exposed to particular polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Hardwood dust was the major occupational carcinogen listed in the technological processes inventory with approximately 11 000 employees exposed in about 650 enterprises annually. The amended legislation concerning occupational exposure to carcinogens has not significantly influenced the exposure structure n Poland. Nevertheless it permited to determine the actual total number of the occupationally exposed to carcinoLens. IMP 24.3 pt. „Tworzenie bazy danych Centralnego Rejestru Danych o narażeniu na substancje, preparaty, czynniki lub procesy technologiczne o działaniu rakotwórczym lub mutagennym”.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine hydrogen sulphide concentration emitted from the mine extracting copper ore, to evaluate potential adverse health effects to the population living in four selected villages surrounding the exhaust shaft. Materials: Maximum measured concentration of hydrogen sulphide in the emitter is 286 µg/m3. Maximum emission calculated from the results of determinations of concentrations in the emitter is 0.44 kg/h. Results: In selected villages hydrogen sulphide at concentrations exceeding 4 µg/m3 was not detected in any of the 5-hour air samples. In all locations, the estimated maximum 1-hour concentrations of hydrogen sulphide were below 1 µg/m3, and the estimated mean annual concentrations were below 0.53 µg/m3. Conclusion: Any risk to the health of people in the selected area is not expected. As indicated by the available data on the threshold odour, the estimated concentrations of hydrogen sulphide may be sensed by humans.

Background: The aim of this paper is to present a concise but comprehensive information on the occurrence of carcinogenic or mutagenic agents in Polish enterprises and the number of workers exposed to those agents reported to the central register by employers. Objectives and responsibilities of the register, as well as the range and methods of data gathering are discussed. Material and Methods: Data concerning carcinogenic or mutagenic chemical substances and technological processes reported to central register in 2008-2010 were analyzed. Results: In 2008-2010 more than 300 carcinogenic or mutagenic chemical substances were reported to the register. Approximately 2500 plants reported above 150 000 per-person-exposures annually. Among all technological processes regarded as occupational carcinogens, hardwood dusts exposure (about 660 companies; 11 000-13 000 exposed workers each year) and exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in coal products (117-125 plantsl 3000 exposed per year) were reported. Conclusions: The most widespread carcinogenic/mutagenic substances were: benzene, chromium(VI) compounds: potassium dichromate and chromate, chromium(VI) trioxide and other chromium compounds, ethylene oxide, asbestos, benzo[a]pyrene and gasoline. The highest number of men was exposed to particular PAHs and benzene , and the majority of women was exposed to benzene, potassium dichromate and chromate, acrylamide, ethylene oxide and gasoline. The lack of clear-cut definitione of occupational exposure to carcinogen creates a problem faced by employers in defining the accurate number of exposed workers. Med Pr 2013;64(2):181–192

Objectives: Night shift work involving circadian rhythm disruption has been classified by IARC as a probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A). Little is known about co-exposures of the night shift work in occupational settings. The aim of our study was to characterize night shift work systems and industrial exposures occurring in the manufacturing plants in Łódź, Poland, where night shift work system operates, with particular focus on potential carcinogens. Material and Methods: Data on the night shift work systems and hazardous agents were collected through survey performed in 44 enterprises. The identified hazardous agents were checked using the IARC carcinogen list, and the harmonized EU classification of chemical substances. We also examined databases of the Central Register of Data on exposure to substances, preparations, agents and technological processes showing carcinogenic or mutagenic properties in Poland. Results: The most common system of work among studied enterprises employed 3 (8-hour) shifts within a 5-day cycle. We identified as many as 153 hazards occurring in the environment of the plants, with noise, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde recorded as the most common ones. Out of these hazards, 11 agents have been classified by IARC to group 1 - carcinogenic to humans, whereas 10 agents have been classified as carcino - gens by the regulation of European Classification of carcinogens. Analysis of the data from the Central Register revealed that 6 plants reported presence of carcinogens in the environment of work. Conclusions: In our study we observed that in none of the workplaces the night shift work was a single exposure. Further epidemiological studies focusing on investigation of health effects of the night shift work should identify occupational co -exposures and examine them as potential confounders.

Amendment to the Act on health protection against consequences of using tobacco and tobacco products, in force since 15 November 2010, has introduced a number of changes by extending the range of population protection against tobacco smoke exposure, of which the most controversial one for public was placing more restrictive ban on smoking in bars and restaurants. The changes in question caused that current legal bans, although more restrictive than earlier, are still not completely sufficient as far as the protection of all groups of workers against environmental tobacco smoke exposure is concerned. The text of WHO Framework Convention on Tobbacco Control, ratified by Poland, was discussed in the article together with the detailed WHO guidelines on the convention implementation in the field of workers' protection against tobacco smoke. In this paper the most important acts of EU, one of the convention parties, and current legislative situation in Poland were presented. Particular attention was paid to occupational groups, not yet fully protected against environmental tobacco smoke exposure and need to be the subject of future legislation.

Environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETS) is a significant risk factor for the development of many diseases, including lung cancer, lower respiratory tract infections, asthma and eye, throat and nasal irritations. Hospitality workers form an occupational group with high exposure to ETS in their workplace. Taking into account the health consequences of ETS exposure and high prevalence of exposure in public places, including workplaces, many countries have implemented the smoking ban that prohibits or restricts smoking in workplaces, including restaurants and bars. The epidemiological studies have indicated a significant reduction in the exposure level after implementation of the smoking ban. Most studies have also indicated a significant reduction in respiratory and sensory symptoms. The impact of the smoking ban on the lung function measurements is still not clear.

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure induces serious negative health consequences, of which the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory symptoms and poor pregnancy outcomes appear to be most important. Taking into account those health consequences of ETS exposure most countries have introduced legislation to ban or restrict smoking in public places. In this paper the effectiveness of the introduced legislation was analyzed with regard to the protection of hospitality workers from ETS exposure in the workplace. The analysis of 12 papers published after 2000 covered the year of publication, type of legislation, study population, hospitality venue (pub, bar, restaurant, disco) and type of markers or self-reported perception of exposure to ETS. The analysis indicates that the legislation to ban smoking in hospitality venues protects workers from ETS exposure when the venues are 100% tobacco smoke free. The reduction of the cotinine level in biological samples after the implementation of smoke free law was 57-89%, comparing to the biomarker level in the samples taken before the new law was introduced. About 90% of reduction in nicotine and PM levels was also noted. In addition, the positive self perception reported by workers proved the effectiveness of new legislation protecting them from ETS exposure.

Complex products derived from petroleum are widely used as fuels, greases, solvents, and intermediates in many branches of industry. Petroleum exposure-related human health hazards, observed in occupationally exposed people and in the general population, are a serious sanitary problem. Complex and variable composition of individual petroleum products makes the actual assessment of human health hazards difficult. Potential hazards, and resulting classification of individual petroleum substance groups, are discussed in the presented work. This should prove to be helpful to work safety and hygiene services as well as to supervising institutions, mainly the sanitary inspection, in a proper assessment of the hazards, and consequently in taking appropriate preventive actions. In Part I., general issues concerning the hazard assessment and legal aspects of petroleum substances classification are presented. In Part. II., individual groups of petroleum substances are discussed with respect to health hazards, resulting from both physicochemical properties and toxicity, and their classification based on this analysis is suggested.

This paper discusses occupational exposure to chemical carcinogens in Poland in 2001 based on data obtained from the Central Register of Carcinogen Agents (CRCA). The data on 3017 enterprises, in which employees were exposed to chemical carcinogens (chemicals, mixtures and technological processes involving carcinogenic agents) were collected by CRCA in 2001. More than 10,000 workers were exposed to crystalline silica. Diesel engine exhausts, formaldehyde and benzo[a]pyrene. The majority of exposed workers were in three southwestern regions (voivodships) of Poland: Slaskie, Doinoslaskie and Malopolskie.