Showing papers in "Medycyna Pracy in 2008"

[Occupational and non-occupational determinants of work ability].

Abstract: Background Measurements of the work ability subjective assessment, using the work ability index (WAI), are widely applied in the examination of workers. The measurement results suggest that the low level of work ability, which is determined by work-burden factors, health condition, and lifestyles of persons under study, can be a predictor of earlier retirement. The aim of the study was to find out whether WAI can be used in Polish conditions and to identify personal traits and/or job characteristics and conditions of its performance that generate the risk of low work ability. Materials and methods The cross-sectional study embraced 669 men and 536 women at the working age, representing different occupations and exposed to various factors. They self-assessed their work ability by completing a questionnaire that allows to determine WAI values. They also characterized their jobs in terms of physical burden, occupational stress, harmful and strenuous factors, work fatigue, chronic fatigue, and lifestyle. Based on the energy expenditure and health condition (number of diseases), the work burden was objectively defined. A model of multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the effect of the analyzed factors on the risk of low or moderate work ability. Results The level of work ability in the study group was lower than that observed in analogous occupational groups in other European countries. The results of the analysis indicate that job characterizing factors and workers' individual traits exert a stronger effect on the level of WAI components, which reflect a subjective assessment of work abilities, than factors concerning health conditions. Highly stressogenic work and low tolerance of work burden as well as personal traits (age, frequent alcohol consumption among men and non-occupational burdens among women) represented risk factors responsible for low or moderate VAI values. Conclusions The measurement of work ability index is an indirect assessment of workers' physical state, and it slightly depends on objective work burdens.

Occupational exposure to mycotoxins in various branches of industry

Abstract: Mycotoxins are a quite numerous group of substances released as metabolites by molds, which badly affect human and animal health. Their impact on organisms resulting from alimentary exposure is well recognized, but the mechanisms by which they exert their health effects after inhalation exposure are still poorly investigated. The aim of this work was to review the literature concerning the outcomes of occupational exposure to mycotoxins present in the work environment. The author discusses the major mycotoxin classes, their chemical structure, some physicochemical properties and biological activity properties. This paper summarizes the results of investigations on the impact of occupational exposure to molds present in the workplace air in various branches of industry. Problems of identifying the mechanism of health effects exerted due inhalation exposure to mycotoxins are also discussed. This review shows that there is lack of good hygiene standards and legislation regulating the presence of these compounds in the workplace air. These is due to insufficient number of analyses aimed at estimating short-term inhalation exposure to mycotoxins and lack of monitoring of long-term exposure and its health effects. The authors concludes that occupational exposure to mycotoxins and their role in the development of pathological changes in the respiratory system require further investigations.

[Workers' exposure to selected biological agents in libraries of Upper Silesia].

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the exposure of library workers to biological agents based on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of airborne and settled dust microflora supplemented with the analysis of dust mite allergens. The bioaerosol sampling was carried out using a 6-stage Andersen impactor. The settled dust samples were collected from book covers using cotton swabs and vacuum cleaner. Isolated microbial colonies were identified to the genus and/or species level. Moreover, the concentration of guanine as a predictor of dust mite allergen content was determined with the semi-quantitative Acarex test. The bioaerosol concentrations were low and they did not exceed the proposed Polish reference limits. The presence of air-conditioning or ventilating system resulted in the decreased biological contamination in libraries. The identification ofmicroorganisms in bioaerosol and settled dust samples revealed the presence of strains classified into group 2 according to their risk of infection. The level of dust mite allergens was elevated. Inhalation exposure to molds and dust mite allergens may result in the occurrence of allergic reactions and SBS symptoms.

Assessment of occupational exposure to fungal aerosols in wastewater treatment plants

Abstract: 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.

[Problems concerning the integration of "derived-no-effect-levels" (DNELS) into occupational safety and health regulations]

Abstract: Under the rules of chemical safety assessment, derived-no-effect-levels (DNELs) should be established for all registration-subjected substances, which are put on the market in quantities of 10 tonnes and more per year. DNELs represent exposure levels above which humans should not be exposed to. The purpose of DNELs is to serve as a reference value for determining adequate control of exposure for specific scenarios. Since a considerable number of exposure scenarios may comprise occupational inhalation exposure, DNELs may be wrongly understood as a kind of Occupational Exposure Limit, therefore, the issue of their integration into the national legislation on occupational safety and health (OSH) acquires crucial importance. In this paper, procedures for establishing DNELs and occupational exposure limits in the European Union (OEL) and Poland (MAC) are compared. The role of MAC values in Polish occupational safety and health is also discussed. In occupational inhalation exposure, DNELs may serve as a kind of guidelines and tentative criteria for risk characterization/assessment of substances for which sound scientific MAC values have not yet been determined, however, this requires formal introduction of DNELs into Polish OSH legislation.

Psychological factors in allergic skin diseases

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Over recent years, increasing attention has been given to the impact of psychological factors on the onset and course of many illnesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 112 patients underwent psychological interview, including 37 with diagnosed urticaria, 50 with allergic contact dermatitis and 25 with atopic dermatitis. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was used to determine patients' mental condition and Profile of Mood States (POMS) to measure subjects' affective states. The level of self-acceptance was assessed with the Self-Assessment Scale (SAS). The dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was employed to measure the effects of skin disease on patients' physical and social functioning. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Patients with skin diseases have significantly lower level of: self-acceptance, self-knowledge and feeling of self-effectiveness than healthy controls. Skin disorders such as urticaria, allergic contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis reduced patients' quality of life, especially in professional activities. The most extensive disturbances in physical and psychosocial functioning were observed in subjects with allergic contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. Patients with skin diseases, especially those with allergic contact dermatitis and urticaria have a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders than the general population.

Genetic aspects of hypertensive effect of lead

Abstract: Lead (Pb) induces arterial hypertension in consequence of low exposures, which is not manifested by Pb toxic effects on the marrow, kidneys or other organs. Pb hypertensive effect, in the range of blood concentration from 10 to 40 microg/dl, has been evidenced by numerous experimental and population studies. However, the presence of significant correlation between blood lead level and systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure is not confirmed by some epidemiological studies. These discrepancies can be explained by the observation, that Pb-induced hypertension results rather from past than from current exposure, hence the arterial pressure values should be rather related to bone than to blood lead level. The occurrence of polymorphism of genes involved in Pb toxic effect may be another explanation. The interaction between Pb toxicity and ALAD gene polymorphisms on hematopoesis is observed in workers occupationally exposed to lead. These polymorphisms, occurring in a single form or in connection with other polymorphisms, seem to be implicated in Pb-induced hypertension, e.g., vitamin D receptor gene. The results of experimental studies show that the correlation between Pb exposure, arterial blood pressure and the presence of polymorphisms of angiotensin converting enzyme and beta(2)adrenergic receptor genes should be analysed in populations. It is likely that studies of other genes polymorphisms, genegene interactions and the interaction between genes and--environmental factors lead to the identification of causes of so called spontaneous hypertension.

Occupational exposure to mesophilic microorganisms associated with commercial processing of compost for mushroom production

Abstract: BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to assess the occupational exposure to mesophilic microorganisms associated with commercial processing of compost for mushroom production. MATERIALS AND METHODS The air samples for microbiological analysis were collected directly on Petri dishes with Malt Extract Agar medium using Burkard Air Sampler. The quantitative and qualitative identification of mesophilic bacteria and mesophilic fungi were performed using the standard microbiological procedures. RESULTS Considerable variation in exposure to bioaerosols within the sectors of compost production were observed. The highest level of mesophilic bacteria in the air (4.17 x 10(4) cfu/m3) was measured during the mixing of raw materials with water and loading of the final compost piles to the pasteurization tunnels (3.54 x 10(4) cfu/m3). The highest concentration of mesophilic fungi was found in the air samples collected during the manual unrolling of straw (1.62 x 10(4) cfu/m3) and dosing of mycelium to the compost (1.15 x 10(4) cfu/m3). Among 33 identified bacteria and fungi species, Pasteurella sp, Proteus mirabilis, Streptomyces sp, Corynebacterium sp and Aspergillusfumigatus create the potential risk for health of exposed workers. CONCLUSIONS The presence of microorganisms found in the air creats the potential risk for human health, therefore the use of personal equipment, protecting the respiratory tract and skin of exposed workers is strongly recommended.

An assay of the current exposure to radon of spa workers in Poland

Abstract: BACKGROUND Owing to good solubility of radon 222Rn in water the gas is found almost in all surface and underground water basins. Radon released from water into the ambient atmosphere is a source of health hazard to the workers handling mineral water in Spa facilities. MATERIAL AND METHODS Mean monthly radon concentrations were measured using closed dosimetry with CR-39 trace detectors. Of the 101 Spas included in the study, 76 returned the dosimeters. RESULTS In two Spas, the measured concentrations were above 1000 Bqm(-3), and thus annual doses of over 6 mSv could be received by the workers of those Spas. In four of the Spas, radon concentrations were within the range of 500-1000 Bqm(-3). In the majority (75%) of the Spas, mean monthly radon concentrations were not higher than 150 Bqm(-3). CONCLUSIONS One hundred sixty persons working in 13 Spas can be exposed to the doses, which are important from radiation protection point of view. In the remaining Spas, radon exposure is maintained at the level of average exposure of the general population in Poland.

Dermal exposure to pesticides among women working in Polish greenhouses using cotton patches

Abstract: BACKGROUND The work in greenhouses might involve indirect exposure to pesticides, resulting from the contact with previously pesticide-treated flowers and vegetables. The objective of the study was to assess the exposure to selected pesticides of workers tending and harvesting greenhouse cultivations after the restricted-entry intervals expired using cotton patches. MATERIAL AND METHODS Pesticide exposure was assessed among women (n=19) tending and harvesting vegetables in one of the vegetable production greenhouse in Poland. The exposure assessment methods were used to estimate workers' exposure to selected pesticides (hexythiazoks, azoksystrobin, imazalil) after the restricted-entry intervals expired. Cotton gloves and patches on chest and arms were used during the whole workshift in the greenhouse. RESULTS All the three kinds of pesticides were found on cotton patches and gloves. The concentration of the examined active ingredients was higher on gloves than on patches. Their concentration on patches and gloves between sprayings was proportional to the concentration of active ingredients used during sprayings. CONCLUSION Dermal exposure of women to pesticides during work in a greenhouse takes place even when employees are not directly engaged in the process of spraying. Therefore, it is nececarry to ensure that this occupational group is provided with the efficient personal protective equipment.

The role of workplace health promotion in the concept of corporate social responsibility

Abstract: Workplace health promotion (WHP) is an idea that was conceived over 25 years ago. At its very core is the wellbeing of employees. The development and dissemination of this notion, as well as the implementation of its basic principles have always been challenged by various theories and practices derived from the field of human resources management. The corporate social responsibility (CSR) is one of such new concepts promulgated within the European Union Based on the literature review, especially European Commission documents, articles retrieved in the EBSCO database, guidelines and guidebooks published by the CSR Forum, other NGOs active in the field, and the publications of the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, the author makes an attempt to compare these two ideas and discuss the coherence between their assumptions. The primary hypothesis was that WHP is an element of CSR. The comparison between CSR and WHP concepts confirm a hypothesis that the latter is an element of the former, which means that activities aimed at taking care of health and well-being of employees contribute to the creation of a socially responsible company. It indicates that the implementation of both ideas requires multidisciplinary and holistic approach. In addition, the role of social dialog and workers' participation in the company management are strongly emphasized.

[Low risk of reproductive disorders among female greenhouse workers--safe work conditions or health selection for the light work?].

Abstract: Background There are two major potential hazards typical of work in greenhouses: hard physical work or exposure to pesticides The aim of the study was to investigate whether the work in greenhouse during pregnancy have an adverse effect on its outcome (preterm delivery, spontaneous abortion and birth defects) Materials and methods The study was performed in a group of 460 women employed in 14 greenhouses involved in growing vegetables and flowers Results The rate of spontaneous abortions was much elbeit insignificantly higher in the women working in greenhouses during pregnancy than in those employed out of them; that applied mostly to the women performing light jobs in greenhouses An increased risk of preterm delivery and spontaneous abortion was also observed in women performing greenhouse light jobs No significantly increased risk of birth defects was observed in children born to women working in greenhouses Neither was there any relationship between exposure to RD or ED pesticides exposure--and the occurrence of preterm delivery, spontaneous abortion and birth defects Conclusions No higher risk of pathological pregnancy that could be associated with hard physical work and pesticide exposure was observed This may result from the fact that women themselves select an appropriate kind of job during pregnancy and a possible removal of women with pathological pregnancy from jobs involving pesticide exposure, as well as from the promotion of biological protection The greenhouse workers should be aware of the two typical hazards found in greenhouses (hard work and exposure to pesticides) and their potential negative effects on the reproduction The results of this study warrant the need for further study of the effect of pesticide exposure and work load on the pregnancy outcome

[Teachers' psychosocial burdens at work resulting from student misbehavior].

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the paper psychosocial burdens in the teaching profession, resulting from the misbehavior of students, are presented. They are analyzed in a broader context, taking account of occupational stress and its health consequences teachers are exposed to. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The given data present the outcome of the syrvey conducted on a representative sample of teachers (n = 429) from the Łodź voivodeship. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The results show that student misbehavior (in milder forms) is quite frequent in teacher's workplace. Severe misbehavior, e.g., vulgar language, verbal aggression toward teachers or other students, was rather rare Younger and male teachers were more frequently exposed to student misbehavior. In addition, it correlated positively with social support received from teacher's colleagues. The results of the survey emphasize the need to identify student misbehavior problems in terms of teacher's occupational stress. The need to assure social support for teachers should also be taken into account in their workplace health promotion programs. Language: pl

[Risk of cardiovascular diseases in lead-exposed workers of crystal glassworks. Part II. Lead impact on the cardiovascular system based on ultrasound assessment of carotid arteries, electrocardiograms and ankle-brachial index].

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most common causes of the prevalence and mortality in the general population. Progressing pollution of the environment, as well as occupational exposure to heavy metals, including lead, may potentially accelerate the development of these disorders. Lead is a well known risk factor of arterial hypertension, and may be involved in atherogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of occupational lead exposure on the activity of cardiovascular system (CVS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group comprised 153 potentially healthy volunteers, working in a crystal glass foundry. They were examined using ultrasound assessment of carotid arteries, electrocardiograms and ankle-brachial index (ABI). The toxicological assessment of the study group for occupational lead poisoning was performed. Correlations between the degree of intoxication and functional changes in CVS were analyzed. RESULTS: A negative linear correlation between blood lead level or fluorethylenepropylene (FEP) concentration and ABI values was shown, but only in a subgroup with normal lipid pattern. In the persons with higher blood lead levels, the higher values of arterial blood pressure and longer QT-space in electrocardiogram were evidenced. In addition, the right bundle branch block was more frequently observed (in 23% of workers). CONCLUSIONS: Lead may be an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, especially in workers with normal lipid parameters. An increased arterial blood pressure and a decreased ankle-brachial index in the persons with normal cholesterol level can be regarded as a marker of this risk.

[Ethylene glycol alkyl ethers--the substances noxious to health].

Abstract: Ethylene glycol alkyl ethers (EGAE), 2-methoxyethanol, 2-ethoxyethanol, 2-isopropoxyethanol, and 2-butoxyethanol, are widely used in a variety of industrial and household products. They are found in a number of paints, varnishes, engine fuels, hydraulic fluids, and also in many household products, including floor polishes and glass, leather, and upholstery cleaners. Human and animal studies have shown that EGAE can cause adverse reproductive, developmental, and hematological effects through inhalation, dermal absorption, and ingestion. The oxidation of these chemicals to appropriate aldehydes and alkoxyacetic acids is responsible for their toxic effects. The central nervous system, blood and blood-forming organs, and reproduction are the targets in acute and chronic intoxications with EGAE. Data on exposure, metabolism, biomonitoring, and toxic effects ofEGAE, especially those on hematological disorders in human and laboratory animals are presented in this paper.

[Workaholism--hazardous effect of excessive work involvement].

Abstract: Reviewing the available literature you can come across different definitions of workaholism. In our opinion workaholism is a specific way of the employee's occupational activity caused by his/her job addiction. An excessive work involvement is one of the aspects of this phenomenon. It is valued by employers very positively. But such an assessment may only apply to a preliminary stage of workaholism development. Looking at this phenomenon from the perspective of years we should evaluate it as hazardous to both an employee and organization. It is a typical end effect of each addiction. Nowadays, conditions facilitating workaholism development have also came out in Poland. Unfortunately we are not ready to cope with it because our theoretical knowledge about this phenomenon, its process of development and effects is incomplete and disordered. This results from the lack of empirical studies on psychological and social factors determining the development of workaholism.

A range of mobbing among female and male nurses employed in the Szczecin hospitals

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Workplace mobbing, a particular type of conflict, has recently been recognized as one of the factors of occupational hazard, resulting from the social environment. Health service workers belong to occupational groups, which are particularly exposed to mobbing. Moreover, changes in the structure of medical labor market make that nurses often work under strong pressure and thus the phenomenon of mobbing becomes even more intensified. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of mobbing in the nursing stuff employed in the Szczecin hospitals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The method of diagnostic poll was based on a questionnaire, developed and distributed among 1578 respondents employed in hospitals in Szczecin. Of this number, 1261 correctly completed questionnaires were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The results showed that the phenomenon of mobbing is actually common in the nursing occupational group (18.6%). The majority (40%) of respondents indicated a superior as a mobber (torturer). CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence of mobbing observed in the nursing occupational group may evidence that Human Resource Management (HRM) processes are not perfect. Language: pl

[Definition, characteristics and methods of reducing the healthy worker effect].

Abstract: A cohort study is the most important study design for analyzing industrial exposures. One of the sources of bias in industrial cohort studies is healthy worker effect (HWE). HWE consists of two selection processes: healthy worker hire and healthy worker survivor. In this article, methods of reducing HWE presented in the literature are compared and its limitations are discussed. The best method of reducing healthy worker hire effect is an internal reference group. But in the case of time related exposures (cumulative exposure) time from hire have to be controlled in the regression model. To minimize healthy worker survival effect internal reference group should be used and time from hire should be controlled.

[Occupational diseases in Poland, 2007].

Abstract: BACKGROUND The aim of the paper was to present basic statistical data on occupational diseases diagnosed in 2007. MATERIAL AND METHODS The work was based on the data compiled from "Occupational Disease Reporting Forms" received by the Central Register of Occupational Diseases in 2006. The data comprised information on nosologic units, gender and age of patients, and duration of occupational exposure to harmful agents responsible for the development of specified pathologies. These data were further classified by sectors of the national economy and voivodships. The incidence was specified in terms of the number of cases in relation to paid employees or to employed persons. RESULTS In 2007, 3285 cases of occupational diseases were diagnosed. The incidence rate was 33.5 cases/100 000 paid employees. The highest incidence rates were noted for chronic voice disorders (8.1/100 000), pneumoconioses (7.1), infectious and parasitic diseases (6.8) and hearing loss (2.6). As many as 77.3% of patients affected by occupational diseases had been exposed to harmful agents for more than 20 years. In industrial sectors of the national economy, the coal mining industry showed the highest incidence rates (404.1 cases/100 000). The highest incidence rates were recorded in the Lubelskie (73.1), Silesian (68.4), Swietokrzyskie (66.5) and Malopolskie (60.7) voivodships. CONCLUSIONS Compared with 2006, the number of cases of occupational diseases increased by 156 cases (5%), the incidence rate increased by 2.1%. The greatest rise was noted in infectious and parasitic diseases (by 68 cases, 11.3%) and chronic diseases of peripheral nervous system (by 50 cases, 46.3%). At the same time the number of hearing loss cases apparently decreased (by 43 cases, 14.6%).

Aggression and mobbing among correctional officers

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The paper addresses the issue of violence among correctional officers. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of exposure to violence in this professional group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised the sample of 222 correctional officers who voluntary and anonymously fulfilled the MDM questionnaire. The MDM Questionnaire allows for assessing exposure to aggression and mobbing at work. RESULTS: Preliminary assessment of exposure to single aggressive acts and mobbing shows a quite alarming tendency--around one third of subjects under the study experienced repetitive aggressive acts from coworkers and/or superiors. CONCLUSIONS: The problem of organizational aggression in correctional institutions should be recognized in details to develop effective preventive measures against violent behaviors occurring at work. Language: pl

The musculoskeletal system load during work performed by nurse anesthetists

Abstract: Background The aims of the survey was to analyze the musculoskeletal system load during work performed by nurse anesthetists and to identify activities involving poor work postures along with their causes. Material and methods The observation process and the Ovako Working Posture Analysing System (OWAS) method were used as major tools of this survey. Altogether 57 observations of work process were made and 31 210 work postures were identified. Results and conclusions The results of the survey revealed the following average proportion of time spent by nurses performing basic work activities: preparation for anesthetization--20%; anesthetization--30%; cleaning--4%; other tasks--2%; and breaks at work--44%. The average propotion of time spend by nurse anesthetists in OWAS posture categories were: category 1--66%; category 2--30%; category 3--2%; and category 4--2%. The collected data show that the main causes of the musculoskeletal system load were poor work organization and technical factors.

[Experimental studies--possibilities and limitations in assessing bioeffects and health risk of electromagnetic fields].

Abstract: An issue of experimental studies is reviewed in view of their possibilities and limitations in assessing bioeffects and health risk of electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Investigations of bioeffets and their consequences are being performed at different levels of biological organization. Experimental studies involving cellular structures and animals lead mostly to the assessment of mechanisms of EMFs interaction and to the observation of possible bioeffects. To assess health risk of exposure to EMFs it is necessary to perform strudies involving human subjects (volunteers) or epidemiological studies targeted at specific human populations. The biological material applied in experiments appears to be a specific measure of the effect exerted by EMFs on the body, but as every measure, it has its own advantages and disadvantages and the obtained results may be burden with some errors, which should be analyzed during the interpretation of experimental study results.

[Occupational diseases caused by ionizing radiation in Poland, 1971-2006].

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The whole spectrum of disorders of the hematopoietic tissue, eye and skin induced by ionizing radiation covers complex pathologies termed as a postirradiation syndrome, as well as various malignancies. The aim of this work is to present the data on incidence of occupational diseases with ionizing radiation as a causative agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The work is based on the data compiled from "Occupational Diseases Reporting Forms" for the years 1971-2006 collected in the Central Register of Occupational Diseases. The incidence of certified occupational diseases with ionizing radiation as a causative agent is expressed in absolute numbers and the rate per 100 000 employees. The data comprise information on disease entities, gender, age, exposure duration and the branch of national economy. RESULTS: In total, 599 diseases (0.2% of all occupational diseases) were diagnosed as those induced by ionizong radiation. Annual incidence rates per 100,000 employees fell within the range of 0.0-0.7. Miners formed the major (51.9%) occupational group affected by ionizing radiation. They were followed by health care (34.3%) and construction (6.4%) workers. Cancers made over 50% of pathologies located at 28 sites. These included cancers of lung (59.2%), skin (10.0%) and hematopoietic tissue (8.7%). Almost all (99.35) diseases recorded in the mining industry were cancers. Non-cancer diseases were more frequent in health care workers, among them postradiation cataract occupied the first place. CONCLUSIONS: A great deal of reported cancer sites give rise to controversy in terms of the cause-effect association with ionizing radiation exposure and also due to incomplete data on exposure level. Postradiation cancers among health care workers have not been registered over recent years, which means that occupational exposure surveillance carried out for many years proves to be effective. Distant effects of exposure to ionizing radiation, revealed in workers of no longer existing uranium mine, appeared to be a particular problem. These were cancers certified up to the year 2003 in persons with documented employment in that mine during the post-war period. Language: pl

Prevalence of impaired carbohydrate metabolism among public transport drivers

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Considering the high incidence of impaired carbohydrate metabolism and the potential risk of diabetic complications posed to transport drivers, an attempt was made to assess the prevalence of diabetes among public transport drivers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records of 570 public transport drivers examined at an occupational health unit in one of the Polish towns with a population of 350.000 was the subject of analysis RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The investigation revealed that 47.5% of the study population showed hyperglycemic conditions with the mean fasting glucose concentration of 99.9 mg/dl. A single case of abnormal glucose tolerance was diagnosed and 263 cases were recorded as hyperglycemia without final diagnosis. The diabetes-related morbidity amounted to 1.4%, which was over three times as high as in the general population of the same age. Every four case of diabetes was diagnosed during prophylactic examinations. Moreover, 2.45% of the subjects had glycemia levels classified as diabetic (fasting glucose > or = 126 mg/dl). The subject's age of more than 45 years and hyperglycemia revealed in previous laboratory findings were found to increase the risk of impaired carbohydrate metabolism by three times. Language: pl

[A quality assessment of prophylactic examinations carried out by physicians of various specializations and qualifications among employees in the Pomorskie Voivodeship in the years 2005-2008].

Abstract: BACKGROUND The quality assessment of the prophylactic examinations of employees in the context of professional qualifications of physicians, presented by the authors, distinguished four groups of physicians legally entitled to conduct these examinations: physicians specialized in occupational medicine or with equivalent specializations, general practitioners and those with a six-year experience in industrial health service. The aim of the study was to compare the quality of prophylactic examinations and procedural errors made by these four groups of physicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS The protocols of inspections carried out by occupational medicine center in Gdansk in the years 2005-2008 were used for analysis. The criteria have been singled out on the basis of occupational health legal regulations. RESULTS Significant differences were noted in the quality of the conducted prophylactic examinations. CONCLUSIONS Occupational medicine specialists were found to be the only group of physicians sufficiently qualified to conduct prophylactic examinations. In view of the study results it seems necessary to modify the training system as well as to revise professional knowledge and qualifications especially among physicians without occupational medicine specialization or to verify the range of competences assigned to them in the field ofprophylactic examinations.

Workplace health promotion in public health policies in Poland

Abstract: In this paper the author analyses how far in Poland the idea of workplace health promotion (WHP) does exist in the area of public health understood in its broadest sense. The analysis encapsulates the following issues: (a) the national legislative policy, (b) strategies, programs and projects concerning health issues launched or coordinated by the state or local administration, (c) grassroots initiatives for health promotion supported by local and regional administration, (d) civic projects or business strategies for health. In addition, the author emphasizes the marginalization of workplace health promotion and lack of cohesive policy in this field as well as, the fact that health problems of the working population arising from current demographic, technological, economic and social changes that could be dealt with through developing and implementing WHP projects are not yet fully perceived by public health policy makers.

[Preventive care of workers at risk of blood-born infections in view of binding regulations].

Abstract: The principles of performing prophylactic medical examinations of workers are regulated by the Labor Code and relevant executive regulations. There are also other regulations that concern particular groups of workers--like health care workers. The range and frequency of medical examinations are determined by the doctor who performs the examination on the basis of "Guidelines on prophylactic medical examinations of workers". Before determining the range of medical tests, the risk of occupational exposure to biological hazards in some of health care workers must be taken into account. This article presents legal regulations that determine the standards of prophylactic medical examinations of workers who are at risk of contracting pathogens such as HBV, HCV and HIV.

[Masculinity, femininity, androgyny and work stress].

Abstract: BACKGROUND It was assumed that good mental health is associated with the traditional bipolar model of masculinity-femininity ie, gender-schematic men and women Bem and Lenney questioned this assumption and revealed that androgynous individuals endorse both warm and forceful self-characteristics, so they perform well in situations where either variety of assertiveness is appropriate Compared with sex-typed individuals, they are more competent, better adjusted psychologically with the better stress resistance The question appears how androgynous individuals assess the stress at their workplace Little research has been conducted on the effects of gender role orientations on occupational stress MATERIALS AND METHODS A group of 308 participants (123 females and 185 males), employed in the municipal trasnportation enterprise, completed a battery of instruments dealing with gender (The Bem Sex Role Inventory by Kuczynska) and work stress (The Subjective Assessment of Work Questionnaire by Dudek et al) RESULTS Psychological gender is associated with the experienced work stress Undifferentiated individuals, androgynous men and masculine women perceived their workplace as the most stressful Work stress-generated factors were represented by physical conditions and roles performance CONCLUSIONS It is expected that the obtained results may be the source of important hints for the stress management in various types of organizations on various levels

Relationship between the level of total exposure to noise among private farmers and the degree of hearing loss

Abstract: BACKGROUND In Poland, the problem of noise risk among farmers has been poorly recognized and underestimated by the decision-making circles. The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between exposure to noise during the whole period of employment and degree of hearing loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS The scope of the study covered the dosimetric measurements of noise, time-schedules of farming activities, and hearing examinations in a selected group of 44 farmers. The basic acoustic parameter was the dose during the whole period of employment. The analysis of the state of hearing in private farmers was based on three mean values defined as pure tone average (PTA) for frequency high frequency average (HFA) for frequency and the Cabinet Ordinance of 2002 (mean pure tone average for frequency). The relationship between hearing loss and the dose during the whole period of employment was investigated by means of linear regression analysis. RESULTS The studies of the annual exposure to noise among private farmers showed that there is a high noise risk during the summer-autumn period, which covers three months (August, September, October). The degree of hearing impairment significantly increased with age and the dose during the whole period of employment. CONCLUSIONS The results of the study allow predicting the upward tendency to hearing loss during occupational noise exposure of farmers to.