[Assessment of occupational exposure to elemental carbon in plants using diesel machinery and equipment]. / Ocena narazenia zawodowego na wegiel elementarny w zakladach stosujacych maszyny i urzadzenia z silnikami wysokopreznymi.

BACKGROUND: This paper presents and discusses the results of the determination of elemental carbon emitted in diesel engine exhaust into the air of workplaces where machines and equipment with diesel engines are used. In order to assess occupational exposure to elemental carbon (EC) as a marker of exhaust gases emitted by diesel engines, 51 ground-based workplaces where people who operate or maintain equipment with this type of engine work were measured. Measurements were also carried out at 9 workplaces in non-coal mines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For air sampling at workplaces of diesel exhaust emitting machines and equipment located on the surface, a cartridge sampler without an impactor with a quartz filter was used for elemental carbon determination, while for measurements in non-coal mines the Higgins-Dewell Cyclone FH022 respirable fraction sampler was used. The thermo-optical carbon analysis method using a flame ionisation detector was used to determine elemental carbon. RESULTS: Analysis of the results of the determined elemental carbon concentrations at workplaces located on the ground, i.e., in car repair shops, and in the steelworks where combustion forklifts are operated, showed that the highest concentrations of elemental carbon were determined at the old forklift workplaces in the steelworks. The determined EC concentrations at these workstations were 353 µg/m3 and 78 µg/m3, respectively. In the non-coal mines, elemental carbon concentrations were in the range of 7.5-50 µg/m3. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure assessment at the surveyed workplace in the steelworks showed the highest 7-fold exceedance of the maximum admissible concentration (MAC) at the position of the combustion forklift operator. At the other surveyed workplaces in the car repair shop the marked concentrations were in the range of 0.1-0.5 MAC or <0.1 MAC. In non-coal mines, the determined concentrations ranged 0.12-1 times the MAC. Med Pr. 2023;74(2):93-102.

Determination of phthalates in particulate matter and gaseous phase emitted in indoor air of offices.

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are endocrine disrupters and can disrupt the functioning of different hormones, causing adverse effects on human health. Due to the potential exposure to phthalates in office rooms, their concentrations in the air of these premises after their renovation and furnishing were determined. The aim of the study was to determine the content of these compounds in the gas phase and adsorbed on the particles. Thus, the combined sampler with filters and adsorption tube was used for air sampling. Samples were analyzed by GC-MS. The gas fraction was dominated by dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), and the inhalable fraction by dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and 2-(diethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). The total concentration of phthalates in the respirable fraction in the furnished rooms was as much as 92% of the phthalates determined in the inhalable fraction. In the rooms immediately after renovation and those arranged and used by employees for 7 months, their concentration in the respirable fraction did not exceed 25% of the phthalates in the inhalable fraction. Phthalate concentration in the renovated rooms after 7 months of their usage dropped by 84% in relation to PAEs concentration in newly arranged rooms and by 68% in relation to the phthalate concentration in empty rooms.

Exhaust emissions from diesel engines fueled by different blends with the addition of nanomodifiers and hydrotreated vegetable oil HVO.

Diesel emissions have a significant impact on the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution, smog and global warming. As a result, diesel exhaust is dangerous to human health. While emissions reduction efforts have often focused on changing engine design or improving aftertreatment, diesel fuel modifications can also play an important role in improving engine efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions. The aim of this work was to examine the potential for emissions reductions under real-world conditions when employing fuel additives. Three different additives were examined, consisting of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and two commercial additives containing nanoparticles of cerium dioxide and ferrocene. HVO was selected as a renewable fuel, an alternative to commonly used biodiesels with competitive advantages. The new European driving cycle (NEDC) procedure was used to measure emissions of regulated compounds: carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and particulates (by mass and number) from an 11-year-old passenger car equipped with a diesel engine powered by fuel blends. The fuel blends prepared met the quality requirements for diesel fuel. The results obtained confirm that the application of both HVO and nano-additives to diesel can achieve a significant reduction of carbon monoxide (52%) and hydrocarbon (47%) emissions compared to the B7 base fuel. Particulate emissions (up to 10% by mass of particulates and 7% by number of particulates) were found to be best reduced by adding nanoparticles of cerium dioxide to the B7 fuel (with 30% HVO), while the best results in reducing nitrogen oxide emissions were obtained by adding ferrocene nanoparticles to the B7 fuel with 30% HVO.

Resistance of gloves and protective clothing materials to permeation of cytostatic solutions.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the work was to determine the resistance of selected protective clothing and glove materials to permeation of cytostatics such as docetaxel, fluorouracil, and doxorubicin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The following glove materials were used: natural rubber latex (code A), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (code B) and chloroprene rubber (code C). In addition, we tested a layered material composed of a non-woven polyester (PES), a polypropylene (PP) film, and a non-woven PP used for protective coats (code D). The cytostatics were analyzed by liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The tested samples were placed in a purpose-built permeation cell modified to be different from that specified in the standard EN 6529:2001. RESULTS: The tested materials were characterized by good resistance to solutions containing 2 out of the 3 selected cytostatics: doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil, as indicated by a breakthrough time of over 480 min. Equally high resistance to permeation of the third cytostatic (docetaxel) was exhibited by natural rubber latex, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, and chloroprene rubber. However, docetaxel permeated much more readily through the clothing layered material, compromising its barrier properties. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that the presence of additional components in cytostatic preparations accelerated permeation through material samples, thus deteriorating their barrier properties. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(3):341-350.

[Assessment of occupational exposure to wood dust in the Polish furniture industry]. / Ocena narazenia zawodowego na pyly drewna pracowników przemyslu meblarskiego w Polsce.

BACKGROUND: Occupational exposure to wood dust can be responsible for many different harmful health effects, especially in workers employed in the wood industry. The assessment of wood dust adverse effects to humans, as well as the interpretation of its concentration measurements carried out to assess potential occupational exposure are very difficult. First of all, it is due to possible occurrence of different kind of wood dust in the workplace air, namely wood dust from dozens of species of trees belonging to 2 kinds of botanical gymnosperms and angiosperms, as well as to its different chemical composition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total dust and respirable wood dust in the workplace air in the furniture industry was determined using the filtration-gravimetric method in accordance with Polish Standards PN-Z-04030-05:1991 and PN-Z-04030-06:1991. Air samples were collected based on the principles of individual dosimetry. RESULTS: Total dust concentrations were 0.84-13.92 mg/m3 and inhalable fraction concentrations, obtained after the conversion of total dust by applying a conversion factor of 1.59, were 1.34-22.13 mg/m3. Respirable fraction concentrations were 0.38-4.04 mg/m3, which makes approx. 25% of the inhalable fraction on average. The highest concentrations occurred in grinding and the lowest during milling processes of materials used in the manufacture of furniture. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the share of respirable fraction in the inhalable fraction of wood dust is considerable. Due to the determination of the threshold limit value (TLV) for the inhalable fraction of wood dust, it is necessary to replace the previously used samplers for total dust with samplers that provide quantitative separation of wood dust inhalable fractions in accordance with the convention of this fraction as defined in PN-EN 481:1998. Med Pr 2017;68(1):45-60.

[Use of personal protective equipment under occupational exposure to cytostatics]. / Stosowanie srodków ochrony indywidualnej w warunkach zawodowego narazenia na cytostatyki.

BACKGROUND: A growing number of cancer cases enhances the usage of cytostatic agents and thereby contributes to the increase in the number of health care workers occupationally exposed to cytostatics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This article presents the results of the survey aimed at obtaining data on the reduction of occupational exposure through using personal protective equipment by the medical and pharmaceutical personnel involved in handling cytostatics. The questionnaires were sent by mail or e-mail to oncology hospitals and pharmacies preparing cytostatic drugs. Responses were received from 94 people employed in these workplaces. The main questions concerned the forms of cytostatics; job activities; types of personal protective equipment used and working time under exposure to cytotoxic drugs. RESULTS: The majority (over 90%) of the healthcare personnel declared the use of personal protective equipment when working under conditions of exposure to cytostatic drugs. Depending on the type of protection, 15-35% of people reported that the most frequent time of their single use of the apron, the overalls, the gloves, the cap, the goggles or the respirators did not exceed few minutes. Gloves were changed most frequently. However, half of the responses indicated that the time after which the respondents removed protection equipment greatly differed. CONCLUSIONS: Almost the whole group of respondents applied personal protective equipment when working under exposure to cytostatics. However, personal protective equipment was not used every time in case of exposure. The medical and pharmaceutical staff worked under exposure to cytostatics for a few or even dozen hours during the working day. Med Pr 2016;67(4):499-508.

[Determination of thoracic and inhalable fraction of sulfuric acid(VI) in workplace air]. / Oznaczanie frakcji torakalnej i wdychalnej kwasu siarkowego(VI) w powietrzu srodowiska pracy.

BACKGROUND: The article presents the results of the determination of the inhalable and thoracic fraction of sulfuric acid(VI) in 3 workplaces producing or processing this chemical. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To collect thoracic fractions of sulfuric acid(VI) Parallel Particle Impactor (PPI) was used. To isolate inhalable fraction of sulfuric acid(VI) from the air we used a sampler developed at the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), United Kingdom. Parallel Particle Impactor and IOM samplers worked with pumps at a flow of 2 l/min. For the chromatographic determination of the inhalable and thoracic fraction of sulfuric acid(VI) in workplace the ion chromatography with conductometric detection was used. RESULTS: Depending on the sampling place the concentration of thoracic fraction of sulfuric acid(VI) was: 0.0015-0.01 mg/m3 in workplace A, 0.0019-0.25 mg/m3 in workplace B, and 0.002-0.01 mg/m3 in workplace C. Of 22 tested workstations in workplace B only 7 exceeded the threshold limit value (TLV) for the concentration of thoracic fraction of sulfuric acid(VI). CONCLUSIONS: The results confirmed the utility of PPI for sampling the thoracic fraction of sulfuric acid(VI). The studies show that at 22 workstations in the establishments producing or processing sulfuric acid(VI) thoracic fraction of acid is emitted to the work environment. The collected data showed that the thoracic fraction of sulfuric acid(VI) represents on average 64% of the inhalable fraction. Med Pr 2016;67(4):509-515.

Measurements of chlorinated volatile organic compounds emitted from office printers and photocopiers.

Office devices can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) partly generated by toners and inks, as well as particles of paper. The aim of the presented study is to identify indoor emissions of volatile halogenated organic compounds into the office workspace environment. Mixtures of organic pollutants emitted by seven office devices, i.e. printers and copiers, were analyzed by taking samples in laboratory conditions during the operation of these appliances. Tests of volatile organic compound emissions from selected office devices were conducted in a simulated environment (test chamber). Samples of VOCs were collected using three-layered thermal desorption tubes. Separation and identification of organic pollutant emissions were made using thermal desorption combined with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Test chamber studies indicated that operation of the office printer and copier would contribute to the significant concentration level of VOCs in typical office indoor air. Among the determined volatile halogenated compounds, only chlorinated organic compounds were identified, inter alia: trichloroethylene - carcinogenic - and tetrachloroethylene - possibly carcinogenic to human. The results show that daily exposure of an office worker to chemical factors released by the tested printing and copying units can be variable in terms of concentrations of VOCs. The highest emissions in the test chamber during printing were measured for ethylbenzene up to 41.3 µg m(-3), xylenes up to 40.5 µg m(-3) and in case of halogenated compounds the highest concentration for chlorobenzene was 6.48 µg m(-3). The study included the comparison of chamber concentrations and unit-specific emission rates of selected VOCs and the identified halogenated compounds. The highest amount of total VOCs was emitted while copying with device D and was rated above 1235 µg m(-3) and 8400 µg unit(-1) h(-1) on average.

[Dangerous chemical substances--tools supporting occupational risk assessment]. / Niebezpieczne substancje chemiczne--narzedzia wspomagajace ocene ryzyka zawodowego.

The assessment of risk associated with exposure to chemicals in the work environment is a task that still poses a lot of difficulties for the employers. At the same time the probability of adverse health effects faced by an employee as a result of such risks, and the related employer's material losses should motivate employers to seek effective solutions aimed at assessing the risks and controling them to an acceptable level by the application of appropriate preventive measures. The paper presents examples of tools to assist the employer in the risk assessment associated with the presence of chemical agents in the workplace. Examples of guides, manuals, checklists and various interactive tools, developed in Poland and other European Union (EU) countries, as well as in countries outside the EU and international organizations are described. These tools have been developed to meet the current requirements of the law and allow a rough estimation of chemical risk and based on these estimates take further steps to improve working con- ditions and safety.

[The study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in particulate fractions emitted by office printers and copiers]. / Badanie wielopierscieniowych weglowodorów aromatycznych we frakcjach pylow emitowanych z drukarek i kserokopiarek biurowych.

BACKGROUND: This article presents the study ofpolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) adsorbed on fine particles emitted during the simulated operation of office printers and copiers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the study three types of printers, and four types of office copiers were used. Measurements were carried out in a closed measuring chamber. Air samples (fractions of particulate matter, PM10 and PM2.5) were collected on Teflon filters. The analysis of PAHs was carried out according HPLC/FL. RESULTS: The results of qualitative analysis of filters from PM2.5 and PM10 type samplers indicated the presence of the majority (10-14) of PAH congeners. the highest concentration of total PAHs was determined in the PM10 fraction in the air during the operation of a copier, and amounted to 36.52 µg x g-1. The total content of PAHs as determined in the fraction of line particulates, size of < 2.5 µm, accounts for 48-84% of the PAH content in the < 10 µm fraction for printers and 63-89% for copiers. During the operation of both printers and copiers, benzo(a)pirene (BaP) was identified in both fractions, PM2.5 and PM10. The maximum concentration of BaP in the fraction of < 10 µm particles emitted by a printer amounted to 3.29±0.2 µg x g-1. CONCLUSIONS: The studies showed that the composition of emitted substances and fine particles depends on the type of equipment and technology used. Fine particles emitted to the environment and organic compounds, including PAHs adsorbed on them may pose a threat to people working in such an environment.

[Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and soluble organic fraction in fine particles from solid fraction of biodiesel exhaust fumes]. / Wielopierscieniowe weglowodory aromatyczne isucha organiczna pozostalosc czastek drobnych emitowanych ze spalin biodiesla.

BACKGROUND: This paper presents the results of investigations into the distribution of fine particles in the biodiesel exhaust fumes (bio-DEP), as well as into the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and soluble organic fraction (SOF) in the study fractions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Samples of biodiesel B20 and B40 exhaust combustion fumes were generated at the model station composed of a diesel engine from Diesel TDI 2007 Volkswagen. Sioutas personal cascade impactor (SPCI) with Teflon filters and low-pressure impactor ELIPI (Dekati Low Pressure Impactor) were used for sampling diesel exhaust fine particles. The analysis of PAHs adsorbed on particulate fractions was performed by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC/FL). For the determination of dry residue soluble organic fraction of biodiesel exhaust particles the gravimetric method was used. RESULTS: The combustion exhaust fumes of 100% ON contained mainly naphthalene, acenaphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene and chrysene, whilst the exhaust of B40-single PAHs of 4 and 5 rings, such as chrysene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, dibenzo (ah)anthracene and benzo(ghi)perylene. The total content of PAHs in diesel exhaust particles averaged 910 ng/m3 for 100% ON and 340 ng/m3 for B40. The concentrations of benzo(a)antarcene were at the levels of 310 ng/m3 (100% ON) and 90 ng/m3 (B40). CONCLUSIONS: The investigations indicated that a fraction < 025 microm represents the main component of diesel exhaust particles, regardless of the used fuel. Bioester B 100 commonly added to diesel fuel (ON) causes a reduction of the total particulates emission and thus reduces the amount of toxic substances adsorbed on their surface.

Emission of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from selected processes in steelworks.

The emission of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from selected processes in steelworks in southern Poland was investigated. Size-segregated samples of air particulate matter (<0.25, 0.25-0.5, 0.5-1.0, 1.0-2.5 and 2.5-10 µm) were collected at the electric arc furnace and rolling mill. The PAHs were sampled with the personal cascade impactor and identified by HPLC with fluorescence detector. The obtained results showed that collected PAH contents were significantly higher at the electric arc furnace. The highest content of total PAHs (93 ng m(-3)) was present in the smallest particles of 0.5 µm aerodynamic diameter or less, indicating that the ultrafine particles have a high contribution in the overall PM(2.5) fine fraction. Concentrations of Py, CH, BbF, BaP and BghiP came to 76% of total PAHs content in <0.25 µm fraction. The five- and six-ring compounds (BbF, BkF, BaP, DBA, BghiP) with 4-ring chrysene presented typical unimodal size distribution with one predominant peak for this particles' diameter. Phenanthrene and fluoranthene exhibited highest concentrations on coarse particles in the range of 10-2.5 µm, decreasing with decrease of a particle size fraction. Using the toxic equivalent factor (TEF), the mean contributions of the carcinogenic potency of BaP to the air samples collected at the arc furnace and rolling mill (fraction below 0.25 µm) were determined to be 66.3% and 50.3%, respectively.

A comparative study of objective and subjective assessment of occupational risk.

Measurement of dangerous, harmful and annoying factors in the working environment are used to assess occupational risk. Surveys on workers' subjective perception of risk are used, too. This study aimed to compare subjective assessment of work-related factors with their objective measurements and a national database on occupational risk. Spearman's correlation analysis, stepwise regression analysis and structural modelling were used to determine the relationship between subjective and objective risk assessment and to acquire knowledge about the role of psychosocial job characteristics as predictors of subjective assessment. Subjective assessment of hazards was related not only to their objective measurements but also to psychosocial job characteristics, workers' individual characteristics and work load. Even though subjective and objective assessments of hazard are strongly related, they are distinct phenomena. Hence, risk assessment should be carried out with both objective and subjective methods.

[Exposure to hazardous chemical substances in furniture industry]. / Narazenie na szkodliwe substancje chemiczne w przemysle meblarskim.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the exposure to organic solvents in plants of the furniture industry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Studies were conducted in five furniture plants. Hazardous chemicals present in the air at workposts were determined by capillary gas chromatography with mass spectrometry and flame ionization detection. RESULTS: The analysis of air samples collected at the workposts allowed to identify the following chemicals occurring during varnishing and cleaning of furniture surface elements: acetone, butan-2-one, ethyl, isobutyl and methoxypropyl acetate, 4-methylpentan-2-on, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes. Indices characteristic of combined exposure ranged from 0.13 to 1.67 and exceeded the limit value at 21% of workposts. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate that chemicals present at representative workposts during the furniture production are harmful to health of workers, especially those involved in varnishing and cleaning of furniture elements.

Occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during Diesel combustion.

Identification and determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Diesel exhaust in the working environment and assessment of workers' occupational exposure to these suspected human carcinogens were the aim of this experimental investigation. The range of exposure factors calculated on the basis of 9 individual PAH concentrations determined in personal air samples shows that time-averaged concentration of these compounds did not exceed the Polish Maximum Admissible Concentration (MAC) value for PAHs, that is, 2 microg.sup-3;. The highest concentrations of PAHs were determined in the breathing zone of forklift operators. The maximum exposure factor was 0.427 microg.msup-3; (about 1/4 of MAC).

[Subjective evaluation of the work environment quality in offices]. / Subiektywna ocena jakosci srodowiska pracy w pomieszczeniach biurowych.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to harmful and strenuous factors in offices lead to the sick building syndrome (SBS) with its various symptoms: fatigue, dyspnoea, decreased ability to concentrate, irritation of mucous membranes of eyes as well as of the upper airways. Those symptoms are induced by: unsuitable microclimate, chemical, aerosol and microbiological pollution, noise, vibration, electromagnetic fields, optical radiation, and static electricity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire survey was aimed at collecting information, opinions and personal perception of the work environment quality reported by office workers. The survey covered 229 workers employed in 100 offices. Offices with different density of workers and varied staff movement were equipped with typical office outfit: computers, laser printers, xerographic printers, faxes, scanners, and others. In the majority of offices, various kinds of plastics were used as finishing materials. Offices were located in newly constructed buildings supplied with air conditioning (3 buildings) as well as in old buildings equipped with mechanical or natural ventilation, used for years and frequently modernized (2 buildings). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The respondents (239) reported frequently experienced fatigue (64%), redness, dry eyes, lacrimation, dyspnoea (62%), decreased ability to concentrate (47%), and irritation of the upper airways (44%). These symptoms were most frequently manifested at the end of the working day (42%). They were predominantly perceived as a result of unsuitable climate parameters (77%), defective ventilation or air conditioning (63%), unfit lighting (62%) and stress (49%).