Wyniki wyszukiwania - Biblioteka Nauki

1

Ocena hałasu generowanego przez skanery rezonansu magnetycznego i jego wpływu na narząd słuchu - badania pilotażowe

100%

Morzyński L. , Kozłowski E. , Młyński R. , Karpowicz J.

Acta Bio-Optica et Informatica Medica. Inżynieria Biomedyczna

|

2011

|

tom Vol. 17, nr 4

292-296

PL

W pracy przedstawiono wyniki badań hałasu wytwarzanego przez skanery rezonansu magnetycznego o indukcji magnetycznej 1,5 T. Wykazano dużą rozpiętość wartości ciśnienia akustycznego hałasu w zależności od rodzaju badania. Równoważny poziom dźwięku A (LAeq,Tp) zawierał się w przedziale 69,8-96,3 dB, maksymalny poziom dźwięku A (LAmax) w przedziale 81,4-106,8 dB, a szczytowy poziom dźwięku C w przedziale 98-116,7 dB. Przeprowadzona ocena zagrożenia hałasem pracowników dowodzi, że długotrwałe przebywanie w pobliżu pracującego skanera może powodować przekroczenie wartości dopuszczalnego narażenia i prowadzić do uszkodzenia słuchu.

EN

In this paper, the results of examination of acoustic noise, generated by 1,5 T magnetic resonance scanners, are reported. The measurement results showed the wide range of sound pressure level values, depending on the type of examination. The A-weighted equivalent sound level (LAeq,Tp) was in the range of 69,8-96,3 dB, the maximum A-weighted sound level (LAmax) maintained within the range of 81,4-106,8 dB, and the peak C-weighted sound level was in the range of 98-116,7 dB. The assessment of the occupational hazard, resulting from the exposure to the noise revealed that the prolonged contact with an active scanner may result in overcome of the maximum allowable level of exposure to acoustic noise and thus, it may cause the hearing damage.

2

Occupational exposure to Am-Be neutron calibration source mounted in OB26 shielding container

94%

Szewczak K. , Jednorog S.

Nukleonika

|

2014

|

tom 59

|

nr 3

97-103

EN

Laboratory for Dosimetric and Radon Instruments Calibration which is a part of Central Laboratory for Radiological Protection (CLRP) in Warsaw is equipped with 241Am-Be neutron calibration source with activity of 185 GBq since 1999. The capsule was mounted in the OB26 type shielding container. The control room is separated from the above source by a concrete wall of 0.5 m in thickness. The calibration hall is adjacent to one side of the offi ce room. To comply with the requirements of the radiological protection system, the occupational exposure of persons that are working both in the offi ce and control room needs to be assessed. Two methods were involved for ambient dose equivalent rate determination. The active instrument measurements (AIMs) performed with the Berthold LB6411 neutron probe and the Monte Carlo simulation method (MCS) based on MCNP5 code. These estimations were completed for fi ve reference points. Additionally the γ radiation component was measured by RSS131 ionisation chamber. An increased value of the ambient dose equivalent rate from neutrons was observed in two reference positions. The fi rst observation was done in the control room while the second one in the offi ce room. Expected individual dose equivalents were evaluated based on the results of the AIM and on the expected working time in particular reference points. The annual individual dose equivalent associated with calibration activities using mentioned neutron source was estimated at maximum 0.8 mSv.

3

Occupational exposure to Am-Be neutron calibration source mounted in OB26 shielding container

94%

Szewczak K. , Jednorog S.

Nukleonika

|

2014

|

tom Vol. 59, No. 3

97--103

EN

Laboratory for Dosimetric and Radon Instruments Calibration which is a part of Central Laboratory for Radiological Protection (CLRP) in Warsaw is equipped with 241Am-Be neutron calibration source with activity of 185 GBq since 1999. The capsule was mounted in the OB26 type shielding container. The control room is separated from the above source by a concrete wall of 0.5 m in thickness. The calibration hall is adjacent to one side of the offi ce room. To comply with the requirements of the radiological protection system, the occupational exposure of persons that are working both in the offi ce and control room needs to be assessed. Two methods were involved for ambient dose equivalent rate determination. The active instrument measurements (AIMs) performed with the Berthold LB6411 neutron probe and the Monte Carlo simulation method (MCS) based on MCNP5 code. These estimations were completed for fi ve reference points. Additionally the γ-radiation component was measured by RSS131 ionisation chamber. An increased value of the ambient dose equivalent rate from neutrons was observed in two reference positions. The fi rst observation was done in the control room while the second one in the offi ce room. Expected individual dose equivalents were evaluated based on the results of the AIM and on the expected working time in particular reference points. The annual individual dose equivalent associated with calibration activities using mentioned neutron source was estimated at maximum 0.8 mSv.

4

Night shift work characteristics and occupational co-exposures in industrial plants in Łódź, Poland

94%

Pepłońska B. , Burdelak W. , Bukowska A. , Krysicka J. , Konieczko K.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2013

|

tom 26

|

nr 4

522-534

EN

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.

5

Does occupational exposure to low ionizing radiation affect endothelium health?

94%

Al-Massarani G. , Najjar F.

Nukleonika

|

2013

|

tom Vol. 58, No. 4

527--531

EN

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of low-radiation exposure on detachment of the vascular endothelial cells. Circulating endothelial cells (CEC) were measured in the peripheral blood by an immunomagnetic separation (IMS) technique in 63 workers occupationally exposed to low-level ionizing radiation at the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria and in 28 controls. We found a significant difference in CEC numbers in the peripheral blood of the workers exposed to low-level ionizing radiation in comparison with those of the control samples (p = 0.0001) and no significant difference in the proportion of other blood elements in the peripheral circulation. Elevated number of CEC in occupational workers exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation may reflect an early affection of the endothelium. Long-term follow-up of these workers must be conducted to determine the clinical value of CEC as an early indicator of cardiovascular disease induced as a result of chronic occupational exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation.

6

Respiratory Morbidity Induced by Occupational Inhalation Exposure to High Concentrations of Wheat Flour Dust

94%

Neghab M. , Soltanzadeh A. , Alipour A. , Hasanzadeh J. , Alipour H.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

|

2012

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tom Vol. 18, No. 4

563--569

EN

Introduction. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the respiratory effects of exposure to high airborne concentrations of wheat flour dust. Methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out at a local wheat flour mill in Shiraz, southern Iran. Thirty-five male workers exposed to flour dust and 32 healthy male nonexposed employees were investigated. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among them was evaluated and parameters of their pulmonary function were measured. Moreover, to assess the extent to which subjects were exposed to flour dust, airborne concentrations of its inhalable and respirable fractions were measured.Results. Airborne concentrations of dust exceeded current permissible level. The prevalence of regular cough, productive cough, wheezing, phlegm and dyspnea was significantly higher in exposed subjects than in nonexposed employees. Similarly, both acute and chronic significant (p < .05) decrements in most parameters of pulmonary function were noted. Conclusions. Our findings provide corroborative evidence to further support the notion that exposure to flour dust is associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms as well as ventilator disorders of the lungs.

7

The variability of bacterial aerosol in poultry houses depending on selected factors

94%

Bródka K. , Kozajda A. , Buczyńska A. , Szadkowska-Stańczyk I.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2012

|

tom 25

|

nr 3

281-293

EN

Objectives: This study is aimed at evaluation of bacterial air contamination in intensive poultry breeding. The evaluation was based on the determined levels of bacterial concentrations and qualitative identification of isolated microorganisms. Materials and Methods: The study covered 5 poultry houses: two hatcheries and three hen houses with the litter bed system. The air was sampled in three measurement series in the central part of the investigated workplace at the height of about 1.5 m over the ground, using portable measuring sets consisting of a GilAir 5 (Sensidyne, USA) pump and a measuring head filled with a glass microfibre filter (Whatman, UK). For the quantitative and qualitative analysis of microorganisms were used appropriate microbiological media. Results: The total concentrations of airborne mesophilic bacteria inside the poultry breeding houses ranged from 4.74×10⁴ cfu/m³ to 1.89×10⁸ cfu/m³. For Gram-negative bacteria, the range comprised the values from 4.33×10² cfu/m³ to 4.29×10⁶ cfu/m³. The concentrations of the cocci of Enterococcus genus ranged from 1.53×10⁴ cfu/m³ to 1.09×10⁷ cfu/m³, whereas those of other Gram-positive bacteria from 3.78×10⁴ cfu/m³ to 6.65×10⁷ cfu/m³. The lowest concentrations of each group of the examined microorganisms were noted in the second measurement series when the air exchange in the breeding houses was over twice higher than in first and third measurement series because the mechanical ventilation was supported by natural ventilation (opened gates in the buildings). The lowest concentrations of total bacteria were obtained in those buildings where one-day old chickens were kept. Gram-positive bacteria of the genera: Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Corynebacterium, Brevibacterium, Micrococcus, Cellulomonas, Bacillus, Aerococcus, and Gram-negative bacteria of the genera: Pseudomonas, Moraxella, Escherichia, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Pasteurella, Pantoea were isolated. It was shown that for most of the investigated livestock premises the total bacteria concentrations exceeded the reference value of 1.0×10⁵ cfu/m³. Furthermore, pathogenic microorganisms which are a potential threat to human health (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp. ozaenae, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium) were found among the identified bacteria. Conclusions: The results indicate that the hygienic conditions of the working environment connected with litter bed system production of poultry are affected by changes of the efficiency of ventilation and create a direct health risk to employees. They should use personal protective measures to protect their respiratory tract, especially when the gates in the hen houses are closed.

8

Total prohibition of smoking but not partial restriction effectively reduced exposure to tobacco smoke among restaurant workers in Finland

94%

Reijula J. , Johnsson T. , Kaleva S. , Tuomi T. , Reijula K.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2013

|

tom 26

|

nr 5

682-692

EN

Objectives: To assess work-related exposure to tobacco smoke in Finnish restaurants, a series of nationwide questionnaire surveys were conducted among restaurant workers and the levels of indoor air nicotine concentrations were measured in restaurants. The survey aimed to evaluate the impact of the smoke-free legislation in general and in particular after the total smoking ban launched in 2007. Materials and Methods: In 2003-2010, four national questionnaire surveys were conducted among restaurant workers and the concentration of nicotine in indoor air was measured in different types of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Results: Between 2003 and 2010, the proportion of restaurant workers reporting occupational exposure to tobacco smoke dropped from 59% to 11%. Among pub workers, the decrease was from 97% to 18% and in workers of dining restaurants from 49% to 10%, respectively. The median concentration of nicotine in indoor air of all restaurants decreased from 11.7 μg/m³ to 0.1 μg/m³. The most significant decrease was detected in pubs where the decrease was from 16.1 μg/m³ to 0.1 μg/m³. Among all restaurant workers, in 2003-2010 the prevalence of daily smokers was reduced from 39% to 31% in men and from 35% to 25% in women. Conclusion: Total prohibition of smoking but not partial restriction in restaurants was effective in reducing work-related exposure to tobacco smoke. Strict tobacco legislation may partly be associated with the significant decrease of daily smoking prevalence among restaurant workers.

9

Polymorphisms in the p53 pathway genes and micronucleus occurrence in Chinese vinyl chloride-exposed workers

94%

Li Y. , Feng N.-N. , Zhang G.-H. , Wang Q. , Hao Y.-H. , Nanzhang Y. , Long C. , Li Y. , Brandt-Rauf P. W. , Xia Z.-L.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2013

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tom 26

|

nr 6

825-836

EN

Objectives: To investigate the association between polymorphisms in the p53 pathway genes and chromosomal damage in vinyl chloride (VC)-exposed workers. Materials and Methods: Cytokinesis block micronucleus test was performed in 310 VC-exposed workers and 149 non-exposed workers to determine chromosomal damage. The polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism technique were used to detect six SNPs in the p53 pathway genes involved in the cell cycle. Results: There was a highly significant dose-response relationship between VC exposure and chromosomal damage. Individuals carrying the variant genotypes were at higher risk for chromosomal damage compared with their wild type genotype: p53rs1042522, MDM2 Del1518rs3730485, MDM2rs2279744 and GADD45Ars532446. On the other hand, individuals possessing the variant genotype of CDKN2A rs3088440 had significantly decreased risk compared with the corresponding wild-type. Conclusions: Genetic polymorphisms in P53 pathway genes may have an impact on VC-induced chromosomal damage.

10

The Hearing Threshold of Employees Exposed to Noise Generated by the Low-Frequency Ultrasonic Welding Devices

94%

Dudarewicz A. , Zaborowski K. , Rutkowska-Kaczmarek P. , Zamojska-Daniszewska M. , Śliwińska-Kowalska M. , Zamysłowska-Szmytke E. , Pawlaczyk-Łuszczyńska M.

Archives of Acoustics

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2017

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tom Vol. 42, No. 2

199--205

EN

The aim of the study was to assess the hearing threshold levels (HTLs) in employees exposed to noise generated by low-frequency ultrasonic technological equipment in comparison with the HTLs of workers exposed to audible noise at the similar A-weighted equivalent-continuous sound pressure level. The study includes measurements of ultrasonic and audible noise at workplaces and hearing tests, i.e. conventional pure-tone audiometry and extended high-frequency audiometry. The study group comprised 90 workers, aged 41.4 ± 10.0 years (mean±SD), exposed for 17.3 ± 9.8 years to noise generated by ultrasonic devices at mean daily noise exposure level (‹LEX,8h›) of 80.6 ± 2.9 dB. The reference group consists of 156 subjects, exposed to industrial noise (without ultrasonic components) at similar A-weighted equivalent-continuous sound pressure level (‹LEX,8h› = 81.8 ± 2.7 dB), adjusted according to age (39.8 ± 7.7 years), gender and job seniority (14.0 ± 7.0 years). This group was selected from database collected in the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine. Audiometric hearing threshold levels in the frequency range of 0.5–6 kHz were similar in both groups, but in the frequency range of 8–12.5 kHz they were higher in the group of employees exposed to ultrasonic noise. The findings suggest that differences in the hearing threshold (at high frequencies) in analyzed groups may be due to differences in spectral composition of noise and show the need to continue the undertaken studies.

11

Occupational radiation exposures for medical workers in Pakistan – An overview

94%

Ahmad M. , Ahmad A. , Khan A. U. , Khan A. A. , Shah K. A. , Ahmad J.

Polish Journal of Medical Physics and Engineering

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2020

|

tom Vol. 26, Iss. 1

45--53

EN

The imperative use of ionizing radiation in medicine causes the inevitable occupational exposure of the medical workers during the course of routine duties. The magnitude of health risk due to such radiation exposures has been described in terms of occupational radiation doses. In this context, it is obligatory to monitor, measure and document the radiation dose of occupationally exposed medical workers. This study aims to review the whole-body occupational radiation exposures of medical workers in Pakistan. Specifically, online literature published during 2000-2018 was reviewed for the occupational radiation exposures of Pakistani medical workers. Analysis of the extracted personal dosimetry data revealed that the total number of monitored medical occupational workers was 26046. The range of total cumulative and annual average effective doses was 94-15785 Person-mSv and 0.66-7.37 mSv, respectively. A significant number of the workers (25477; ~98%) received an annual dose below 5 mSv, while only 18 workers received an occupational exposure exceeding the annual dose limit of 20 mSv. It is expected that this study will provide a useful reference for evaluating and improving radiation protection and safety policies in the country.

12

Promieniowanie nadfioletowe - zasady zapobiegania negatywnym skutkom zdrowotnym

94%

Łastowiecka-Moras E. , Bugajska J.

Bezpieczeństwo Pracy : nauka i praktyka

|

2008

|

tom nr 11

21-23

PL

Promieniowanie nadfioletowe (UV) może mieć pozytywne i negatywne skutki dla organizmu człowieka. Korzystny wpływ nadfioletu to przede wszystkim jego działanie przeciwkrzywicze. Do szkodliwych skutków działania UV należy zaliczyć przede wszystkim, fotostarzenie się skóry oraz nowotwory skóry, a w obrębie narządu wzroku zaćmę. Promieniowania nadfioletowego nie można uniknąć, trzeba jedynie nauczyć się, jak skutecznie się przed nim zabezpieczyć. Osoby z fototypem skóry I, niemowlęta i dzieci oraz osoby z licznymi znamionami powinny w szczególności unikać promieniowania nadfioletowego. Pozostałe osoby (z fototypem II, III i IV) powinny racjonalnie korzystać z kąpieli słonecznych, stosując odpowiednie środki ochrony. Dotyczy to zwłaszcza osób wykonujących pracę zawodową na otwartej przestrzeni, narażonych na działanie UV.

EN

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) can have positive and negative effects on the human body. Its role in Vitamin D production is a primary positive effect. Harmful effects of UV radiation are, first of all, photoaging of the skin as well as skin cancers, and in the area of vision, cataracts. Because we cannot avoid ultraviolet radiation, we should learn how we can effectively protect ourselves against it. In particular, persons with skin phototype I, infants and children, as well as persons with numerous birthmarks should avoid ultraviolet radiation. Other persons (phototype II, III and IV) can sunbathe with suitable protection. This especially concerns outdoor workers exposed to UV radiation.

13

Critical ischemia of the fingers in an auto mechanic as a result of occupational exposure

94%

Rabczyński M. , Kuźnik E. , Guziński M. , Adamiec R.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2015

|

tom 28

|

nr 1

169-173

EN

Hypothenar hammer syndrome is a rare cause of ischemic fingers observed mainly in young men smoking cigarettes and it is associated with repeated trauma of the ulnar artery in the area of the hypothenar eminence of the dominant-hand arm, resulting in a deficit of blood supply with the occurrence of hand symptoms typical for chronic and sometimes critical ischemia. Artery injury in this location is most often the result of multiple repetitions of the same activity being mostly the result of occupational exposure. We present a case of a 27-year-old car mechanic admitted to the hospital with symptoms of critical ischemia of the fingers III, IV, and V of the right hand, which resolved after conservative treatment.

14

Participation of metallothionein and superoxide dismutase in the blood of smoking smelters

94%

Bizoń A. , Milnerowicz H.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2014

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tom 27

|

nr 2

326-334

EN

Objectives: Metallothionein (MT) and two forms of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which are dependent on zinc and copper ions, are involved in defense against the same superoxide anion radicals and are present in extra- and intracellular compartments. The aim of our study was to investigate MT concentration and Cu/Zn SOD activity in the plasma and erythrocyte lysate of the non-smoking and smoking smelters. Material and Methods: The investigations were performed in the blood of 300 male smelters and 100 non-exposed male subjects. We have measured zinc, copper, malondialdehyde (MDA) and MT concentrations as well as SOD activity. Results: We have observed an increase of Cu/Zn coefficient and decrease of Zn/Cu coefficient in the serum of smelters in comparison with the non-smoking control group. Concentration of MDA in the plasma of smelters was higher in comparison with its concentration in the non-smoking control group. The plasma and the erythrocyte lysate MT concentration increased significantly in the whole group of smelters as compared to the non-smoking control group. The mean value of MT concentration in plasma of the smoking smelters was above 2-fold higher than in the non-smoking control group. The activity of Cu/Zn SOD in plasma of the smoking and non-smoking smelters was decreased in comparison with the smoking and non-smoking control groups, respectively. The lowest activity of Cu/Zn SOD, about 2-3‑fold decreased in comparison with the smoking and non-smoking control groups, was detected in plasma of the smelters. An inverse relationship was observed in the erythrocyte lysate. The highest activity of Cu/Zn SOD was reported in the erythrocyte lysate of the smoking smelters and it was about 2-fold higher than in the non-smoking control group. Conclusions: In extracellular environment MT plays a crucial role in comparison with the SOD, while in the intracellular compartment Cu/Zn SOD and MT cooperate with each other.

15

Analysis of the contribution of natural sources of radiation to the total dose received by workers

94%

Sainz C. , Fuente I. , Quindós L. , Gutierrez J. L. , Arteche J. L. , Quindós L. S.

Acta Geophysica

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2010

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tom Vol. 58, no. 5

957-962

EN

People working with ionising radiation are receiving radiation coming from artificial and natural sources. In Spain, as in many other countries, there is a serious control by the national authorities, Spanish Nuclear Safety Council, of the dose the workers receive from artificial sources. However, until the publication of the European Basic Safety Standards Directive, 96/29/EURATOM, the old criteria referring to the "above natural background" were widely used. This directive was incorporated to the Spanish legislation in July 2001 (BOE 178); in its Title VII it recommends to evaluate the dose coming from natural sources and take it into account for establishing the safety criteria. It is noteworthy to assess the natural doses received at homes and the dose received by workers of radioactive installations subject to regulations, and to compare the two results. The social and economical implications of the results derived can be important in the practical application of the recommendations included in the above-mentioned BOE 178 Directive.

16

Healthcare workers’ occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens: A 5-year observation in selected hospitals of the Małopolska province

94%

Różańska A. , Szczypta A. , Baran M. , Synowiec E. , Bulanda M. , Wałaszek M.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2014

|

tom 27

|

nr 5

747-756

EN

Objectives: The study presents data concerning occupational exposures among the staff of 5 hospitals in the Małopolska province in 2008–2012, taking into account the frequency and circumstances of exposure formation, occupational groups of hospital workers, as well as diversification of the reported rates in subsequent years between the hospitals and in each of them. An additional objective of the analysis was to assess the practical usefulness of the reported data for planning and evaluation of the effectiveness of procedures serving to minimize the risk of healthcare workers’ exposure to pathogens transmitted through blood. Material and Methods: Data were derived from occupational exposure registries kept by 5 hospitals of varying sizes and operational profiles from the Małopolska province from the years 2008–2012. Results: Seven hundred and seventy-five cases of exposure were found in a group of 3165 potentially exposed workers in the analyzed period. Most cases were observed in nurses (68%) and these were mainly various types of needlestick injuries (78%). Exposure rates with respect to all workers ranged from 2.6% to 8.3% in individual hospitals, but the differences in their values registered in the hospitals in subsequent years did not bear any statistical significance, in a way similar to the rates calculated separately for each occupational group. Conclusions: There was no upward or downward trend in the number of reported cases of exposure to bloodborne pathogens in the studied period in any of the hospitals. Statistically significant differences in the percentages of exposures were reported between individual hospitals in some years of the analyzed period, which confirms the need for registries in individual units in order to plan and evaluate the effectiveness of preventative measures.

17

Evaluation of exposure to electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation in the indoor workplace accessible to the public by the use of frequency-selective exposimeters

94%

Gryz K. , Karpowicz J. , Leszko W. , Zradziński P.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2014

|

tom 27

|

nr 6

1043-1054

EN

Objectives: The aim of the study was to identify and assess electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation (EMRR) exposure in a workplace located in a publicly accessible environment, and represented by offices (where exposure is caused by various transmitters of local fixed indoor and outdoor wireless communication systems). Material and Methods: The investigations were performed in 45 buildings (in urban and rural areas in various regions of Poland), using frequency-selective electric field strength (E-field) exposimeters sensitive to the EMRR with a frequency range of 88–2500 MHz, split into 12 subbands corresponding to the operating frequencies of typical EMRR sources. The variability of the E-field was analyzed for each frequency range and the total level of exposure by statistical parameters of recorded exposimetric profiles: minimum, maximum, median values and 25–75th – percentiles. Results: The main sources of exposure to EMRR are mobile phone base transceiver stations (BTS) and radio-television transmitters (RTV). The frequency composition in a particular office depends on the building’s location. The E-field recorded in buildings in urban and rural areas from the outdoor BTS did not exceed respectively: medians – 0.19 and 0.05 V/m, 75th percentiles – 0.25 and 0.09 V/m. In buildings equipped with the indoor BTS antennas the E-field did not exceed: medians – 1 V/m, 75th percentiles – 1.8 V/m. Whereas in urban and rural areas, the median and 75th percentile values of the E-field recorded in buildings located near the RTV (within 1 km) did not exceed: 1.5 and 3.8 V/m or 0.4 and 0.8 V/m, for radio FM band or for TV bands, respectively. Conclusions: Investigations confirmed the practical applicability of the exposimetric measurements technique for evaluating parameters of worker’s exposure in both frequency- and time-domain. The presented results show EMRR exposure of workers or general public in locations comparable to offices to be well below international limits.

18

Noise and Infrasonic Noise at Workplaces in a Wind Farm

94%

Pleban D. , Radosz J. , Smagowska B.

Archives of Acoustics

|

2017

|

tom Vol. 42, No. 3

491--498

EN

Dynamic development of wind power should take into account requirements resulting from environmental protection and human health. However in the case of occupational exposure to noise emitted by wind turbines (workplaces of wind turbine operation personnel, including persons performing maintenance) there are no documented data in literature in this regard. An example of pilot assessments of noise and infrasonic noise at workplaces in a wind farm is presented in the paper. The results of measurements and assessments of noise emitted by the wind turbines Vestas V80-2.0 MW show that noise does not constitute health hazard for wind farm workers. Furthermore infrasonic noise emitted by the wind turbines Vestas V80-2.0 MW is not an annoyance agent for wind farm workers.

19

Occupational Exposure to Asbestos During Renovation of Oil-Shale Fuelled Power Plants in Estonia

94%

Kangur M.

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

|

2007

|

tom Vol. 13, No. 3

341--346

EN

Many thousands of tonnes of asbestos were used in buildings in the past, especially for thermal insulation of pipes and boilers in power plants. Occupational exposure to asbestos dust now mainly occurs during demolition, renovation and routine maintenance activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate occupational exposure to airborne asbestos during renovation of solid oil-shale fuelled power plants carried out in 2001–2003. Air monitoring inside and outside of the renovation area was performed. The concentration of airborne fibres in the working environment increased during renovation but the valid limit value (0.1 fibres/cm3) was not exceeded.

20

Paternal occupational exposures and the risk of congenital malformations - A case-control study

94%

El-Helaly M. , Abdel-Elah K. , Haussein A. , Shalaby H.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

|

2011

|

tom 24

|

nr 2

218-227

EN

Objectives: This study examined the association between certain paternal occupational exposures during the periconceptional period and the risk of congenital malformations. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was carried out from December 2009 to April 2010; on 242 congenital malformation cases and 270 controls. Paternal occupational exposure to certain workplace hazards was assessed by a detailed questionnaire to evaluate the occupational exposure for both fathers and mothers including pesticides, solvents, welding fumes, lead, working with video display terminals (VDTs) and computer monitors. In addition, the questionnaire assessed the presence of other risk factors such as consanguinity, smoking and history of any maternal diseases during the pregnancy with the child. Results: The results revealed that the odds of having a child with congenital malformation was higher (P < 0.01) if the father was occupationally exposed to pesticides (OR: 3.42, 95% CI: 1.97-5.92), solvents (OR: 5.63, 95% CI: 2.77-11.42), or welding fumes (OR: 2.98, 0.99-8.54) during the periconceptional period. However, consanguinity (OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.25-2.92) was a risk factor of developing congenital malformations among offspring. Conclusion: Control of workplace exposures and adherence to threshold limit values of those hazards should be adopted to minimize the risk of developing congenital malformations among offspring.