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Zawodowa ekspozycja na czynniki biologiczne stosowane w sposób celowy w Polsce

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Kozajda A., Szadkowska-Stańczyk I.
Medycyna Pracy
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2015
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vol. 66
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issue 1
39-47
EN
Background: The paper presents the intentional use of biological agents for industrial, diagnostic and research purposes in Polish enterprises. Material and Methods: The National Register of Biological Agents (Krajowy Rejestr Czynników Biologicznych – KRCB) is an online database that collects the data on the intentional use of biological agents at work in Poland. Results: As of December 2013 there were 533 notifications in KRCB, mainly for diagnostic (73%), research (20%) and industrial purposes (7%). Mostly there were hospital diagnostic laboratories (37%), and other laboratories (35%), as well as higher education and research institutions (11%). In total, 4015 workers (91.7% of women, 8.3% of men) were exposed to biological agents. Agents classified in risk group 2 were used in 518 enterprises, and in risk group 3 in 107 enterprises. Of those agents the following bacteria were the most frequently used: Escherichia coli except for non-pathogenic strains (455 enterprises and 3314 exposed workers); Staphylococcus aureus (445 and 3270); and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (406 and 2969, respectively). In 66 enterprises there were used biological agents recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as carcinogens. They are viruses: Epstein-Barr (7 enterprises, 181 exposed workers); hepatitis B (16 and 257); hepatitis C virus (15 and 243); human immunodeficiency virus (8 and 107); human papillomaviruses (2 and 4); parasites: Clonorchis viverrini (1 and 2); Clonorchos sinensis (1 and 2); Schistosoma haematobium (1 and 2) and bacteria Helicobacter pylori (15 and 230, respectively). Conclusions: The National Register of Biological Agents at Work permits to evaluate the situation of occupational exposure to biological agents used intentionally in enterprises in Poland. Med Pr 2015;66(1):39–47
PL
Wstęp: W pracy zaprezentowano zamierzone użycie czynników biologicznych w celach przemysłowych, diagnostycznych i naukowo- badawczych w przedsiębiorstwach w Polsce. Materiał i metody: Krajowy Rejestr Czynników Biologicznych (KRCB) jest internetową bazą danych gromadzącą informacje o celowym użyciu czynników biologicznych w zakładach pracy w Polsce. Wyniki: Do grudnia 2013 r. do KRCB zgłoszono 533 przedsiębiorstwa używające czynników biologicznych w celach diagnostycznych (73%), naukowo-badawczych (20%) i przemysłowych (7%). Najczęściej zgłaszano laboratoria diagnostyczne przyszpitalne (37%) i inne niż przyszpitalne (35%), szkoły wyższe i jednostki naukowe (11%). Ogółem zgłoszono 4015 narażonych pracowników (91,7% kobiet, 8,3% mężczyzn). Czynniki z 2. grupy zagrożenia stosowało 518 zakładów, a z 3. grupy – 107 zakładów. Najczęściej stosowano bakterie Escherichia coli (z wyjątkiem szczepów niepatogennych, 455 zakładów i 3314 narażonych pracowników), Staphylococcus aureus (odpowiednio: 445 i 3270) i Pseudomonas aeruginosa (406 i 2969). W 66 przedsiębiorstwach używano czynników biologicznych uznanych przez Międzynarodową Agencję Badań nad Nowotworami za rakotwórcze (wirusy: Epsteina-Barr – 7 zakładów i 181 narażonych osób, zapalenia wątroby typu B – odpowiednio: 16 i 257, zapalenia wątroby typu C – 15 i 243, ludzkiego nabytego niedoboru odporności – 8 i 107; ludzki wirus papilloma – 2 i 4; pasożyty: Clonorchis viverrini – 1 i 2, Clonorchos sinensis – 1 i 2, Schistosoma haematobium – 1 i 2, bakterie: Helicobacter pylori – 15 i 230). Wnioski: Krajowy Rejestr Czynników Biologicznych umożliwia diagnozę sytuacji i śledzenie dynamiki w czasie zawodowej ekspozycji na szkodliwe czynniki biologiczne celowo stosowane w zakładach pracy w Polsce. Med. Pr. 2015;66(1):39–47
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Factors influencing biosafety level and lai among the staff of medical laboratories

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Kozajda A., Bródka K., Szadkowska-Stańczyk I.
Medycyna Pracy
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2013
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vol. 64
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issue 4
473-486
PL
Wstęp: Celem badania była ocena zagrożenia pracowników laboratoriów diagnostycznych szkodliwymi czynnikami biologicznymi, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem infekcji (LAI - laboratory acquired infection), czynności o największym ryzyku, wypadków z udziałem materiału biologicznego, postępowania poekspozycyjnego i stosowanych środków profilaktycznych oraz wiedzy o narażeniu na czynniki biologiczne. Materiał i metody: Badaniem objęto 9 laboratoriów. Ogółem w badaniu wzięło udział 123 pracowników i 9 kierowników tych jednostek. Zastosowano 2 kwestionariusze - dla pracowników i kierowników. Wyniki: Aż 32,5% badanych (40 osób) przynajmniej raz uległo wypadkowi z udziałem potencjalnie zakaźnego materiału biologicznego. Zakłucia igłą zabrudzoną krwią bądź skaleczenia szkłem z potłuczonej probówki z krwią dotyczyły 18,7% badanej grupy (23 osoby), natomiast zachlapanie skóry, błon śluzowych bądź spojówek materiałem biologicznym - 22,8% (28 osób). Wśród pracowników, którzy ulegli wypadkowi, tylko 45% badanych (18 osób) zgłosiło wypadek przełożonemu. Mniej niż połowa potrafiła wskazać drobnoustroje dominujące w opracowywanym materiale biologicznym (57 osób, 46,3%) i tyle samo osób potrafiło prawidłowo podać przykład choroby przez nie wywoływanej (57 osób, 46,3%). Ponad połowa badanych przyznała, że nie zna wszystkich możliwych dróg zakażenia (68 osób, 55,3%). Wnioski: Odnotowano wysoką częstość wypadków z udziałem czynnika biologicznego, najczęściej podczas pobierania krwi i przenoszenia materiału biologicznego. Stan wyposażenia pracowników w środki ochrony indywidualnej oraz wyposażenie laboratoriów w urządzenia zmniejszające ryzyko infekcji, a także w procedury postępowania z materiałem potencjalnie zakaźnym należy uznać za niewystarczający. Wykazano braki w elementarnej wiedzy pracowników o potencjalnych drogach zakażenia podczas wykonywania prac z materiałem biologicznym, o skutkach zdrowotnych i właściwych zachowaniach ograniczających ryzyko infekcji. Med. Pr. 2013;64(4):473–486
EN
Background: The aim of the study was to assess the biological risks of medical laboratory employees with particular focus on laboratory acquired infection (LAI), activities having the greatest risk, accidents with biological material, post exposure procedure, preventive measures and workers' knowledge about biological exposure. Materials and Methods: The study involved 9 laboratories. A questionnaire survey was attended by 123 employees and 9 heads of these units with the use of two questionnaires for laboratory workers and the managers. Results: 32.5% of the respondents (40 persons) had an accident at least once. Needlestick or a broken glass injury covered 18.7% respondents (23 persons), while splashing the skin, mucous membranes or conjunctivae related to 22.8% (28 persons). Among the employees who had an accident, only 45% of the respondents (18 persons) reported this to the manager. Microbes dominant in the biological material were known only to 57 respondents (46.3%), less than half could correctly give an example of a disease (57 persons, 46.3%). More than half of the respondents admitted that they do not know all of the possible routes of infection while working in the laboratory (68 persons, 55.3%). Conclusions: In the study population, a high incidence of accidents was observed, usually during blood sampling and transfer of biological material. Condition of the workers' equipment with personal protective measures and laboratory facilities in devices to reduce the risk of infection and procedures for handling the potentially infectious material should be considered as insufficient. Lack of basic knowledge of the employees about biohazards at workplaces was shown. Med Pr 2013;64(4):473–486
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Ekspozycja na cząstki ultradrobne u pracowników zatrudnionych przy obróbce sadzy technicznej

81%
Mikołajczyk U., Bujak-Pietrek S., Szadkowska-Stańczyk I.
Medycyna Pracy
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2015
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vol. 66
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issue 3
317-326
EN
Background The aim of the project was to assess the exposure of workers to ultrafine particles released during handling and packing of carbon black. The assessment included the results of the measurements performed in a carbon black handling plant before, during, and after work shift. Material and Methods The number concentration of particles within the dimension range 10–1000 nm and 10–100 nm was assayed by a condensation particle counter (CPC). The mass concentration of particles was determined by a DustTrak II DRX aerosol concentration monitor. The surface area concentration of the particles potentially deposited in the alveolar (A) and tracheo-bronchial (TB) regions was estimated by an AeroTrak 9000 nanoparticle monitor. Results An average mass concentration of particles during the process was 6-fold higher than that before its start, while a 3-fold increase in the average number concentration of particles within the dimension range 10–1000 nm and 10–100 nm was observed during the process. At the same time a 4-fold increase was found in the surface area concentration of the particles potentially deposited in the A and TB regions. Conclusions During the process of carbon black handling and packing a significantly higher values of each of the analysed parameters, characterizing the exposure to ultrafine particles, were noted. Med Pr 2015;66(3):317–326
PL
Wstęp Celem badania była ocena uwalniania do powietrza stanowisk pracy cząstek ultradrobnych podczas przesypu i pakowania sadzy technicznej. Materiał i metody Ocena obejmowała wyniki pomiarów przeprowadzonych w zakładzie przesypu sadzy technicznej przed rozpoczęciem procesu przesypu, w czasie wykonywania i po zakończeniu procesu. Określono stężenie liczbowe cząstek o wymiarach z zakresu 10–1000 nm i 10–100 nm z wykorzystaniem kondensacyjnego licznika cząstek (condensation particle counter – CPC). Do oceny stężenia masowego cząstek użyto monitora stężenia aerozolu w powietrzu DustTrak II DRX aerosol concentration monitor. Oszacowano także stężenie powierzchniowe cząstek potencjalnie odkładających się w rejonie pęcherzykowym (alveolar – A) i tchawiczo-oskrzelowym (tracheo-bronchial – TB) człowieka, korzystając z monitora nanocząstek AeroTrak 9000. Wyniki Średnie stężenie masowe cząstek podczas procesu było 6-krotnie wyższe w porównaniu z wartością przed jego rozpoczęciem. Zaobserwowano 3-krotny wzrost średniego stężenia liczbowego cząstek 10–1000 nm i cząstek 10–100 nm podczas wykonywania ww. czynności. Stężenie powierzchniowe cząstek potencjalnie zdeponowanych w rejonie pęcherzykowym (A) i w rejonie tchawiczo-oskrzelowym (TB) wzrosło 4-krotnie. Wnioski Podczas przesypywania i pakowania sadzy odnotowano istotnie wyższe wartości każdego z analizowanych parametrów charakteryzujących narażenie na cząstki ultradrobne. Med. Pr. 2015;66(3):317–326
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Endotoxin exposure and changes in short-term pulmonary function among sewage workers

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Cyprowski M., Sobala W., Buczyńska A., Szadkowska-Stańczyk I.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
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2015
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vol. 28
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issue 5
803-811
EN
Objectives The inhaled endotoxin is considered as a causative factor in the process of acute bronchial obstruction, which can be measured by a decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁). The aim of this study was to assess endotoxin exposure among sewage treatment plant workers (STPW) and its effect on across-shift changes in respiratory airflow. Material and Methods A group of 78 STPW from a large sewage treatment plant was studied. Inhalable dust for endotoxin assessment was collected using personal aerosol samplers. Endotoxin was assayed with the kinetic, chromogenic Limulus amebocyte lysate test. Across-shift spirometric measurements were performed on Mondays, after 2-days absence from work, with the use of portable spirometer. The forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV₁ parameters were analyzed. Multifactor regression modeling was performed to determine parameters significantly associated with endotoxin exposure. Results The concentration of inhalable dust and endotoxin ranged from 0.01–1.38 mg/m³ and 0.68–214 endotoxin units per cubic meter of air (EU/m³), respectively. Endotoxins were characterized with the skewed distribution (arithmetic mean (AM) = 38.8 EU/m³, geometric mean (GM) = 15.4 EU/m³, geometric standard deviation (GSD) = 4.21). Through the use of multifactor analysis, which excluded the main confounders (inhalable dust and smoking habit) it was found that, despite low levels of endotoxin, it had significant impact on the observed across-shift decline in FEV₁ (p = 0.044). For this parameter, the regression slope was additionally calculated (r = –0.017, p = 0.071). Conclusions Relatively low levels of endotoxin among sewage treatment plant workers may cause small, but significant across-shift declines in FEV₁. The observed relationship was independent of organic dust concentrations and smoking habit. The respiratory protection should be provided for STPW.
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Indoor allergens in settled dust from kindergartens in city of Łódź, Poland

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Cyprowski M., Buczyńska A., Szadkowska-Stańczyk I.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
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2013
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vol. 26
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issue 6
890-899
EN
Objectives: The main objective of the study was to determine the levels of house dust mite (Der p1), dog (Can f1), cat (Fel d1) and cockroach (Bla g2) allergens in kindergartens localized in an urban agglomeration. Material and Methods: A quantitative analysis of allergens was carried out in settled dust samples collected by vacuuming the floor surface in three kindergartens (N = 84) and children's clothing (N = 36). The samples were collected in springsummer and autumn-winter periods as well as at the beginning and end of the week. The allergen dust concentration was determined by enzyme-linked immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA). Results: The mean geometric concentrations (±geometric standard deviations) of allergens Der p1, Can f1, Fel d1 and Bla g2 determined in kindergartens were: 0.02±3.21 μg/g of dust; 0.97±4.49 μg/g of dust; 0.30±4.43 μg/g of dust and 0.01±3.08 μg/g of dust, respectively. Younger classrooms (children aged from 3 to 4 years) were characterized by almost twice higher mean concentration of allergen Fel d1, as compared to older classrooms (children aged from 5 to 6 years) (p < 0.05). A significant impact of seasonality on the level of dog allergen Can f1 was found (p < 0.05). No significant weekly variation was found in average concentrations of the allergens. Children who had a dog and/or cat at home were characterized by high concentrations of allergens Can f1 and Fel d1 on their clothes (59.2±5.39 μg Can f1/g of dust; 3.63±1.47 μg Fel d1/g of dust), significantly higher than concentrations of allergens in children who did not have any pets (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Special attention should be paid to keeping the kindergarten rooms tidy and clean and to an appropriate choice of furnishings and fittings which would prevent the proliferation of the house dust mite and accumulation of allergens.
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The variability of bacterial aerosol in poultry houses depending on selected factors

81%
Bródka K., Kozajda A., Buczyńska A., Szadkowska-Stańczyk I.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
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2012
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vol. 25
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issue 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.
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Assessment of exposure to fungi in the heavily contaminated work environment (a solid waste sorting plant) based on the ergosterol analysis

71%
Kozajda A. I., Jeżak K., Sowiak M., Gutarowska B., Szadkowska-Stańczyk I.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
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2015
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vol. 28
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issue 5
813-821
EN
Objectives This paper reports on the results of the study aimed at application of ergosterol as an quantitative indicator of fungal bioaerosol present in the indoor air in occupational environment heavily contaminated with organic dust as well as its comparison with the culturable method. Material and Methods The study was conducted in the indoor solid waste sorting plant. Using Andersen impactor adapted to 1 plate at the flow rate of 30 l/min, indoor air was sampled in the workers’ breathing zone. Ergosterol was sampled using gelatinous filter (1000 l of air) and then analyzed by means of the spectrophotometric method. Fungi were sampled on malt extract agar (MEA) medium (3 replications: 2 l, 7.5 l, 15 l of air) and analyzed by means of the culturable method. Based on ergosterol analyzes, concentration of fungi was calculated. Results were given as the range assuming min. as 5.1 pg ergosterol/spore and max as 1.7 pg ergosterol/spore. Results The average concentrations of ergosterol in a working room (arithmetic mean (AM), standard deviation (SD); minimum–maximum (min.–max)) were, respectively: 2.16, 0.72; 0.85–2.92 μg/m³; fungi calculated based on ergosterol – 424.1×10³–1272.4×10³, 140.1×10³– 420.4×10³, 167×10³–1716.5×10³ CFU/m³, and culturable fungi – 13×10³, 9.7×10³, 1.9×10³–34×10³ CFU/m³). It was revealed that concentrations of calculated fungi were even 2 orders of magnitude higher than culturable fungi. Conclusions The quantitative assessment of moldiness by means of ergosterol measurement seems to be a reliable indicator for environments heavily contaminated with organic dust, where viable and non-viable fungi are present in high proportions. Based on that result, more restrictive (as compared to a similar assessment carried out by means of the culturable method) hygienic recommendations, especially those related to the use of preventive measures protecting the employees’ respiratory tract, should have been undertaken.
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Visible fungi growth and dampness assessed using a questionnaire versus airborne fungi, (1→3)-β-d-glucan and fungal spore concentrations in flats

71%
Sowiak M., Jeżak K., Kozajda A., Sobala W., Szadkowska-Stańczyk I.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
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2015
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vol. 28
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issue 1
130-146
EN
Introduction: The study aimed at determination of the usefulness of the subjective assessment of selected signs of fungi growth in flats and microclimate parameters to indicate the actual air contamination with culturable fungi, (1→3)-β-D-glucans and fungal spores. Material and methods: This analysis covered 22 flats, the inhabitants of which declared in a questionnaire interview the presence of the developed mycelium on solid surfaces in the flat. Air samples for determination of the culturable fungi, (1→3)-β-D-glucans and (viable and non-viable) fungal spores concentrations indoor and outdoor the flats during the heating period were collected. During bioaerosol sampling microclimate parameters were measured. Predictive models for concentrations of the tested biological agents with regard to various ways to assess fungal contamination of air in a flat (on the basis of a questionnaire or a questionnaire and microclimate measurements) were built. Results: The arithmetic means of temperature, relative humidity, CO₂ concentration and air flow velocity in the flats were respectively: 20.5°C, 53%, 1431.6 ppm and 0 m/s. The geometric mean concentrations of airborne fungi, (1→3)-β-D-glucans and fungal spores in these premises amounted to 2.9×10² cfu/m³, 1.6 ng/m³ and 5.7×10³ spores/m³, respectively. The subjective assessment of fungi growth signs and microclimate characteristics were moderately useful for evaluation of the actual airborne fungi and (1→3)-β-D-glucan concentrations (maximum percent of explained variance (VE) = 61% and 67%, respectively), and less useful in evaluation of the actual fungal spore concentrations (VE < 29%). In the case of fungi, higher usefulness was indicated of the questionnaire evaluation supported by microclimate measurements (VE = 61.2%), as compared to the evaluation only by means of a questionnaire (VE = 46.9%). Conclusions: Subjective evaluation of fungi growth signs in flats, separately or combined with microclimate measurements, appeared to be moderately useful for quantitative evaluation of the actual air contamination with fungi and their derivatives, but more extensive studies are needed to strengthen those findings.
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Exposure to diesel exhaust fumes in the context of exposure to ultrafine particles

71%
Bujak-Pietrek S., Mikołajczyk U., Kamińska I., Cieślak M., Szadkowska-Stańczyk I.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
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2016
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vol. 29
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issue 4
667-682
EN
Objectives Diesel exhaust fumes emission is a significant source of ultrafine particles, the size of which is expressed in nanometers. People occupationally exposed to diesel exhaust particles include mainly workers servicing vehicles with engines of this type. This article presents the analysis of measurements of ultrafine particle concentrations occurring in the bus depot premises during the work connected with everyday technical servicing of buses. Material and Methods The measurements were carried out in the everyday servicing (ES) room of the bus depot before, during and after the work connected with bus servicing. Determinations included: particle concentrations in terms of particle number and particle surface area, and mass concentrations of aerosol. Results Mean value of number concentration of 10- to 1000-nm particles increased almost 20-fold, from 7600 particles/cm³ before starting bus servicing procedures to 130 000 particles/cm³ during the bus servicing procedures in the room. During the procedures, the mean surface area concentration of particles potentially deposited in the alveolar (A) region was almost 3 times higher than that of the particles depositing in the tracheo-bronchial (TB) region: 356.46 μm²/cm³ vs. 95.97 μm²/cm³, respectively. The mass concentration of the fraction of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter 0.02–1 μm (PM₁) increased 5-fold during the analyzed procedures and was 0.042 mg/m³ before, and 0.298 mg/m³ while the procedures continued. Conclusions At the time when bus servicing procedures continued in the ES room, a very high increase in all parameters of the analyzed particles was observed. The diesel exhaust particles exhibit a very high degree of fragmentation and, while their number is very high and their surface area is very large, their mass concentration is relatively low. The above findings confirm that ultrafine particles found in diesel exhaust fumes may be harmful to the health of the exposed people, and to their respiratory tract in particular.
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Cardiovascular changes in workers exposed to fine particulate dust

61%
Bortkiewicz A., Gadzicka E., Stroszejn-Mrowca G., Szyjkowska A., Szymczak W., Koszada-Włodarczyk W., Szadkowska-Stańczyk I.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
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2014
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vol. 27
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issue 1
78-92
EN
Objectives: Epidemiological studies provide evidence that airborne particulate matter may contribute to the increased incidence and mortality rates due to pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. Only some of them address the problem of occupational exposure to particulate air pollution. The aim of our study was to assess cardiovascular reaction and autonomic regulation in workers exposed to fine particles. Materials and Methods: All workers had medical examination, resting ECG with heart rate variability analysis (HRV), 24-h ECG, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) performed. The subjects were 20 male workers (mean age: 32.14.0 year) of a ceramic ware factory exposed to the dust and 20 workers who were not exposed (mean age: 39.4±7.8 year). The period of employment under exposure amounted to 5.6±2.1 year. Dust exposure was measured using individual dosimeters. Results: The geometric mean total dust concentration was 44±1.5 mg/m³ and the FPD (fine particulate dust) concentration amounted to 11.5±1.6 mg/m³. No abnormalities were noted in the resting ECG in both groups, in 24-h ECG 2 subjects, both from exposed and control groups, had ventricular heart rhythm and repolarization disturbances. Blood pressure in ABPM, both systolic as well as diastolic, was normal and did not differ between the groups. Resting heart rate in the exposed group was significantly lower (p = 0.038) than in the control group. In the exposed group STD R-R from short-term records was significantly higher (p = 0.01). Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis showed that the low frequency power spectrum (LF) did not differ in the exposed and the control group, while high frequency (HF) was significantly higher in the exposed group. LF/HF ratio was significantly lower in the exposed in comparison with the control group. Conclusions: Although we did not reveal significant abnormalities in ECG as well as in ABPM in the exposed group, it seems that neurovegetative disturbances (parasympathetic predominance) may serve as an early indicator of fine particulate dust effect on cardiovascular system.
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The capability of fungi isolated from moldy dwellings to produce toxins

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Jeżak K., Kozajda A., Sowiak M., Brzeźnicki S., Bonczarowska M., Szadkowska-Stańczyk I.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
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2016
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vol. 29
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issue 5
823-836
EN
Objectives The main objective was analysis and assessment of toxinogenic capabilities of fungi isolated from moldy surfaces in residential rooms in an urban agglomeration situated far from flooded areas in moderate climate zone. Material and Methods The assessment of environmental exposure to mycotoxins was carried out in samples collected from moldy surfaces in form of scrapings and airborne dust from 22 moldy dwellings in winter season. In each sample 2 mycotoxins were analyzed: sterigmatocystin and roquefortine C produced by Aspergillus versicolor and Penicillium chrysogenum, respectively. Mycotoxins were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in: scrapings from moldy surfaces, mixture of all species of fungi cultured from scrapings on microbiological medium (malt extract agar), pure cultures of Aspergillus versicolor and Penicillium chrysogenum cultured from scrapings on microbiological medium; mycotoxins in the indoor air dust were also analyzed. Results The production of sterigmatocystin by individual strains of Aspergillus versicolor cultured on medium was confirmed for 8 of 13 isolated strains ranging 2.1–235.9 μg/g and production of roquefortine C by Penicillium chrysogenum for 4 of 10 strains ranging 12.9–27.6 μg/g. In 11 of 13 samples of the mixture of fungi cultured from scrapings, in which Aspergillus versicolor was found, sterigmatocystin production was at the level of 3.1–1683.2 μg/g, whereas in 3 of 10 samples in which Penicillium chrysogenum occurred, the production of roquefortine C was 0.9–618.9 μg/g. The analysis did not show in any of the tested air dust and scrapings samples the presence of analyzed mycotoxins in the amount exceeding the determination limit. Conclusions The capability of synthesis of sterigmatocystin by Aspergillus versicolor and roquefortine C by Penicillium chrysogenum growing in mixtures of fungi from scrapings and pure cultures in laboratory conditions was confirmed. The absence of mycotoxins in scrapings and air dust samples indicates an insignificant inhalatory exposure to mycotoxins among inhabitants in moldy flats of urban agglomeration situated far from flooded territories. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(5):823–836
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Children’s residential exposure to selected allergens and microbial indicators: endotoxins and (1→3)-β-D-glucans

52%
Kozajda A., Bródka K., Sowiak M., Sobala W., Polańska K., Jurewicz J., Hanke W., Szadkowska-Stańczyk I.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
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2013
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vol. 26
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issue 6
870-889
EN
Objectives: The study was aimed at assessment of exposure to endotoxins, (1→3)-β-D-glucans and mite, cockroach, cat, dog allergens present in settled dust in premises of children as agents which may be significantly correlated with the occurrence of allergic symptoms and diseases in children. Materials and Methods: The study covered 50 homes of one- or two-year-old children in Poland. Samples of settled dust were taken from the floor and the child's bed. The levels of (1→3)-β-D-glucans (floor), endotoxins (floor) and allergens of mite, cat, dog and cockroach (floor and bed) were analyzed. Results: Average geometric concentrations (geometric standard deviation) of endotoxins, (1→3)-β-D-glucans, Der p1, Fel d1, Can f1 and Bla g1 in children homes were on the floor 42 166.0 EU/g (3.2), 20 478.4 ng/g (2.38), 93.9 ng/g (6.58), 119.8 ng/g (13.0), 288.9 ng/g (3.4), 0.72 U/g (4.4) and in their beds (only allergens) 597.8 ng/g (14.2), 54.1 ng/g (4.4), 158.6 ng/g (3.1) 0.6 U/g (2.9), respectively. When the floor was covered with the carpet, higher concentrations of endotoxins, (1→3)-β-D-glucans and allergens (each type) were found in the settled dust (p < 0.05). The trend was opposite in case of allergens (except dog) analyzed from bed dust and significantly higher concentrations were found in the rooms with smooth floor (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Among the analyzed factors only the type of floor significantly modified both the level of biological indicators and allergens. The results of this study could be the base for verifying a hypothesis that carpeting may have a protective role against high levels of cockroach, dog and cat allergens.
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