scholarly journals Assessment of Occupational Exposure to BTEX in a Petrochemical Plant via Urinary Biomarkers

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7178
Author(s):  
Višnja Mihajlović ◽  
Nenad Grba ◽  
Jan Suđi ◽  
Diane Eichert ◽  
Smilja Krajinović ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Urinary Biomarkers ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Passive Samplers ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Petrochemical Plant ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Multivariate Statistical ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Relative Standard

This work presents the results of the first Serbian monitoring campaign performed to assess the occupational exposure of petrochemical industry workers to benzene (B), toluene (T), ethylbenzene (E), and xylene (X), known collectively as BTEX. The following urinary biomarkers were investigated: phenol, hippuric acid, o-Cresol, p-Cresol, and creatinine. BTEX compounds were collected in 2014 using Casella passive samplers. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed to put in evidence the correlation between the BTEX measured in air and the concentration of urinary biomarkers. While the results indicate an elevated presence of benzene in the air in the working environment studied that surpasses the national and European Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL), the levels of the remaining (TEX) parameters measured were below the OEL. The high relative standard deviations (RSD) for the concentrations of each BTEX compound (68–161 mg m−3) point toward an intensive occupational exposure to BTEX. This was confirmed by relevant urine biomarkers, particularly by the mean values of phenol, which were ten and fourteen times higher than the ones found in the control group (14–12 mg g−1 of creatinine). On average, workers are at a higher risk of developing cancer (6.1 × 10−3), with risk levels exceeding the US EPA limits. Benzene levels should therefore be maintained under tight controls and monitored via proper urinary biomarkers.

Genetic damage of operating and recovery room personnel occupationally exposed to waste anaesthetic gases

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Çakmak ◽  
D Eraydın ◽  
A Berkkan ◽  
S Yağar ◽  
S Burgaz
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Micronucleus Test ◽  
Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes ◽  
Passive Samplers ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Target Tissue ◽  
Breathing Zone ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Anaesthetic Gases

Occupational exposure to the waste anaesthetic gases (WAGs) is a crucial problem for healthcare personnel. Cancer is among the potential long-term adverse effects of WAGs. The present occupational molecular epidemiology study was conducted in healthcare personnel (anaesthetists, nurses and technicians; n = 46), working in operating rooms (ORs; n = 34) and recovery units (RUs; n = 12) of the same hospital, to assess the genotoxicity risk of WAGs exposure. Twenty-one healthy available hospital staff allocated to other wards, without the history of working in ORs and RUs were the control group. A micronucleus test was carried out for peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and buccal epithelial cells (BECs). Exposure to the anaesthetics was assessed with sevoflurane concentrations and inorganic fluoride levels in post-shift urine samples of the healthcare staff. As an exposure marker, sevoflurane concentrations in ORs and RUs were measured using passive samplers. The micronuclei frequencies were increased in both PBLs (approximately two times) and BECs (approximately three times) of the healthcare personnel. Urinary sevoflurane concentrations exceeded the biological equivalent level in 23 personnel. Air sevoflurane levels in the breathing zone in three ORs and one RU did not exceed the established occupational exposure limits. Both in surrogate tissue (PBLs) and in target tissue (BECs) of the personnel of RUs and ORs of the same hospital, the genotoxicity risk was evident and similar. Originality of this study, in addition to the WAGs exposure confirmation of the healthcare personnel, was the involvement of the RU personnel for the genotoxicity assessment, which was the first time in the scientific literature.

Iron oxides – calculated on Fe Documentation of proposed values of occupational exposure limits (OELs)

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (2(92)) ◽  
pp. 51-87
Author(s):  
ELŻBIETA BRUCHAJZER ◽  
BARBARA FRYDRYCH ◽  
JADWIGA SZYMAŃSKA
Keyword(s):  
Iron Oxide ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Iron Oxides ◽  
Iron Ore ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Steel Workers ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Respirable Fraction

Iron (III) oxide, (Fe2O3, nr CAS 1309-37-1) in natural conditions occurs as iron ore. The most common (hematite) contains about 70% pure iron. Iron (III) oxide is used as a red dye in ceramics, glass and paper industries and as a raw material for abrasive metalworking (cutting). Iron (II) oxide, (FeO, CAS 1345-25-1) occurs as a mineral wurtzite and is used as a black dye in cosmetics and as a component of tattoo ink. Iron (II) iron (III) oxide (Fe3O4, CAS 1309-38-2; 1317- -61-9) is a common mineral. It has strong magnetic properties (so called magnetite). It occurs in igneous rocks (gabbro, basalt). It is the richest and the best iron ore for industry. Occupational exposure to iron oxides occurs in the mining and metallurgical industry in the production of iron, steel and its products. Welders, locksmiths, lathes and workers employed in milling ores and polishing silver are exposed to iron oxides. According to data from the State Sanitary Inspection, in 2013, 389 people in Poland were exposed to iron oxide in concentrations exceeding the current NDS (5 mg/m3) and in 2014 – 172 people. After single and multiple intratracheal and inhalation exposure of animals, transient intensification of oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions were reported. Iron (III) oxide did not cause genotoxic and carcinogenic effects. In literature, there are no data on its effects on fertility, reproduction and pregnancy. Data on chronic toxicity of iron oxides for humans exposed in working environment are limited. In epidemiological studies, all information presented in the documentation comes from observations of people exposed to the combined effects of iron oxides and other factors. It is not stated whether occupational exposure was related to the specific iron oxide and to what concentrations workers were exposed. The most commonly encountered toxic effect in the occupational exposure of iron ore miners and iron welders and welders was minor lung fibrosis lesions and iron-silicon dust (as seen in the RTG study). Siderose is the occupational disease of miners and iron ore metallurgists. Moreover, cases of lung cancer have been reported in miners, steel workers and welders, but they were caused by total exposure to other compounds, including radioactive radon, carcinogenic chromium, manganese, nickel, other oxides (SiO2, ZnO, CO, NO, NO2, MgO) as well as exhaust gases from diesel engines. According to IARC, iron (III) oxide belongs to group 3 (cannot be classified as carcinogenic to humans). Iron (III) oxides can accumulate in a lung tissue, this process may be responsible for the occurrence of fibrosis sites, particularly in higher parts of external lung parts. These effects were visible in the X-ray examination only. Pneumoconiosis (siderosis) caused by exposure to iron oxides is usually asymptomatic (lack of clinical symptoms and changes in lung function parameters). The basis for the proposed MAC-TWA value for inhalable iron oxide fraction was NOAEL of 10 mg Fe/m3. People exposed for more than 10 years to iron (III) oxide had no pulmonary changes. After application of an uncertainty factor of 2 (for differences in personal sensitivity in humans), the MAC-TWA value for the iron oxide fraction was proposed at 5 mg/m3 (calculated as Fe). The same observations on humans were the basis for calculating the MAC-TWA value for respirable fraction of iron (III) oxide. On 12% of workers exposed to respirable fraction at mean concentrations of 10 ÷ 15 mg/m3, changes in pulmonary X-ray were observed. The value of 10 mg/m3 was assumed as LOAEL. After applying the appropriate uncertainty coefficients, the MAC-TWA value for the iron oxide respirable fraction was proposed at 2.5 mg/m3. The authors propose to leave the short-term value (STEL) of 10 mg/m3 for inhaled fraction for iron oxides and to introduce STEL value of 5 mg/m3 for respirable fraction. It is recommended to label the substances with "I" - irritant substance.

The activity of the Interdepartmental Commission for Maximum Admissible Concentrations and Intensities for Agents Harmful to Health in the Working Environment in 2017-2019

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1(103)) ◽  
pp. 141-170
Author(s):  
Danuta Koradecka ◽  
Jolanta Skowroń
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Social Policy ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Working Conditions ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Hazardous Substances ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Chemical Substances ◽  
Interdepartmental Commission ◽  
The Eu

In the fourth phase of the National Programme “Improvement of safety and working conditions”, 10 meetings of the Commission took place, during which the following items were discussed: – 37 documentations for recommended exposure limits of chemical substances prepared by the Expert Group for Chemical and Dust Agents – the position of the Interdepartmental Commission for MAC and MAI regarding: smog, nitric oxide limit value in the underground mining and tunneling sector, binding value for 1,2-dichloroethane and the introduction of the „skin” label (absorption of the substance through the skin may be just as important, as if inhaled) – rules for determining occupational exposure limits of chemical and dust harmful to health in the working environment and for active substances of cytostatics – programmes for improving working conditions in KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. copper mines in order to limit exposure to nitric oxide at workstations to the value of 2.5 mg / m3 adopted in Directive 2017/164 / EU with a transitional period until August 21, 2023 (Official Journal of the EU L 27 of 1.2.2017, p. 115) – adaptation of the Polish list of MAC values to Directive 2017/164 / EU establishing the 4th list of indicative occupational exposure values, to the draft directive establishing the 5th list of indicative occupational exposure values and to directives 2017/2398 /EU, 2019/130 / EU and 2019/983 / EU amending Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work – the position of the Economic Chamber of Non-Ferrous Metals and Recycling regarding the reduction of the MAC value for cadmium and its compounds – the notations in the draft ordinance of the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy amending the ordinance on maximum admissible concentrations and intensities of agents harmful to health in the working environment for wood dust and chromium (VI) compounds in relation to transitional measures included in Directive 2019/130 /EU of January 16, 2019. The Interdepartmental Commission for MAC and MAI adopted 10 proposals and presented them to the minister responsible for work on a revision of the list of maximum admissible concentrations and intensity of agents harmful to health in the working environment in the following areas: – introduction to Annex 1 „Chemical substances” of records on dusts – the introduction of the „skin” notation for 195 chemicals – introduction to Annex No. 1 maximum admissible concentrations for 11 new chemicals and changes for 22 chemicals. The work carried out by the Interdepartmental Committee of MAC and MAI in 2017-2019 made it possible to adaptat to national law the EU directive in this field within the period provided for in the directives. Two ordinances of the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy were prepared and published, including the provisions of the abovementioned directives and added concentration limits for 11 new chemical agents harmful to health in the working environment. The results of the Commission’s work in 2017-2019 were disseminated in 12 issues of Principles and Methods of Assessing the Working Environment, in which the following were published: 34 documents on occupational exposure levels for chemicals, 35 methods for determining the concentrations of chemicals in the working environment, 7 articles, an in-situ electromagnetic field measurement procedure and annual reports on the activities of the Commission. The results of the Commission’s activities in 2017-2019 were presented in 14 Polish publications, 7 presentations during Polish conferences as well as at workshops and training conferences as part of the European information campaign „Hazardous substances under control”. This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental engineering.

The activity of the Interdepartmental Commission for Maximum Admissible Concentrations and Intensities for Agents Harmful to Health in the Working Environment in 2018 and the work plan in 2019

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1(99)) ◽  
pp. 77-87
Author(s):  
Danuta Koradecka ◽  
Jolanta Skowroń
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Concentration Limit ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Maximum Admissible Concentration ◽  
Exposure Limit ◽  
Copper Mines ◽  
Interdepartmental Commission

In 2018 the Commission met at three sessions, during which 9 documentations for recommended exposure limits of chemical substances, were discussed. Moreover the Commission discussed on: a system for notifying entrepreneurs, employees and inspection bodies of proposals for new or verified binding values (for carcinogenic and mutagenic substances) or indicator values for harmful chemicals in the form of messages, rules for setting limit values for harmful to health chemicals in the working environment, a program to improve working conditions in copper mines of KGHM Polska Miedź SA. and the methodology for determining hygiene standards for active substances of cytostatics, taking into account the uncertainty factor "F". The Commission suggested to the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy the following changes in the list of MAC values: adaptation of the Polish list of maximum admissible concentration (MAC-NDS) to Directive 2019/130/EC of 31/1/2019 amending Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work (these are: chloroethene, o-toluidine and 1,3-butadiene), adjusting the MAC-value for trimethylamine to the value included in the draft directive setting the fifth list of indicative occupational exposure limits, introducing changes in the list of the maximum admissible concentration of chemicals and dust harmful to health for the substances mentioned, introduce the following substances into the list of maximum admissible concentrations of chemical agents harmful to health: phenolphthalein (Carc. 1B), etoposide (Carc. 1B), fluorouracil (Muta. 1B, skin), 2-nitroanisole (Carc. 1B), N-nitrosodimethylamine (Carc. 1B). Four issues of the "Principles and Methods of Assessing the Working Environment" were published in 2018. The booklets included: 11 documentation of occupational exposure limit, 11 methods for the determination of chemical concentrations in the working environment, 4 articles, a report on the activities of the Interdepartmental Commission for MACs and MAIs in 2017 and the indexes of the documentations, methods and articles published between 2000-2018. Three sessions of the Commission are planned for 2019. MAC values for 10 chemicals substances will be discussed at these meetings. The Commission and the Group of Experts will continue to work on adapting the Polish list of the maximum admissible concentrations to: proposals for binding values for carcinogenic or mutagenic substances, proposed concentration limit values developed by the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and work carried out at SCOEL.

The activity of the Interdepartmental Commission for Maximum Admissible Concentrations and Intensities for Agents Harmful to Health in the Working Environment in 2017 and the work plan in 2018

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (1(95)) ◽  
pp. 111-129
Author(s):  
Danuta Koradecka ◽  
Jolanta Skowroń
Keyword(s):  
Social Policy ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Underground Mining ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Occupational Exposure Limit ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Chemical Substances ◽  
Exposure Limit ◽  
Interdepartmental Commission

In 2017, the Commission met at three sessions, in which 16 documentations for recommended exposure limits of chemical substances were discussed. Moreover, the Commission discussed: − the positions of the Interdepartmental Commission for MAC and MAI regarding: smog, limit value of nitric oxide in the underground mining and tunnels sector and binding value for 1,2-dichloroethane − introduction of the "skin" notation (substances absorption through the skin may be important as in the case of inhalation) for chemical substances included in the regulation of the Minister of Labour and Social Policy of 6 June 2014. The Commission suggested to the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy the following changes in the list of MAC values: − adding five new chemical substances to the list of MAC values: qinoline (CAS: 91-22-5, Carc. 1B, skin), cisplatin (CAS: 15663-27-1, Carc. 1B, skin), N-hydroxyurea (CAS: 127-07-1, Carc. 1B), potassium bromate (CAS: 7758-01-2, Carc. 1B, skin) oraz 3,3’-dimethylbenzidene (CAS: 119-903-7) and salts: 3,3’ dimethylbenzidene dihydrochloride (CAS: 612-82-2, Carc. 1B) − changing MAC values for 10 chemicals: bis-phenol A (CAS: 80-05-7), acrylic acid (CAS: 79-10-7, skin), nitrogen oxide (CAS: 10102-43-9 ), dichloromethane (CAS: 75-09-2, skin), 1,1-dichloroethylene (CAS: 75-35-4), hydrogenated terphenyls (CAS: 61788-32-7), 2-nitropropane (CAS: 79-46-9, skin), 1,2-epoxypropane (CAS: 75-56-9), 1,2-dichloroethane (CAS: 107-06-2, skin), phenylhydrazine (CAS: 100-63-0, skin) as phenylhydrazine) and its salts: phenylhydrazine hydrochloride (CAS: 59-88-1; 27140-08-5, skin), phenylhydrazine sulphate (CAS: 52033-74-6, skin) − adding to Annex 1 the "skin" notation (substances absorption through the skin may be important as in the case of inhalation) for chemical substances included in the regulation of the Minister of Labour and Social Policy (Journal of Laws of 2014, item 817 with amended). The Interdepartmental Commission for MAC and MAI adopted the MAC value for inhalable fraction of urea at the level of 10 mg/m3 as the value recommended for manufacturers and plants. The documentation of the proposed occupational exposure limit values for urea with the recommended value of 10 mg/m3 and with the method of determining it concentrations in the working environment will be published in "Principles and Methods of Assessing the Working Environment". Four issues of the "Principles and Methods of Assessing the Working Environment " were published in 2017. The following were published: 12 documentation of occupational exposure limit, 12 methods of determining chemical concentrations in the working environment, two articles, a procedure for measuring electromagnetic field, a report on the activities of the Interdepartmental Commission for MACs and MAIs in 2017 and indexes of documentations, methods and articles published between 2000–2017. Three sessions of the Commission are planned for 2018. MAC values for 15 chemicals substances will be discussed at those meetings. The Commission and the Group of Experts will continue working on adapting the Polish list of maximum admissible concentrations to proposals for binding values for carcinogenic or mutagenic substances, proposed concentration limit values developed by the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and on work being done at SCOEL.

scholarly journals Estimation of risk factors of the work environment and analysis of employees' self estimation in the wood processing industry

2010 ◽  
Vol 64 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 73-78
Author(s):  
Ivars Vanadziņš ◽  
Maija Eglīte ◽  
Mārīte Baķe ◽  
Dagmāra Sprūdža ◽  
Žanna Martinsone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Processing Industry ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Wood Processing ◽  
Estimation Of Risk

Estimation of risk factors of the work environment and analysis of employees' self estimation in the wood processing industry The aims of our study were to determine risk factors of the work environment in the wood processing industry in Latvia during 1998-2006, to conduct a survey and self- evaluation of health of the employees and to elaborate a set of preventive measures for improvement of the work environment. The work conditions in wood processing companies in Latvia over the study period were poor; of a total of 940 evaluated workplaces/processes in more than one half of cases (n = 483), the risk factors of the working environment exceeded the occupational exposure limits. Measurements made in wood processing and furniture manufacturing most frequently limiting values or recommended values of the occupational exposure were exceeded for noise, indoor air, lighting, welding spray, whole-body vibration, wood dust and other risk factors. Self-evaluation of health by employees indicates that the main health problems were pain in the back and joints, poor hearing, eye irritation, skin irritation and inflammation, chronic coughing, rhinitis, recurring windpipe inflammations, and frequent headaches. Self-evaluation of employees indicated poor diagnostics of occupational diseases and work related diseases as for 82% of the respondents with health complaints they were not confirmed with medical diagnosis.

scholarly journals Could fibrinogen and hsCRP be useful for assessing personal risk in workers exposed to a mixture of ultrafine particles and organic solvents?

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-187
Author(s):  
Septimiu Voidazan ◽  
Horatiu Moldovan ◽  
Adina Huţanu ◽  
Doina Giurgiu ◽  
Stelian Morariu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Organic Solvents ◽  
Ultrafine Particles ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Inflammatory Biomarker ◽  
Reactive Protein

Abstract Purpose: Our study focuses on elucidating if two common inflammatory biomarkers, easily performed in any laboratory - high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), as well as fibrinogen - could be used to assess the personal health risk of workers exposed to a complex occupational exposure to ultrafine particles (UFP) and a mixture of organic solvents. Methods: To assess the inflammatory response on the body, laboratory determinations were performed by testing the serum levels of hsCRP and fibrinogen, in exposed and unexposed groups. Results: There are no statistically significant differences for hsCRPs (p-0.25), medians were similar in groups. The mean values of fibrinogen in the three groups were: in the workers group (1st group): 346.2 mg/dl, in the office staff group (2nd group): 328.7 mg/dl, and in the control group (3rd group): 284.8 mg/dl, with significant differences between 1st group vs 3rd group and between 2nd group vs 3rd group (p-0.002). UFP levels differ between the groups, as follows: 1st group were exposed to the highest levels, ranging from 48349 to 3404000 part/cm3; 2nd group, ranging from 17371 to 40595 part/cm3; and 3rd group, ranging from 213 to 16255 part/cm3. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that fibrinogen is a useful inflammatory biomarker for exposure to a mixture of UFP and organic solvents. On the other hand, hsCRP is not a useful inflammatory biomarker in occupational exposure to UFP and organic solvents. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the extent to which fibrinogen is more or less influenced by organic solvents or UFP alone.

Protective Effect of Moringa Oleifera Leaves Against TramadolInduced Nephrotoxicity in Mice

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (02) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashraf Albrakati
Keyword(s):  
Oral Dose ◽  
Moringa Oleifera ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Serum Urea ◽  
Kidney Function Tests ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Intraperitoneal Dose ◽  
Moringa Oleifera Leaves ◽  
The Mean

Tramadol, a broadly in recent years, is an effective analgesic agent for the treatment of moderate to acute pain. Its metabolites are excreted by the kidney which may cause nephrotoxicity. Moringa oleifera leaves are commonly used to provide herbal and plant-derived medicinal products especially in developing nations. The present study was carried out to determine the biochemical and histopathological changes in the kidney of tramadol-treated albino mice and to evaluate the possible protective role of Moringa oleifera leaves against tramadol-induced nephrotoxicity. Twenty adult albino mice were divided into four groups. Control group (group i) received daily intraperitoneal injection of normal saline only, group ii received oral dose of Moringa oleifera leaves extract (20 mg/kg/bw) for three weeks, group iii received daily intraperitoneal dose of tramadol (0.3 mg/kg/bw) for the same period, group iv, received daily oral dose of Moringa oleifera leaves extract, (20 mg/kg/bw) three hours before injecting intraperitoneal dose of tramadol (0.3 mg/kg/bw), for the same period. Blood samples were withdrawn at the end of the experiment for kidney function tests and specimens from the kidney were processed for histological study. No significant differences in the mean values of the kidney function tests were noticed between Moringa oleifera group and control group. However, there was highly significant increase in the mean values of serum, urea and creatinine in tramadol-treated group as compared to the control group. Although tramadol + Moringa oleifera group revealed significant difference in the mean values of urea and creatinine when compared with tramadol-treated group. So, Moringa oleifera leaves extract have been shown to attenuate the renal dysfunction, improve the renal architecture, with nearly normalization of serum urea and creatinine levels which indicate improvement of renal function. In conclusion, in the light of biochemical results and histological findings, co-administration of Moringa oleifera leaves lessened the negative effects of tramadol-induced nephrotoxicity; possibly by its antioxidant action. Further investigation of these promising protective effects of Moringa oleifera leaves against tramadol-induced renal injury may have considerable impact on developing an adjunct therapy aiming to improve the therapeutic index of some nephrotoxic drugs.

An occupational hazard of workers of wagon-repair production

2019 ◽  
pp. 272-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Galina V. Kurenkova ◽  
Natalia A. Sudeikina ◽  
Elizaveta P. Lemeshevskaya
Keyword(s):  
Working Conditions ◽  
Musculoskeletal System ◽  
Occupational Risk ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Labor Process ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Professional Groups ◽  
Wagon Wheel ◽  
Medical Examinations ◽  
Very High

Introduction. Professional groups of railway workers engaged in the repair of wagons are directly responsible for the safety of railway traffic. The analysis of literature testifies to insufficient attention of researchers to the hygienic problems associated with labor activity of workers of wagon-repair production.The aim of the study is to assess the occupational risk to the health of wagon repair workers, due to the impact on them of factors of the working environment and the labor process.Materials and methods. The study used comprehensive hygienic studies using the methodology of occupational risk to worker’s health.Results. The leading factors of the working environment (class of working conditions 3.2–3.4), which are exposed to workers depending on the specifics of the work performed. Identified professional groups with medium (significant) high (unbearable) and very high (intolerable) category of a priori occupational risk: in wagon meintenance workshop — 17 groups (94% of jobs), in a wagon assembly workshop — 11 groups (80% jobs), in wagon wheel workshop — 3 group (100% jobs). At the same time, according to the request for medical care, employees were diagnosed with isolated cases of occupational diseases.The levels of morbidity with temporary disability of employees of the main workshops are statistically significant (p<0.05) higher than those of the control group in 1.4–1.9 times. The influence of the complex of chemical factors of low and medium intensity on the levels of morbidity of respiratory diseases in the group of workers of the wagon wheel workshop, which were 1.7–2.0 times higher than in the control group, is confirmed by the average degree of causation of the production condition of this pathology (RR=1.7; EF=42.0%).The combined effect of vibration and severity of the labor process forms a high level of temporary disability of employees of the main workshops in connection with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which was 2.7–4.4 times higher than in the control group, and also determines the prevalence of this pathology in the structure of diseases detected on medical examinations (23.2%). Diseases of the musculoskeletal system are caused by the production of employees of the wagon meintenance workshop (RR=3,9; EF=74,9%), as the most unfavorable in terms of hygiene on these factors.The stressful influence of the complex of harmful production factors on the health of wagon repair workers is manifested by the high risk of diseases of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, neurological disorders, violation of adaptation of the cardiovascular system in 97% of the examined, as well as the predominance of diseases of the digestive system and circulatory system detected on periodic medical examinations.Conclusions. Harmful working conditions (class 3.1–3.4) cause the suspected occupational risk from small (moderate) to very high (intolerable) to 100% of the jobs of wagon repair workers. The results of the study of morbidity and risk of pathology indicate a significant risk of damage to the health of workers.

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