A quantitative risk assessment of sinonasal cancer as a function of time in workers occupationally exposed to wood dust.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to conduct a quantitative assessment of the risk related to occupational exposure to wood dust and the occurrence of sinonasal epithelial cancer (SNEC) by histotype, depending on the duration of exposure, using mathematical models.

Material And Methods: The relationship between the occurrence of SNEC by histotype (adenocarcinoma [AR] and tumors of other histotypes) and exposure to wood dust has been studied using the values of the odds ratios for individual periods of employment involving exposure to wood dust, and their 95% confidence intervals. The dose-response curves were constructed (more precisely, the duration of exposure-response curves).

[Testing of the composition of e-cigarette liquids - Manufacturer-declared vs. true contents in a selected series of products].

Background: Electronic cigarettes are currently in common use. However, in Poland there is no specific legislation governing the sale of these products. At the same time, no information has been made public about the hazards e-cigarettes pose to the users and bystanders - passive smokers.

OELs derivation in Poland and in the former Eastern Bloc with reference to approaches and practices applied in the EU.

Based on the literature, current legislation and the European Union (EU) directives, the rules to protect the health of workers in Poland and the countries of the former Eastern Bloc were analyzed. Since 2002, the activities in the field of hygiene standards in the countries of the former Eastern Bloc have been correlated with the EU policy. The functioning of the system of maximum admissible concentrations (MAC) having been implemented in Poland for many years before the accession to the EU, has provided for a relatively quick adjustment of Polish regulations on chemicals to the relevant European law.

[Admissible concentration in biological material: an index of exposure to dichloromethane].

In 2007, a new maximum admissible concentration value of 88 mg/m3 was specified for dichloromethane (DCM) in the Polish list of admissible concentrations of harmful chemicals and dusts in the work environment atmosphere. The new value is four times higher than the former one (20 mg/m3), valid in Poland for 20 past years. At the same time, it was decided that the value of short term exposure limit (STEL) shall no longer be specified.

[Is dichloromethane an occupational carcinogen?].

Dichloromethane (DCM) has been widely used in Poland and worldwide as a pesticide fumigant to preserve seed and fruit, in the manufacture of polyurethane, in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food-processing industry. It isalso used as an ingredient of fire extinguishing formulations and as a cooling agent in refrigerators. Because of dichloromethane's widespread use, its multisystemic toxic activity and a significant number of the exposed people, it is important to assess occupational risk for dichloromethane.