Publikacje
Environmental and occupational exposure to chemicals and related occupational diseases
„Chmielewski J., Kordyzon M., Dziechciaż M., Rezaei A., Wójtowicz B., Gworek B., Łuszczki J.J. 2022. Environmental and occupational exposure to chemicals and related occupational diseases. J. Elem., 27(4): 897 – 915. DOI: 10.5601/jelem.2022.27.4.2256”
DOI: 10.5601/jelem.2022.27.4.2256
Introduction: Exposure to chemical substances at work may result in negative health effects for workers that are classified as occupational diseases after meeting the formal requirements. Objective of the work: to analyse results of inspections by the State Sanitary Inspectorate in the Mazovia Province in years 2012-2019. Materials and methods: Data concerning occupational diseases were obtained within the scope of access to public information from the Provincial Sanitary and Epidemiological Station in Warsaw. The analysis included data on occupational diseases according to disease entities, pathogenic factor, place of work defined according to the Polish Classification of Activity, and occupational exposure to chemical substances. Results: Occupational diseases for which chemical agents constituted an identified aetiological factor during this period of the analysis of the incidence of occupational diseases resulting from occupational exposure to chemical substances among workers employed at employment establishments subject to the official control accounted for 25.9% (445) of all 1717 (100%) diagnosed occupational diseases. The incidence of occupational diseases resulting from exposure to chemical substances has shown an increasing trend since 2017. The main aetiological agent of the diagnosed occupational diseases was asbestos dust, which was responsible for 325 identified cases. Allergenic agents and irritants were the second aetiological causative factor of the diagnosed occupational diseases – 56 cases. Dust containing free crystalline silica was the third aetiological factor causing 47 cases. Conclusions: Understanding the long-term health effects of exposure to chemical substances and application of occupational health and safety regulations requires continuation of official inspections of the working conditions as well as preventive measures aimed at health education of workers, use of protective measures and examination of the work environment.
Słowa kluczowe: chemical agents, occupational exposure, occupational disease
