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Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs taken as intended and according to medical advice are a safe form of disease control. In the public consciousness, they are regarded as harmless agents. Thus, there is a danger of insufficient knowledge about possible side effects, interactions with other drugs or the consequences of taking too high doses. The availability of OTC drugs and social acceptance of their use are sometimes the reason for their recreational use. This article describes the case of a female patient who presented to the emergency department with complaints such as significant weakness, deterioration of exercise tolerance, muscle weakness and dizziness. The subjective examination was deepened with a psychiatric history, which revealed a long-standing intoxication with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In conjunction with the toxicological findings, the reported complaints were considered to be a consequence of NSAIDs abuse and recommendations for therapeutic treatment for addiction were made. The article also discusses recommendations in the field of increasing awareness and prevention of OTC drug abuse and the use of the preventive care system in this area. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(6):561-568.

Background: Teleradiology is a modern service that allows for the transmission of imaging studies between facilities, clinicians, and qualified medical staff. It requires employers to meet many important legal formal criteria to properly deliver services. Teleradiology has significantly improved access to radiological services, including radiological examinations, and to specialists in narrow fields of radiology. The development of teleradiology and telemedicine, despite many benefits, also brings many risks, such as technical errors and improper service delivery.

Material and methods: The study aims to assess the importance of teleradiology in the perception of electroradiologists who mediate in the delivery of this service, often overlooked by employers in its organization. The survey was conducted among actively practicing electroradiologists, particularly those working with teleradiology services. Electroradiologists in the study identified the advantages and disadvantages of the service, as well as various aspects related to the organization of teleradiology services. The study also aimed to raise awareness among personnel providing telemedical services. To asses the normality of distribution of the result obtained the following were used Kolmogorov-Smirnov test of normality of distribution, and non-parametric tests were used in their analysis and correlations between the some of the values.

Results: The research group (N = 344) consisted of licensed electroradiologists (N = 99, 28.8%), master's degree holders in electroradiology (31.4%, N = 108), and electroradiology technicians (N = 137, 39.8%). Of these, 276 were female (80.2%) and 68 were male (19.8%) aged 23-67 years.

Conclusions: Surveyed electroradiologists rated teleradiology services positively. The respondents most frequently pointed out 3 advantages of teleradiology: increased service accessibility, streamlining of radiology department work, and better allocation of human resources. The most commonly mentioned disadvantages of teleradiology among respondents include the possibility of errors in radiological procedures due to the lack of direct involvement of a radiologist in supervising the examination, the absence of a real-time monitoring system for the service, and the lack of standardization of hospital information systems. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(6):511-519.

The aim of review was to describe the knowledge about exposures to bacteria, fungi and viruses present in bioaerosol in residential environment in moderate climate condition, in connection with health effects in humans, their sources. The basis for the narrative literature review were peer-reviewed papers published between January 2000 and September 2023 in English and Polish, meeting the established criteria. Knowledge about fungi, bacteria and viruses harmful to humans that may be present in the indoor air of dwellings was described. Into review are included components of the cell walls of bacteria (endotoxins) and fungi ((1-3)-β-D-glucans) and produced by them primary or secondary metabolites, including microbial volatile organic compounds and mycotoxins. Health effects that may occur in individuals exposed to bioaerosol by inhalation are described, including infectious, allergic and immunotoxic effects, mainly in respiratory system. Harmful effects of high concentrations of fungi inhalation exposure in dampness and mouldy buildings were described. Significant animate and inanimate sources of bioaerosol in living environment were indicated. The most important results of the literature review are presented in form of tables. The quantitative and qualitative composition of bioaerosol depends on the type and number of sources of bacteria, fungi and viruses, microclimatic and climatic conditions, and the type and specificity of the building. The type of negative health effects in humans depends on the quantitative and qualitative composition of the bioaerosol and the individual susceptibility and health status of the person. Prevention of adverse health effects consists of limitations the number of sources and diluting the concentration of bioaerosol. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(6):545-560.

Industrial noise sources are among the environmental noise sources that are ranked second among the causes of ill health in Europe by the World Health Organization. The aim of this paper is to summarize and review of published information focusing on noise annoyance from industrial activities and mining. A search for articles was performed using the bibliographic databases platforms. The epidemiological evidence shows that environmental noise may be associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, impaired cognitive development in children, mental health, post-irritability, and sleep disturbances. As a result of efforts to minimize the effects of industrial noise on human health, the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority published A Guide to the Noise Policy for Industry in 2017, which sets out recommended noise levels, methods, and procedures for noise management based on the latest scientific evidence. Social networks can be used to assess the population's noise annoyance and to verify the effectiveness of the measures. The industrial noise sources are typically defined by low-frequency noise. Low-frequency noise has very low attenuation and is only slightly affected by obstacles, therefore it can be a major cause of night noise annoyance. An association was confirmed between exposure to low-frequency noise and sleep disturbance, psychological problems, cognitive impairment, increased social conflicts, anxiety, emotional instability, nervousness, and reduced mental performance - concentration, and visual perception. In view of the long tradition of mining and industry, the assessment of noise from these activities from the perspective of its impacts on human health is an inherent part of legislative processes. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(5):425-431.

1,1'-azodi(formamide) (azodicarbonamide - ADCA) is widely used as a blowing agent, a chemical substance designed to induce foaming processes. In Poland, ADCA is manufactured by a company specializing in the production of polyethylene foam bags and laminates used in various industries including home appliances, electronics, construction, furniture, automotive, and sports and leisure. The mechanism of action of ADCA involves thermal decomposition, resulting in nitrogen, carbon monoxide, as well as ammonia and carbon dioxide as the main gaseous decomposition products. These penetrate the polymer matrix, contributing to expansion and foaming properties. Most studies evaluating the relationship between occupational exposure and the development of allergic respiratory diseases focus on workers involved in ADCA production or its use as a blowing agent in plastics. The objective is to assess the respiratory sensitizing effects of ADCA in humans due to occupational exposure, based on literature data. The presented data confirm that long-term occupational exposure to ADCA can lead to persistent bronchial hyperreactivity symptoms in workers. 1,1'-azodi(formamide) can induce occupational asthma, with initial symptoms including nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, wheezing, and cough. Subsequently, symptoms such as chest tightness, dyspnea, and nocturnal cough attacks may appear, with a latency period of several years observed before symptom onset. In some cases, symptom progression was noted with continued ADCA exposure, while in others, exposure was discontinued after initial symptoms, preventing observation of symptom exacerbation. Prior exposure to allergens, such as working in bakeries, appears to accelerate symptom onset. Improvement in allergy symptoms has been noted during weekend breaks from work. There is no safe concentration identified for ADCA that would not result in adverse health effects for workers. A concentration of 0.036 mg/m³ is considered the lowest observed adverse effect concentration, causing critical reduction in lung spirometric parameters. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(5):455-473.

Limb amputation often results in a change of profession or withdrawal from the workforce. Occupational rehabilitation plays a key role in assisting individuals with finding, maintaining, and advancing in employment. The aim of this review was to determine the precise number of amputations performed in Poland from January 2014 to June 2022 and to present selected available rehabilitation programs aimed at the social reintegration of individuals after amputations, with a particular focus on vocational rehabilitation. The analysis was conducted in 2 stages. First, the team reviewed data obtained from the central IT system of the National Health Fund and analyzed it. Then, a literature review was conducted using English-language databases: PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Medline, and websites searched through Google Scholar and Google. A total of 29 sources (from the years 2006-2024) out of 75 found were analyzed. Articles were searched using the following keywords: "rehabilitation programs," "amputations," "occupational rehabilitation," "disability," "vocational activation," and "rehabilitation effectiveness." A significant number of amputations are performed in Poland. Individuals who undergo such procedures can benefit from occupational rehabilitation programs that facilitate a faster return to professional activity. It is crucial to develop and implement preventive measures aimed at reducing the incidence of amputations in Poland, as well as to introduce new vocational rehabilitation programs that will enable individuals with disabilities to return to professional activity more effectively and efficiently. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(5):445-454.

Human well-being is affected by demographic, geographical, environmental and economic changes in the modern world. Advanced and rapid technological advances have left countries without an adequate structural framework. The One Health concept, rooted in the interconnectedness of human health, animal health and the environment, addresses today's global health challenges. These include non-communicable and zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, ecosystem degradation and food security. All of these require a holistic approach, bringing together multiple disciplines. Therefore, an exploration of the One Health concept was undertaken, which focuses on the collaboration of professionals from different disciplines, as well as looking at human health in a multi-faceted way. The aim of the study was to explore how the One Health concept could contribute to effective pandemic prevention and a broader holistic understanding of human health. It was also relevant to identify its application in occupational medicine. The narrative review was adopted as the research method of choice. The authors emphasise the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, education and international partnerships in preparing for future health emergencies. Human health should not only be assessed from a medical perspective, but also from an environmental point of view. International cooperation is therefore essential to prepare a unified response to threats and challenges. The system of teaching medical personnel needs to be improved, returning to anthropological assumptions. With zoonotic diseases systematically emerging, health professionals should be as prepared as possible for emergencies. Qualified teams are needed to assess risks and hazards in the workplace in a multidisciplinary manner. An in-depth knowledge of zoonotic pathogen transmission is crucial. The impact of environmental degradation on the immune system must be taken into account. A holistic view of workers' health is needed, taking into account ecological, environmental, social and economic factors. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(5):433-444.

Appropriate photoprotection plays a key role in the safety of using medicinal preparations whose active substances may induce photosensitivity reactions. This aspect applies not only to drugs applied topically to the skin, but also systemically. Drug-induced photosensitivity reactions to light depend on the active substance contained in the medicinal product and its dose, which translates into the concentration in the skin, the type of ultraviolet radiation, its intensity and exposure time. The chemical structure of phototoxic drugs contains unsaturated chemical bonds and aromatic groups, which are responsible for the absorption of radiation, the formation of degradation products and/or free radicals and hypersensitivity reactions. Therefore, in order to prevent hypersensitivity reactions, it is necessary to use appropriate sun protection and/or avoid exposure to solar radiation during pharmacotherapy with selected groups of drugs. The paper presents the latest research results on the impact of drug-induced photohypersensitivity on the increased likelihood of skin cancer. Drugs with the potential to induce photohypersensitivity reactions are discussed, including information on the relationship between their long-term use and the incidence of skin cancer. Based on the data contained in the Product Characteristics, exemplary indications regarding the appropriate photoprotection method to ensure the safe use of the medicinal product are presented. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(5):475-484.

Background: Cleaning workers face many workplace risk factors and may experience many health problems. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the musculoskeletal disorders, the health status of hospital cleaning workers, and the working conditions and risk factors affecting the workplace environment.

Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a university hospital of Turkey. All the cleaning workers who have been working for ≥1 year were participants. The participants' socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, health complaints, workplace risk factors, occupational accidents, and ergonomic nonconformities were observed and questioned.

Results: Four hundred thirty-eight cleaning employees participated in the study. In the past year, 19.6% of participants had an occupational accident. Of those, 24.4% did not report it, and 30.2% were absent from work. No pre-employment examination was reported by 36.8% of the participants, and periodic medical examinations were never undergone by 98.4%. Low back pain was experienced by 42.0% of the participants, while 29.5% reported shoulder pain and 28.8% knee pain. While working, 83.1% of the participants bent frequently, 82.2% repeated the same movement, and 73.2% stood for a long time. Chemical substances were the most common workplace risk factors. There were significant differences according to age and gender in almost all musculoskeletal disorders. Gender differences were observed also in various health outcomes and occupational complaints. Repeated bending and prolonged standing were associated with hip/leg and foot/ankle pains; heavy lifting with low back, back, wrist/hand, and ankle/foot pains; and failure to the breaks with shoulder, knee and hip/leg pains.

Conclusions: This research investigated the health issues and occupational safety challenges faced by hospital cleaning personnel. Specifically, it examined musculoskeletal disorders and work-related accidents, emphasizing gaps in regular health screenings for these workers. The findings underscore gender variations in these challenges and propose strategies to mitigate ergonomic risks encountered by cleaning staff. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(5):397-413.

Background: The paper presents the results of dosimetric measurements routinely performed by the Radiation Protection Department of the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (NIOM) in Łódź in 2022 for people occupationally exposed to X and γ radiation.

Material and methods: The evaluation of the effective dose as part of individual dosimetry was provided using the film or thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD). Additionally, based exclusively on the TLD method, measurements of the ambient dose equivalent H*(10) and personal dose equivalents Hp(0.07) and Hp(3) were performed. In 2022, the dosimetric service of the Radiological Protection Department of the NIOM covered >30 000 workers employed in >4500 laboratories (mainly health care departments). All measurements were performed in accordance with accredited research procedures (number AB 327).

Results: In 2022, the average annual dose of Hp(10) was equal to 0.26 mSv, whereas Hp(0.07) measured using ring and wrist dosimetry was equal to 0.63 mSv and 0.78 mSv, respectively. In turn, the average Hp(3) value was 0.21 mSv. In 2022, there was not a single case of exceeding the annual dose limit among people measured by the NIOM.

Conclusions: The data collected in the "Dosimetry" database of the NIOM and a detailed analysis of annual doses received by people occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation indicate a well-functioning radiological protection system in Poland. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(5):415-423.