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Background: To determine the difference in the radiation exposure of patients undergoing conventional single-energy computed tomography pulmonary angiography (SECTPA) and dual-energy CT pulmonary angiography (DECTPA) and determination of the benefits of both methods in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE).

Material and methods: In this single-center retrospective study, 105 consecutive CTPA examinations performed on dual-source dual-energy CT scanner November 2018-December 2020 at St. Michael's University Hospital Radiodiagnostic Clinic, Bratislava, Slovakia were reviewed for detection of acute PE and dose-length product (DLP) in each examination was noted and compared in SECTPA and DECTPA. The 105 examinations included 95 patients (mean [M] = 60.5 years, range 20-88 years).

Results: Of the 95 examined patients, 92 had an initial examination, of whom 22 had confirmed acute PE (23.9% of initially examined patients, 11 by SECTPA, and 11 by DECTPA), in 70 patients (i.e., 76.1%) PE was not present. The DLP in DECTPA was M = 344.4 mGy × cm, and in SECTPA M = 176.7 mGy × cm.

Conclusions: Mean DLP in DECTPA was almost 2-times higher than in SECTPA (with a statistically significant difference, p < 0.001), while in three-quarters of patients, acute PE was not confirmed, which is in the era of CTPA overuse unnecessary radiation exposure. However, DECTPA with iodine perfusion maps is superb in the follow-up of patients with confirmed PE by detecting small chronic subsegmental PE and thus preventing chronic complications in the form of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, which, if untreated, is fatal. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(1):25-30.

Background: The aim of the analysis was to evaluate the concentrations of radioactive radon in the air in workplaces located in various regions of Poland and to identify areas at risk of elevated radon levels. The study analyzed the number of instances where the reference level of 300 Bq/m^³ (becquerel - Bq) was exceeded, as well as the observed differences in radon concentrations across different buildings.

Material and methods: The analysis was based on the results of commercial measurements carried out by the Institute of Occupational Medicine in Łódź in 2022-2023. Measurements were taken in 6 provinces, across workplaces associated with various types of activities. The measurements were conducted during the heating season October-March. Track detectors were placed in dosimetric cassettes and sent to the clients with instructions for use. The returned dosimeters were subjected to chemical processing, followed by reading the track density using an automated image analysis system, in accordance with the accredited procedure.

Results: The majority of measurements were conducted in the Świętokrzyskie and Dolnośląskie voivodeships. The highest average radon concentrations were found in buildings located in spa areas, while the lowest levels were recorded in production halls.

Conclusions: The results confirm the need for ongoing monitoring of radon concentrations in Poland and highlight the importance of further studies on the factors influencing its levels. The study also proposes preventive strategies for areas with the highest radon exposure. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(1):31-40.

Background: To protect employees against the hazards they may be exposed to during work, employers must provide preventive occupational safety and health (OSH) in international and national legislation. Employers can provide these services by their firm or by third parties. Structures created outside the workplace, within the scope of the private sector, are called joint health and safety units (JHSUs). The number of studies examining the effectiveness and adequacy of JHSUs is limited.

Material and methods: This study experimentally and hypothetically reveals the effectiveness level of JHSUs in providing OSH by conducting an extensive field study with a survey of 381 health and safety professionals and developing an Occupational Safety and Health Services Effectiveness Scale. Moreover, it compares those who receive the service from JHSUs and those who receive the service from the workplace, and the effectiveness level of JHSUs is evaluated.

Results: The fit index as a result of confirmatory factor analysis with the scale is at an acceptable level with χ^²/df = 3.18, RMSEA = 0.076, TLI = 0.89, and CFI = 0.91. Cronbach's α values of the factors are at a high level of reliability with PMCE = 0.949, OSHA = 0.927, OSHCM = 0.875, OSHEC = 0.869, OSHSQ = 0.877, OSHSE = 0.852.

Conclusions: The effectiveness of JHSUs in OSH services differs from the effectiveness achieved by internally assigning an occupational safety expert. The Student's t-test accepts all hypotheses H1-H6 regarding the developed scale and that there is a significant difference between the external and internal groups in all factors. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(1):3-11.

Assessing the expected level of cancer risk associated with occupational exposure to chemical substances is extremely important, as it forms the basis for the proper and safe organization of work in a company. It allows the translation of scientific research findings into legal regulations, enabling the implementation of appropriate preventive measures and optimizing the protection of workers' health. This article discusses various methods for estimating the risk associated with the occurrence of cancer due to exposure to carcinogenic substances in workplaces. An analysis, summary, and synthesis of the literature were conducted, based on which 7 methods for estimating cancer risk were selected. These methods utilize descriptors (features or variables used to describe data), numerical modeling techniques measured during observations, and approaches based on artificial intelligence. The decision to select these specific methods was driven by their representativeness of different approaches to risk assessment, allowing for a comprehensive analysis and comparison of their strengths and weaknesses. The analysis revealed that there is no universal best method for risk estimation, and the choice largely depends on the data available from experimental animal studies. Key factors include the species and number of animals used in the experiment giving statistical power, the route of administration, the duration of the experiment, the incidence of spontaneous tumors, and the appropriate selection of tumors that might occur in humans. There is a need for continuous improvement and harmonization of risk assessment methods and the incorporation of the latest scientific research to effectively manage health risks associated with exposure to carcinogenic substances in the workplace. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(1):41-55.

Increasing incidence and importance of allergies in everyday life leads to bigger impact on the professional lives of patients. Continuous exposure to various allergens may be a trigger factor of development allergic diseases, even anaphylactic shock. This paper summarizes available knowledge of occupational anaphylaxis to food. This narrative literature review was based on selected, peer‑reviewed research papers, review articles and case reports between 1997-2024. The aim of the review article was to present the growing problem of allergy patients working in the food industry and to draw attention to the danger of anaphylaxis. In addition to the most popular food allergens, such as milk protein, fish, crustaceans and eggs, authors presented less popular, but becoming more important, such as crickets. Due to the increasing popularity of alternative food sources, the significance of food allergies will become more important. It is worth mentioning that occupational anaphylaxis is not only limited to the exposure to the allergen in the workplace. It can happen outside the workplace as a result of repeated exposure, after re-exposure. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(6):521-530.

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. Over several decades of research, it has been determined which individual characteristics or exposure increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer. The co-occurrence of several factors is associated with a higher risk of developing this cancer. The ability to identify women whose accumulation of unfavorable factors causes a high risk of developing breast cancer is important for prevention, screening tests and also for medical doctors providing preventive care. For this purpose, many risk prediction models (risk calculators) have been developed. The aim of the manuscript was to discuss the most frequently used breast cancer risk calculators, paying particular attention to information about the risk factors they take into account, the method of interpreting the obtained results, the populations in which they are used and data from validation studies. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(6):531-544.

The increasing number of cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) reported in recent years in Europe and, more recently, in Poland is a consequence of factors related to climate and environmental change leading to increasing tick populations and human behavior favoring exposure. In Poland, there is considerable regional variation in the incidence of TBE, resulting, among other factors, from underreporting of all cases and limited access to laboratory diagnostics. The consequence is low public awareness of the disease and insufficient use of vaccination as optimal prevention. The current system of surveillance for TBE in Poland needs to be improved: the introduction of standardised standards of clinical practice and wider access to laboratory. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(6):569-582.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases, with myocardial infarction (MI) on the leading position, remain a serious health care issue and socio-economic burden. Nevertheless, factors influencing the return of patients to the professional activity are not fully understood. Cardiac rehabilitation may have a positive impact on the return to professional activity after MI. However, no study among participants in the comprehensive care after myocardial infarction (CCMI) model (in Polish: "KOS-zawał") evaluated this issue so far. The aim of the study was to evaluate factors influencing the return to work and duration of the sick leave after MI among patients who participated in the CCMI in a single reference cardiology centre in Poland.

Material and methods: In total, 144 patients were screened retrospectively. Out of them, 105 were included in the analysis. All patients were treated with direct percutaneous coronary intervention according to current European Society of Cardiology guidelines and participated in cardiac rehabilitation within the CCMI program, therefore had been provided optimal and modern therapeutic approach. Data was collected based on patients' medical records and information furnished by the insurer.

Results: Out of 105 patients analysed, 93 (88,6%) returned to work. A positive predictor of returning to work was male sex. Predictors of a prolonged return to work were older age and female sex. Completing rehabilitation, anthropometric factors, biochemical factors or results of post-MI echocardiographic examination did not influence the return to professional activity.

Conclusions: A relatively large percentage of patients after MI and in the CCMI program returns to professional activity. Main factors of prolonged sick leave are older age and female sex. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(6):501-510.