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 Possible hazards of work environment in metal processing industry in Latvia

2010 ◽  
Vol 64 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 61-65
Author(s):  
Inese Mārtiņsone ◽  
Mārīte-Ārija Baķe ◽  
Žanna Martinsone ◽  
Maija Eglīte
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Occupational Exposure Limits ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Processing Industry ◽  
Metal Processing ◽  
Metal Processing Industry

Possible hazards of work environment in metal processing industry in Latvia The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors in the work environment of Latvian metal processing industry using the database of the Laboratory of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīga Stradiņš University. During the period between 1996 and 2005, 703 measurements were made in metalworking enterprises. In Latvia, approximately 2.4% of the workforce is involved in the metal processing industry. Physical (noise, lighting, vibration) and chemical (abrasive dust, welding aerosol and contained metals) risk factors were analysed. In the assessed metalworking workplaces, the work environment was estimated to be of poor quality, because occupational exposure limits or recommended values were exceeded in 42% (n = 294) of cases. Noise, manganese and welding aerosols most often exceeded the occupational exposure limits or recommended values, the significance was P < 0.001, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively.

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.

scholarly journals Prevalence of occupational exposure and its influence on job satisfaction among Chinese healthcare workers: a large-sample, cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. e031953
Author(s):  
Yu Shi ◽  
Haifeng Xue ◽  
Yuanshuo Ma ◽  
Licheng Wang ◽  
Tian Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
The Relationship

ObjectivesThis study had three objectives: (1) describe the prevalence of occupational exposure among Chinese medical personnel in detail, (2) verify the partial mediating role of work environment satisfaction in the relationship between occupational exposure and job satisfaction, and (3) examine if stress symptoms moderate the relationship between occupational exposure and job satisfaction.DesignA large cross-sectional online survey was conducted in July 2018 in China.SettingA survey was conducted in 54 cities across 14 provinces of China.ParticipantsA total of 12 784 questionnaires were distributed, and 9924 healthcare workers (HCWs) completed valid questionnaires. The response rate was 77.63%.Outcome measuresA confidential questionnaire was distributed to HCWs. The relationships among and the mechanisms of the variables were explored using descriptive statistical analyses, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsThe most common occupational exposures among HCWs in the past 12 months were psychosocial and organisational hazards (85.93%). Overall, physicians (93.7%) and nurses (89.2%) were the main victims of occupational exposure. Occupational exposure correlated negatively with work environment satisfaction and job satisfaction, and positively with stress symptoms. Moreover, work environment satisfaction fully mediated the relationship between occupational exposure and job satisfaction, and stress symptoms moderated the relationship between occupational exposure and job satisfaction.ConclusionThe incidence of occupational exposure among HCWs is generally high. The high frequency of psychosocial and organisational hazards among physicians and nurses should be taken seriously and dealt with in a timely manner by hospital managers. The negative impact of occupational exposure on job satisfaction must be buffered by measures to reduce stress symptoms and enhance working environment satisfaction, ultimately improving the overall quality of life of HCWs and promoting comprehensive development of the medical team.

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.

scholarly journals Noise Level Measuring Options and Their Use in Technological Processes

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 78
Author(s):  
Kristiāns Štekelis
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Noise Level ◽  
Measured Data ◽  
Noise Measurement ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Computer Assessment ◽  
Wood Processing ◽  
Measuring Devices ◽  
Physical Abilities ◽  
Working Day

Working environment has changed in the last few years and work has become more intensive i.e. demand for maximum attention and concentration, workload adaptions with the mental and physical abilities of human, solvation of various organising issues. Risk factors of working environment can be found in every profession and may affect a large number of employees. One of the essential issues in wood processing is noise presence during machining, which is why noise level determination at the workbench during whole working day is important thing to do. Measuring devices of the noise level are with various technological abilities, from which one need to choose the most appropriate for the particular situation. Some of the devices are or may be equipped with data recorder, which allows to save measured data for subsequent computer assessment. The article analyses Latvian legislation concerning the noise level determination in the workplace as well as allowable limits. The article offers simplified means of the noise measurement and registration abilities.

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.

scholarly journals Research on the phenomenon of explosive gas occurrence in drills for an engineering building-Case study -

2019 ◽  
Vol 290 ◽  
pp. 12028
Author(s):  
Cristian Tomescu ◽  
Doru Cioclea ◽  
Emeric Chiuzan ◽  
Adrian Matei ◽  
Răzvan Dragoescu
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Environment Monitoring ◽  
Chemical Risk ◽  
Risk Levels ◽  
Trading Company ◽  
Status Indicator ◽  
Concentration Limits

The security status indicator in a work system is characterized by safety levels or by risk levels. One of the types of risks in the workplace is the risk of explosion that is part of the risk factors specific to the working environment - chemical risk factors. The works of consolidating and arranging the infrastructure of a motorway include in their scheme the execution of a series of vertical geotechnical drills of the rock stratigraphic column on which is placed the construction and drillings dimensioned at certain depths and diameters which are concreted in order to ensure the load of the upper structure of the building. In some of these drills there has been a phenomenon of occurrence of gases that, within certain concentration limits, are explosive and create a state of danger by producing an explosion inside them, which by propagating to the surface can affect the safety of workers and means for work. This paper is a case study at a workplace of a trading company specializing in construction and proposes an analysis of the causes of explosive gases occurrence, work environment monitoring, and solutions for diminishing the OHS risk factors.

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.

Cumene Documentation of proposed values of occupational exposure limits (OELs)

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (1(91)) ◽  
pp. 63-95
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Jankowska ◽  
Sławomir Czerczak
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Hepatocellular Adenoma ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Male Rat ◽  
Occupational Exposure Limits ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Males And Females

Cumene is a clear, colourless liquid with a strong aromatic gasoline-like odour. Cumene is used for the synthesis of phenol and acetone and as a solvent in paints, varnishes and res-ins. It is also used in the printing and rubber industries. According to data from Polish Chief Sanitary Inspectorate, in 2010, no workers were occupa-tionally exposed to cumene in concentrations exceeding Polish OEL values (100 mg/m3). In 2014, 51 workers were exposed to cumene in concentrations from 0.1 to 0.5 MAC value (from 10 mg/m3 to 50 mg/m3). Cumene vapours are irritating to the respira-tory tract. In humans, high concentrations of cumene cause painful irritation to the eyes and the respiratory tract. In animals, cumene caus-es mainly CNS depression. Chronic exposure to cumene can cause hepatotoxicity. In vitro tests indicated no mutagenic and no genotoxic potential of cumene. Intraperitoneal injection of cumene induced micronuclei in bone marrow of rats. Dose-related increases in DNA damage were observed in liver cells of male rat and lung cells of female mouse. A metabolite of cumene, α-methylstyrene, was not mutagenic in bacterial tests but induced chromosomal damage in cell cultures and ro-dent cells. IARC experts classified cumene in group 2.B – chemicals possibly carcinogenic to humans based on sufficient evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of cumene. Exposure of mice to cumene by inhalation in-creased the incidence of alveolar/bronchiolar adenoma and carcinoma in males and females mice, haemangiosarcoma of the spleen in male mice and hepatocellular adenoma in female mice. Exposure of rats to cumene by inhalation increased the incidence of nasal adenoma in males and females and renal tubule adenoma and carcinoma in male rats. Cumene is well absorbed. It is a lipophilic substance which is well distributed in the whole body. Cytochrome P-450 is involved in cumene me-tabolism. Main metabolite identified in urine was 2-phenyl-2-propanol and in exhaled air α-methylstyrene. In 2014, Scientific Committee for Occupational Exposure Limits to Chemical Agents (SCOEL) prepared change of indicative OEL for cumene – reduction of concentration from 100 mg/m3 (directive 2000/39/WE) to 50 mg/m³, STEL value 250 mg/m3 remain unchanged. The compound was included in SCOEL carcino-genicity group D (not genotoxic and not affect-ing DNA chemicals), for which a health-based OEL may be derived on the basis of NOAEL value. Poland did not submit any comments on SCOEL proposal during public consultations in 2014. A new indicative OEL was derived on the basis of 3-month NTP inhalation studies in rats and mice. SCOEL established 310 mg/m³ (62.5 ppm) level as a NOAEC for hepatotoxici-ty. A STEL of 250 mg/m3 (50 ppm) have been recommended to protect against respiratory tract irritation and behavioural effects. More-over, a “skin notation” was recommended because of its probable skin penetration. BLV recom-mended by SCOEL is 7 mg 2-phenyl-2-propanol per gramme of creatinine in urine (after hydrolysis). To determine MAC value for cumene hepato-toxicity and nephrotoxicity were adopted as a critical effect. The Expert Group for Chemi-cals Agents established 310 mg/m³ as NOAEC based on 3-month NTP inhalation studies in rats and proposed reduction of the current MAC value from 100 to 50 mg/m3. It was agreed that the previous STEL value of 250 mg/m3 should remain unchanged, which is also in accordance with the value recom-mended by SCOEL. Recommended BEI value is 7 mg 2-phenyl-2-propanol per gramme of creatinine in urine (after hydrolysis), sampled immediately after work shift. It was recom-mended to remain “I” (irritant) and “Sk” (sub-stance can penetrate skin) labelling of cumene.

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