Biomedical subjects

B Bilski

Publications and source records attributed to B Bilski.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

[Viral hepatitis as a disease with occupational etiology].

This paper reviews the literature and discusses the occupational background and conditions of hepatitis. There are known three hepatitis viruses (HAV, HBV and HCV) with proved transmission through occupational contacts. In addition, occupation-related infections HDV and HGV, are probable or possible. Current diagnostic and epidemiological data as well as suggestions concerning the prevention of occupational hepatitis are also presented. A concept of work ability of health-care workers infected with HBV and HCV is discussed.

Hepatitis, Viral, Human↗

PubMed2001

[Effect of organic solvents on hearing organ].

This paper reviews the studies of ototoxicity of organic solvents. Experimental and clinical studies show some harmful effects exerted on hearing organ by organic solvents, especially by toluene, xylene, styrene, carbon disulfide, n-hexane and trichloroethylene. These chemicals may affect different levels of auditory pathways. When assessing these effects in industrial conditions, it is necessary to consider the noise activity and interactions between organic solvents and noise. Further research should focus particularly on one major question on whether workplace conditions free from exceeding hygiene standards of organic solvents are completely safe for workers.

Hearing Disorders↗

PubMed2001

[Human immunodeficiency virus in the work environment].

This paper addresses the problem of occupational risk assessment of HIV infections and presents current data on HIV prevention. The risk of HIV infection is much lower than the probability of other infectious diseases that create an important medical problem in Poland. Nevertheless, it is a real hazard, involving not only medical, but also psychological, educational and social aspects. As yet there has been no documented case of occupational HIV infection in Poland, but health care workers should be aware of the HIV infection risk and should apply all possible preventive measures.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed2001

[Hearing impairment in the plastics industry workers exposed to styrene and noise].

Styrene exerts ototoxic effect in animals, and the combined exposure to this solvent and noise produces a synergistic effect relative to the isolated exposure to noise. However, there is a lack of reliable evidence that chronic occupational exposure to styrene is ototoxic to humans. Neither has been documented its additive effect with noise. The present study was aimed to assess hearing impairment and the risk of hearing loss in workers exposed to both styrene and noise. The study group included 72 male workers occupationally exposed to styrene in the plastics industry. The results were compared with two control groups, matched by age, gender and personal traits: one group composed of 82 male workers employed in a printing house and exposed only to noise at the levels almost twice as high as those observed in the group exposed to styrene and noise, and the other consisted of 65 male workers exposed neither to solvents nor to noise at workplace. In the group exposed to styrene and noise, significantly increased average hearing loss, as compared to both control groups, was found at all frequencies (1-8 kHz). The risk of hearing loss in the group exposed to styrene and noise was seven times higher (RR: 6.6; 3.0-15.9) than in the non-exposed group, and four times higher (RR: 4.0; 1.8-9.1) than in when workers exposed only to noise. However, no relationship could be observed between the amount of styrene exposure and hearing impairment, taking account of the confounding effect of noise and age. The results of the study suggest that the exposure to solvent mixtures with styrene as a basic component may exert additional, to noise, adverse effect on the auditory organ.

Acetone↗

PubMed2000

[Assessment of hearing impairment in workers exposed to mixtures of organic solvents in the paint and lacquer industry].

Clinical and experimental studies indicate a possible harmful effect of chemicals, especially organic solvents, on the hearing system. In combined exposure to noise and solvents, very common in industry, it is most likely that a synergetic action of these factors enhances the traumatising effect of exposure to noise. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and the risk of hearing impairment in 117 paint and lacquer factory workers exposed to a mixture of organic solvents. An analysis of organic solvent mixtures reveals that xylene and ethyl acetate are their major components whose concentrations depend on individual workposts. The control group consisted of 76 workers exposed to noise exceeding, Threshold Limit Value and 125 healthy subjects exposed neither to noise nor to solvents in their occupational setting. Pure tone audiometry revealed the highest hearing thresholds in workers exposed to solvents, lower thresholds in those exposed to noise, and the lowest ones in the non-exposed individuals. Hearing loss was found in 30% of workers exposed to organic solvents, in 20% of noise-exposed subjects, and in only 6% of non-exposed subjects. The comparison of relative risk values also indicated significantly enhanced probability of hearing impairment in workers of the paint and lacquer factory (9.6; 3.2-25.6), which is even more strongly pronounced than in the group of subjects exposed to noise (4.2; 1.2-13.2). An analysis of hearing impairment risk in particular frequencies suggests that organic solvents may damage the inner ear in much greater extent than noise. The results of the study show that exposure to organic solvents may create a significant risk of hearing impairment. Therefore, further steps should be taken to include the exposed population into effective preventive programmes.

Adult↗