OBJECTIVES:This study investigated the conjointly negative effects of floating shift work and physical inactivity on fatty liver disease (FLD) using ultrasound- based hepatic steatosis assessment. MATERIAL AND METHODS:Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between work shifts, physical activity (PA), and FLD. Stratified and subgroup analyses were conducted to assess effect modification. Linear and quadratic regression models explored threshold effects of metabolic equivalent task (MET) levels on the degree of hepatic steatosis across shift types. RESULTS:Data from 653 participants revealed that compared with the control group (controlled attenuation parameter - CAP <248), the case group (CAP ≥ 248) had a significantly higher prevalence of floating shifts (53.8% vs. 43.5%, p = 0.008) and physical inactivity (27.8% vs. 19.1%, p = 0.032). In multivariable-adjusted models, floating shifts independently increased FLD risk (odds ratio (OR) = 1.40, p = 0.019), while PA showed a borderline association with lower FLD risk (OR = 0.57, p = 0.056). Strikingly, compared to the reference group (physically active day-shift workers), physically inactive floating-shift workers had a higher risk of FLD (OR = 2.01, p = 0.049), highlighting the effects of occupational and behavioral factors. Subgroup analyses identified advanced age (OR = 2.42, p = 0.034), obesity (OR = 12.87, p < 0.001), hypertension (OR = 2.66, p = 0.028), and diabetes (OR = 6.21, p = 0.017) as critical risk factors among floating shift workers. At moderate METs (200-400 h/week), CAP values between floating and day shift workers converged with minimal differences in the quadratic regression model. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the primary findings: the FLD risk persisted after excluding liver diseases and with an alternative PA definition (≥22 MET-h/week). A stricter CAP threshold attenuated the shift work association. Notably, adjusting for dietary pattern attenuated but did not eliminate the significant link between shift work and FLD (OR = 1.39, p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS:These findings emphasize the urgent need for workplace interventions targeting shift schedules to mitigate FLD risk, particularly in high-risk occupational populations. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(3):333-47.
OBJECTIVES:The study aimed to investigate the determinants of problematic social media use (PSMU) among Polish adolescents by accounting for time spent on social media, sociodemographic characteristics, individual resources, social environment, and health factors, and to compare the findings with previous research. MATERIAL AND METHODS:A cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey was conducted in 2024. The study was performed among adolescents in the Lubuskie Voivodeship, Poland and included 9073 students aged 12-19 years (mean [M] ± standard deviation [SD] 15.16±1.56 years). Problematic social media use was assessed using the 9-item Social Media Disorder Scale (SMDS). Independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics, time spent on social media, health literacy, future orientation, school achievements, subjective health complaints, well-being, school stress, parent and peer relations, and school climate, measured with validated instruments derived mainly from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey protocol and the KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire. RESULTS:Problematic social media use was identified in 12.7% of participants. Higher PSMU was observed among younger adolescents. The strongest predictor was the time spent on social media >5 h/day. Poorer health and well-being - including multiple psychosomatic complaints, lower well-being, and higher school stress - were strongly associated with PSMU. Lower future orientation, low health literacy, and poorer relationships with parents increased the likelihood of PSMU, whereas older age, higher future orientation, and supportive parent relationships decreased. CONCLUSIONS:Multiple factors influenced PSMU among adolescents, although the overall model fit remained modest. Boys were more likely to experience PSMU, representing a novel observation. Higher future orientation, supportive relationships with parents, and older age were key protective factors. A non-linear relationship was found between PSMU and peer support as well as school climate. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(3):313-32.
This scoping review aims to explore risk factors related to piano technique that contribute to the onset of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs) and focal dystonia in pianists, providing a comprehensive synthesis of the current evidence. A scoping review was conducted using the PubMed database in September-October 2024. Eligible studies included professional pianists or students and investigated technical, ergonomic, demographic, or psychological risk factors associated with PRMDs or focal dystonia. Both qualitative and quantitative peer-reviewed studies were considered. Screening was performed in double-blind, and data were extracted regarding practice habits, symptoms, anatomical areas affected, and hypothesized risk factors. Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria. Key risk factors for PRMDs included small hand size, repetitive motion, extended practice sessions without adequate rest, and suboptimal ergonomic setups. The most affected anatomical regions were the wrists, shoulders, neck, and back. Psychological stress and performance anxiety were frequently associated with physical symptoms. For focal dystonia, repetitive technical exercises, poor neuromuscular recovery, early specialization, and stress were identified as critical contributors. Lack of awareness and education on injury prevention was a consistent theme, particularly among students. The review highlights the multifactorial etiology of PRMDs and focal dystonia in pianists. Effective prevention requires ergonomic adjustments, structured practice routines, repertoire adaptation, and health education. Piano pedagogy should integrate physical and psychological strategies to support long-term performance health. Standardized definitions and longitudinal research are needed to improve understanding and guide evidence-based interventions. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(3):236-44.
OBJECTIVES:Asthma exacerbations in children represent a significant contributor to disease burden, with the risk of occurrence depending on the type of allergic sensitization. Identification of clinical and biological factors may improve risk stratification and support therapeutic management. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between exacerbation frequency, lung function, inflammatory biomarkers, and the severity of sinonasal symptoms in children with asthma. MATERIAL AND METHODS:In a retrospective observational study, 80 children with allergic rhinitis and asthma were enrolled. Patients were stratified according to exacerbation frequency (<2 vs. ≥2 over 12 months) and sensitization to house dust mites (HDM). Assessments included spirometry (FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), peripheral blood eosinophil count, and serum soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE). Asthma control was evaluated using the Childhood Asthma Control Test (c-ACT), while sinonasal symptoms were assessed using the Sino-Nasal 5 (SN-5) questionnaire. Advanced glycation end products were assessed using skin autofluorescence. RESULTS:In children without sensitization to HDM, more frequent exacerbations correlated with higher sRAGE concentrations (p = 0.0259) and greater activity limitation due to sinonasal symptoms (p = 0.0309). In HDM-sensitized children, frequent exacerbations were associated with lower FEV₁ (p = 0.0089), reduced FEV₁/FVC (p = 0.0186), and poorer asthma control (p = 0.0117). Greater severity of sinonasal symptoms was observed in children with poorer asthma control (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS:Exacerbation risk in asthma is associated with distinct profiles depending on sensitization status. Elevated sRAGE concentrations and increased sinonasal inflammation may characterize phenotypes not associated with HDM. In contrast, impaired lung function and poor asthma control predominate in HDM-associated asthma. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(3):270-9.
OBJECTIVES:The increasing popularity of online blood alcohol concentration (BAC) calculators which estimate alcohol levels based on user-entered variables such as sex, weight, and alcohol consumption data raises concerns about their reliability and their influence on the decision to drive. The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy and usability of 36 online BAC calculators in Polish and English. MATERIAL AND METHODS:The calculated BAC values were compared with reference values obtained from 8 female, 8 male in both fasted and post-meal states. Blood alcohol concentration was evaluated at the predicted maximum value and at 60 min and 120 min post-consumption. RESULTS:Significant variability was noted: mean values exceeded reference concentrations by 39-49%, and few calculators correlated with reference values. Only the BACscan, Aisko, and Website No. 3 calculators yielded results comparable to reference values under certain conditions (Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plots). Furthermore, in the present study an online survey (N = 103) found that although 73.2% of users had used an online breathalyzer, 85.4% of these did not base decisions (e.g., driving) on their results, believing them to be unreliable. CONCLUSIONS:Overall, most online BAC calculators lack sufficient precision and are unsuitable for assessing intoxication. These findings underscore the need for public education on the limitations of such tools and call for better regulation of their accuracy and presentation. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(3):245-69.
A work-related death from sudden causes among physicians is not a new problem although still not enough explored in the scientific literature. Estimating the scale of the phenomenon is important from a social and public health point of view. Thus, the aim of this paper is to gather the current state of knowledge on the frequency and the main causes of unexpected sudden causes of death within physicians' community. The authors of the article reviewed medical databases on publications in English concerning the topic released in this century. The cases of sudden death, work-overload death including those resulting from suicide and incidences of direct violence from other individuals while performing professional duties were analyzed. It turns out that the problem appears regardless of the region of the world and has been increasing in frequency in recent times. Some medical specialties, i.e., surgery, psychiatry, anesthesiology, intensive care and emergency medicine, seem to carry significantly higher risk than others. In addition to the conclusions from literature review, also letters to the editors and mass-media reports from different parts of the world indicate that the problem is alarming and requires more specific research and urgent solutions. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(3):223-35.
OBJECTIVES:The study objective was to assess occupational exposure to bacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) present on air filters of utility vehicles used in the working environment of mechanical-biological treatment (MBT) facilities, in the context of workers health risks. MATERIAL AND METHODS:The study was conducted in summer 2024 in 9 air filters from utility vehicles used in MBT plants in Poland. External filters were removed from the vehicle's ventilation system, packed and shipped according to instructions. From the duplicate filters samples DNA was isolated and high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) was carried out. Bioinformatic data analysis was conducted to detect bacteria and ARGs in air filters' surfaces. RESULTS:Totally, 34 bacterial taxa were detected in relative abundance ≥0.5%. The genera most frequently present at the highest relative abundances: Saccharomonospora, Thermobifida, Nocardiopsis, Pectobacterium, Aerococcus, Thermoactinomyces, Novibacillus and Streptomyces. Across all bacteria isolated from the analyzed filters, regardless of their relative abundance, a total of 91 taxa were classified into risk groups 2 or 3 (86 and 5 taxa, respectively). The most frequently detected ARGs were those encoding resistance to a single class of antibiotics (AAC(3)-VIIa, aadA2, ANT(6)-Ia, APH(3'')-Ia, APH(3'')-Ib, APH(6)-Id, cml, cmx, lnuA, lnuD, novA, parY, sul2, vanHF, vanJ, vanRA, vanRI, vanRO - each at least on 4 air filters). Antimicrobial resistance genes encoding multi antibiotic resistance were also detected: CRP, emtA, erm(34), erm(36), ermA, ermC, ermF, ermG, ermT, ermX, ernB, H-NS, mel, msrA, msrE, mtrA, optrA, ramA, ykkD - each at least on 1 air filter. CONCLUSIONS:Despite the limited number of analyzed filters, the study demonstrated a high bacterial species diversity in the MBT plant environment. The MBT workers are exposed to bacteria with high pathogenic potential and to ARGs encoding resistance to antibiotics used exclusively in human medicine, used in human and veterinary medicine, and not intended for human use. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(2):179-201.
OBJECTIVES:This study evaluated the validity and usefulness of selected indicators for assessing risky driving behavior in truck simulator research, which is critical for developing ecologically valid and reliable research methods in the domain of traffic safety and public health. The aims were to present various risky driving indicators, assess their validity, compare their utility, and provide guidance for future simulator-based research. MATERIAL AND METHODS:Thirty professional truck drivers took part in experimental and control drives in a truck simulator. The experimental drive contained 12 decision-making situations requiring driver response, while the control scenario followed the same route without these situations. Data included qualitative behavioral indicators assessed by an observer (speed reduction, stopping, bypassing, no reaction) and quantitative speed parameters automatically recorded by the simulator. Participants also provided their traffic violation history. Analyses employed mixed linear models, intraclass correlation coefficients, and reliability testing. RESULTS:Only 5 of 12 decision-making situations demonstrated diagnostic value in differentiating drivers. Among qualitative indicators, speed reduction proved most useful, while among quantitative measures, the difference between maximum and minimum speed showed the highest reliability (α = 0.71). Cluster analysis identified 2 driver groups that significantly differed in their speed adjustment behavior (p = 0.033, d = 0.7), with drivers reporting more traffic violations showing smaller speed adjustments. CONCLUSIONS:This pilot study demonstrates that dynamic indicators based on speed changes are more useful for assessing risky driving than simple speed parameters. Acceptable reliability (α > 0.70) was achieved with a set of 5 appropriately selected decision-making situations. Driving simulator research benefits from careful selection of test scenarios and a multi-method approach to evaluation, including control drive comparisons. These preliminary findings provide practical guidance for designing simulator-based assessments of risky driving behavior. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(2):202-22.
OBJECTIVES:Although occupational activity is a key determinant of human well-being, labor market participation among people with visual impairments remains low. While barriers to employment for individuals with low vision or blindness have been explored, little is known about how they perceive their own work ability. This study therefore aimed to assess the level of work ability in this population in Poland and identify its correlates, using the person-environment fit model as a theoretical framework. MATERIAL AND METHODS:A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 67 participants with visual impairments, of whom 41 were partially sighted and 60% were women. The questionnaire collected sociodemographic, health, disability, and job-related information, as well as data on social support from colleagues and supervisors (Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire). A dependent variable was measured with the Work Ability Index. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed. RESULTS:Participants reported a generally good level of work ability (M±SD 37.54±6.46). Correlation analysis identified 5 variables significantly associated with work ability. In the regression model, 4 remained significant predictors: satisfaction with household income (β = 0.34, p < 0.001), self-rated health (β = 0.27, p < 0.01), presence of additional disability (β = -0.22, p < 0.01), and shift work (β = -0.23, p < 0.05). The model explained 62% of the variance in work ability (R² = 0.62). Additional analyses indicated that the examined variables explained more variance in the subjective-resource component of WAI than in its objective health component. CONCLUSIONS:The findings highlight key personal and occupational factors shaping work ability among employees with visual impairments. Considering these factors in workplace interventions may help sustain employment and promote occupational well-being in this group. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(2):163-78.
OBJECTIVES:This study investigated the differential impact of work arrangements (on-site, hybrid, remote) on employee well-being. It tested a model where work mode predicts basic psychological needs (Hypothesis [H] 1), these needs predict work satisfaction (H2), and core self-evaluations (CSE) predict needs fulfilment (H4), ultimately examining the mediating role of needs in the work mode and CSE-satisfaction relationships (H3 and H5). MATERIAL AND METHODS:A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 612 working adults from southern Poland, recruited from various companies in November 2023 - March 2024. Measurements included Core Self-Evaluation Scale (ω = 0.846), Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (ω = 0.764-0.894), and 4-item work satisfaction subscale from the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ-II) (ω = 0.866). Statistical analyses employed robust ANOVA, hierarchical regression with bootstrapped confidence intervals, and bias-corrected bootstrapped mediation analyses. RESULTS:Work mode predicted basic psychological need for autonomy (F = 6.55, p = 0.006), competence (F = 10.23, p < 0.001), and work satisfaction (F = 16.80, p < 0.001), with on-site workers reporting the lowest levels of needs fulfilment and work satisfaction (H1a). Need for relatedness did not differ by work mode (H1b not supported). Autonomy (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) and competence (β = 0.28, p < 0.001), but not relatedness, were significant predictors of work satisfaction (H2 partially supported). Core self-evaluations was a significant predictor of all needs (H4 supported). Only autonomy satisfaction significantly mediated the relationship between work mode and work satisfaction (H3 partially supported) and similarly CSE and work satisfaction (H5 partially supported). CONCLUSIONS:Core self-evaluations are a universal predictor of work satisfaction regardless of work arrangement. However, the mediating role of autonomy does not work in the online context. Study limitations include a non-random, cross-sectional study sample and geographic specificity to southern Poland. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(2):149-62.
OBJECTIVES:Cosmetic products placed on the market should be safe for both the consumer and the professional user. Safety monitoring of cosmetics is regulated by law in the European Union. In practice, there are 3 levels of safety assessment: the manufacturer, a qualified safety assessor and the competent authority, which in Poland is the State Sanitary Inspectorate, responsible also for official surveillance and product sampling. To identify the occurrence of threats to human health from selected chemical and biological factors based on cosmetic products distributed in Podkarpackie Province in 2023. MATERIAL AND METHODS:The material was 40 randomly selected samples of cosmetic products for body, face and hair. Formaldehyde was determined by spectrophotometry, silver(I) nitrate (AgNO₃) by spectrophotometric methods, and mercury by atomic absorption spectrometry with an amalgamation technique. In addition, the total number of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms and Staphylococcus aureus were analyzed. RESULTS:Formaldehyde content was <0.005% in all tested cosmetics for skin and hair cleansing. Mercury ranged from 0.0000001±0.00000001% to 0.0000002±0.00000003%. Silver(I) nitrate(V) in eye products was <1.57%. The total count of aerobic microorganisms was <10 CFU/g, and Staphylococcus aureus was not detected. CONCLUSIONS:Cosmetic products tested in 2023 showed formaldehyde below the detection limit (<0.005%), while mercury, AgNO₃, and microbiological contaminants were within legal limits. Results apply only to the analyzed samples and should be interpreted considering current formaldehyde limits in cosmetics (0.001%, 10 ppm). Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(2):138-48.
OBJECTIVES:This study is focused on internal exposure to 210Po, a highly radiotoxic α-emitting radioactive element. This isotope is important in evaluating internal exposure among industrial workers, especially in sectors that handle naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs), where polonium can be present in workplace as a result of its release in thermal processes and other processes in which enhanced NORMs are utilized. The aim of this paper is to present a validation of an implemented method for determining 210Po in urine and its application in industrial sector where internal 210Po contamination is a potential risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS:The presented method for determination of 210Po activity in urine involved radiochemical preparation of 24-hour urine samples followed by spontaneous deposition of polonium on a silver disc and measurement by α spectrometry. The method was applied to urine samples analyzed as part of the validation process as well as to urine samples collected by industrial workers. RESULTS:The method was validated in interlaboratory comparison and implemented in Radiation Protection Measurements Laboratory (Laboratorium Pomiarów Dozymetrycznych - LPD) of the National Centre for Nuclear Research in Poland. Precision, selectivity and detection limit were also characterized in validation process. The implemented method allowed to obtain relatively high values of tracer recovery (209Po), on average at a level >70%. CONCLUSIONS:Conducted analyses of urine samples collected from selected industrial workers confirmed that radiation exposure to 210Po at positions directly related to the technological process was higher than at other positions, however committed effective doses were on the safe level. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(2):125-37.
Although mechanical vibration (MV) has grown in popularity and utilization in recent years, there is lack off the literature in relation to its impact on peripheral blood flow. The main aim of the current narrative review is to examine the effects of local mechanical vibration (LMV) and whole‑body vibration (WBV) on peripheral blood flow in different populations. Between January 2000 - February 2025, the authors used the following keywords related to MV and peripheral blood flow: "whole-body vibration," "WBV," "whole-body periodic acceleration," "WBPA," "local vibration," "LV", "mechanical vibration," "MV," "blood flow," "peripheral blood flow," and "peripheral circulation" to search Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases and reference lists from relevant articles. The authors used both single-word and combination searches. Nineteen potential articles that fit the inclusion criteria were identified. While LMV exhibited positive as well as negative impacts on peripheral blood flow in several studies, WBV was demonstrated to have a favorable effect on peripheral blood flow. Furthermore, the impact of MV on blood flow was modified by variables such as vibration type and frequency. Mechanical vibration has benefits and risks to the peripheral blood flow. When it comes to enhancing peripheral blood flow, WBV is more beneficial than LMV. Standardized procedures and uniform results reporting can be more advantageous in order to facilitate future meta-analyses and allow for more transparent comparisons between studies. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(2):99-111.
Objectives: To examine whether marketing awareness-operationalized as recognition of e-cigarette advertising persuasiveness-relates to support for advertising regulation among Polish legal professionals, and to identify sociodemographic and occupational correlates of regulatory attitudes. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 471 legal professionals in Poland. Latent class analysis identified 3 marketing awareness segments based on 5 perception indicators. The 3-class solution (Bayesian information criterion = 3121.23, entropy = 0.941) distinguished low (38.5%),moderate (47.0%), and high (14.5%) awareness groups. Binary logistic regression modeled support for advertising regulation ("yes" vs. "not-yes"), with awareness class membership and covariates (age, experience, sector, profession) as predictors. Results: The relationship between marketing awareness and regulatory support could not be established (moderate awareness: odds ratio [OR] = 1.67, 95% CI: 0.99-2.81, p = 0.054; high awareness: OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 0.85-3.90, p = 0.125). Professional experience >10 years (OR = 3.22, 95% CI: 1.02-10.20, p = 0.047) and corporate sector employment (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.30-0.94, p = 0.030) were the only significant predictors. Conclusions: This exploratory study could not determine whether marketing awareness relates to regulatory support among legal professionals. Professional experience emerged as the primary correlate, suggesting regulatory attitudes may be shaped by professional socialization. Policy efforts should prioritize enforcement of existing restrictions and professional education for early-career practitioners. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(1):79-92
Objectives: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) and rotator cuff lesions (RCL) are major musculoskeletal disorders that cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, and work incapacity. While certain occupational groups have been studied, limited data exist on other physically demanding professions typically performed by women, such as healthcare, childcare, and hairdressing. This study examines the prevalence and occupational risks of hip OA and RCL in Germany. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using anonymized, large-scale, nationwide claims data (2016-2020). Individuals aged 18-65 years diagnosed with OA (International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems [ICD-10]: M16) or RCL (ICD-10: M75) were identified. Physically demanding occupational groups were classified according to the German Federal Employment Agency and compared to a propensity score-matched control group of office workers. Results: Between 2016 and 2020, the prevalence of hip OA increased from 1.8% to 1.9%, and RCL from 4.4% to 4.6%. Higher prevalence rates for RCL were found in exposed occupations (4.9%). Increased risks were observed in elderly care (OA: odds ratio[OR] = 1.33, RCL: OR = 1.49) and in health and nursing care (OA: OR = 1.33, RCL: OR = 1.27) compared to office workers with lower physical exposure. Restricting the analysis to women yielded similar effect estimates. Conclusions: The findings highlight an elevated occupational risk for hip OA and RCL in physically demanding professions such as nursing. Targeted prevention, ergonomic interventions, and early screening are essential to reducing work disability and improving long-term health outcomes. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(1):68-78
OBJECTIVES:The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of surface disinfection using slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW), concerning microorganisms detected in organic dust at a municipal waste sorting plant (WSP) and a sewage treatment plant (STP). MATERIAL AND METHODS:Five sampling sites were selected at each facility. Four disinfectants used in the tests included: SAEW solutions with active chlorine concentrations of 100 mg/l and 300 mg/l; a mixture of SAEW (100 mg/l) and silver nanoparticles (25 mg/l); and a commercially available disinfectant, a mixture of alcohols. Surface swab samples were collected to evaluate microbial contamination and compare bacterial and fungal levels after disinfection. RESULTS:Analysis of the control samples (with no disinfectant application) revealed significant microbiological contamination of the surface tested. The tested disinfectants showed varying effectiveness against the microorganisms under study. For the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, the highest decrease in concentrations was achieved when SAEW (300 mg/l) was applied. For the sampling sites in WSP, the log reduction values (LRV) were 2.32 and 1.99, respectively. For samples from the STP, the LRVs were 2.57 and 2.42. The most significant decrease in fungal concentration was induced by a commercial disinfectant made from a mixture of alcohols. For the samples collected at WSP, the LRV was 2.06, while for those from STP, it was 0.95. The lowest biocidal effectiveness was found for the preparation consisting of a mixture of SAEW and silver nanoparticles, for which the LRV values did not usually exceed 1.00. CONCLUSIONS:The results indicate that SAEW can be a promising alternative to the traditional alcohol-based disinfectants in occupational environments contaminated with organic dust. However, more comprehensive project should be conducted that would include a wider variety of work surfaces to be tested and a broader range of active chlorine concentrations. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(1):93-8.
OBJECTIVES:Exposure to particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) remains a critical public health issue in China. Understanding its spatial distribution and associated mortality burden is crucial for developing effective preventive strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS:This study analyzed PM2.5 distribution and estimated premature mortality from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer attributable to PM2.5. The analysis covered different districts and 3 age groups in Lanzhou City, using the global exposure mortality model (GEMM). RESULTS:From 2014 to 2023, PM2.5 concentrations were significantly reduced city-wide. However, the number of PM2.5-attributable premature deaths did not decline substantially. In some districts, these deaths even increased against a backdrop of rising overall mortality. The majority of premature deaths occurred in people aged ≥65 years. Lowering PM2.5 concentrations remains important for controlling mortality from both diseases. However, the trends were not entirely consistent, indicating a complex relationship between PM2.5 and mortality. CONCLUSIONS:Particulate matter 2.5 continues to have a substantial impact on health. Sustained efforts in air quality improvement and targeted health interventions for the elderly population are necessary. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(1):39-54.
