Med Pr
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Review
[Toxic effect of dust and fumes of aluminium and its compounds on workers' respiratory tract].
Based on the literature review, the authors discuss problems concerning differentiated exposure of workers to dust and fumes of aluminum and its compounds and describe the observed toxic effect on the respiratory tract. Long- term occupational exposure to the above factors leads to changes in lungs of the pneumoconiotic nature. ⋯ The respiratory effect depends to some extent on the form of aluminum or the stage of processing in which exposure occurs. Numerous studies of workers occupationally exposed to aluminum dust and fumes have demonstrated the increase in the incidence of pulmonary fibrosis, depending on the air concentration of respirable fraction of dust.
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Contact with human blood is one of the vital issues concerning occupational exposure to biological factors. The fact that pathogens that create high health risk may be transmitted by blood must not be ignored. Considering the problem of biological exposure at workplace, HIV, HBV and HCV are recognized as the most essential viruses. ⋯ Infections induced by blood borne pathogens are mostly observed among nurses, laboratory personnel and physicians. In the European Union countries, the USA and Canada, there are relevant legal regulations pertaining to the management of potentially dangerous biological materials, whereas in Poland such regulations have not as yet been developed. Poland's accession to the European Union in 2004, commits the Polish government to harmonize Polish and European Union legislation also in this regard.