Eugenija Žuškin

Respiratory symptoms and ventilatory function in sisal dust exposure.

SummaryA study of respiratory symptoms and ventilatory function was made in a group of 51 non-smoking female workers exposed to sisal dust and 51 control subjects matched in age and height. A higher prevalence of persistent cough (17.6%), persistent phlegm (13.7%), chronic bronchitis (9.8%) and nasal catarrh (19.6%) was found in sisal workers than in controls (5.9, 5.9, 5.9 and 0%, respectively). Not a single case of byssinosis was found in the workers surveyed.In sisal workers, FEV1.0, FVC and PEF significantly decreased over the work shift (P<0.01). Control workers did not show significant acute changes in ventilatory function over the shift. Inhalation of Alupent (orciprenaline) before the shift significantly diminished acute reductions in ventilatory capacity during the shift. The results suggest that sisal dust does not cause byssinosis but affects ventilatory function of the exposed workers.

Effects of aerosols in common use on the ventilatory capacity of the lung

SummaryA group of 17 volunteers were exposed to a body deodorant, an air freshener, air disinfectant, a furniture polish, spot remover, shoe spray, glass defroster, hair spray and, separately, to their volatile components.An immediate significant fall in ventilatory capacity was recorded upon exposure to each of the sprays. The maximum fall of FEV1.0 ranged from 3.3 to 7.4%, that of Vmax 50% VC from 5.3 to 11.3%, while Vmax 75% VC falls were most pronounced reaching up to 20.9%, suggesting a predominant effect on small airways. In the majority of cases changes in ventilatory capacity on exposure to sprays were similar to those recorded on exposure to their solvents.A significant drop in ventilatory capacity over the period of a work shift was found in a group of hairdressers exposed to hair sprays — more pronounced in Vmax 50% VC and Vmax 75% VC than in FEV1.0.When preliminary tests on the histamine-releasing activity of sprays were performed, evidence was found that sprays released histamine, but in quantities not likely to be inhaled in the normal use of sprays.

Human Lifespan: To Live and Outlive 100 Years?

Ljudski vijek: doživjeti i nadživjeti 100 godina? Starenje populacije je dominantno demografsko obilježje razvijenih zemalja. Stogodišnjaci su selekcionirana skupina i samo jedna od 7.000 do 10.000 osoba dosegne tu dob. Čimbenici dugovječnosti vjerojatno su brojni i uključuju gensko predodređenje (lokus na 4. kromosomu), zdrav okoliš i zdrave životne navike (prehrana s malo kalorija), redovita tjelesna i psihička aktivnost, kao i dostupnost te učinkovitost zdravstvene zaštite s primjenom geroprofilakse. Stogodišnjaci se adaptiraju na novi život i na gubitak tjelesnih funkcija koji bivaju postupno sve izraženiji kako se dob povisuje. Granice ljudskog života produžuju se - do sada najstarija poznata osoba doživjela je 128 godina. Pojedina zemljopisna područja bilježe izrazito veći broj stogodišnjaka. Navedene su i neke dugovječne osobe s više od 100 godina u svijetu i na području Republike Hrvatske i nekih susjednih zemalja. Iako se uglavnom smatra da se granica trajanja života čovjeka ne može produžiti iznad 120 godina, za sada je ipak teško predvidjeti gdje su njezine granice. Human Lifespan: To Live and Outlive 100 Years? Aged population dominates in developed countries. Centenarians are a select group, and only one in 7,000 to 10,000 reach that age. Factors of longevity are numerous and include genetic predisposition (a locus on chromosome 4), environment, healthy lifestyle (hypocaloric diet, regular physical and mental exercise), accessible health services, and efficient health protection at old age. Centenarians are well adapted to the new life and compensate for the loss of functions with age. The limits of human life are extended, so that nowadays the oldest person has reached the age of 128. Some geographic areas are characterised by higher numbers of centenarians. This article mentions a few individuals who outlived 100 years in the world, Croatia, and neighbouring countries. Although some argue that the limits of human life cannot be extended over the age of 120 years, for now we cannot predict the actual limits of human life.

Respiratory Symptoms in Fish Processing Workers on the Adriatic Coast of Croatia

Respiratory Symptoms in Fish Processing Workers on the Adriatic Coast of Croatia This article describes respiratory symptoms and lung function in 98 fish processing female workers employed in a fish processing plant located on the Croatian Adriatic coast and 95 matching controls. The study included chronic and acute respiratory symptoms which developed during the shifts. Lung function measurements included forced vital capacity (FVC), one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and maximal expiratory rates at 50 % and the last 25 % (FEF50, FEF25). Chronic respiratory symptoms were significantly dominant in fish processing workers compared to controls. The most common chronic symptoms were hoarseness (57.1 %), nasal catarrh (51.0 %), chronic cough (42.9 %), chronic phlegm (34.7 %), and frequent chest cold (35.7 %). Exposed smokers and nonsmokers had a similar prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms. Acute symptoms over the work shift were high, with headache in lead (smokers: 62.5 %; nonsmokers: 56.1 %). Most of the ventilatory capacity parameters were significantly lower than predicted, FEF25 in particular, indicating obstructive changes predominantly in the smaller airways. These findings suggest that fish processing workers are prone to developing acute and chronic respiratory symptoms as well as to lung function changes. This calls for medical and technical preventive measures to be introduced in the work environment of the fish processing plant. Respiratorni simptomi u radnica na preradi riba na obali jadrana u Hrvatskoj Cilj je ovoga istraživanja bio ispitati respiratorne simptome i plućnu funkciju radnica zaposlenih na preradi riba u industriji na obali Jadranskog mora u Hrvatskoj. U istraživanje je uključeno 98 radnica zaposlenih na preradi riba i 95 žena neizložene kontrolne skupine. Ispitivani su kronični i akutni respiratorni simptomi koji se razvijaju tijekom radne smjene. Mjerena je plućna funkcija registriranjem forsiranoga vitalnog kapaciteta (FVC), forsiranoga ekspiracijskog volumena u prvoj sekundi (FEV1) te maksimalnoga ekspiracijskog protoka pri 50 % i zadnjih 25 % forsiranoga vitalnog kapaciteta (FEF50, FEF25) na krivulji maksimalni ekspiracijski protok-volumen (MEPV). Učestalost većine kroničnih respiracijskih simptoma bila je značajno viša u eksponiranih u usporedbi s kontrolnom skupinom. U eksponiranih radnica utvrđena je i visoka prevalencija akutnih simptoma koji se razvijaju tijekom radne smjene, posebno za promuklost (57,1 %) i katar nosa (51 %), potom slijedi kronični kašalj (42,9 %), kronični iskašljaj (34,7 %), upale sinusa (32 %) i česte prehlade (35,7 %). S obzirom na naviku pušenja pušači i nepušači imali su sličnu prevalenciju kroničnih respiratornih simptoma. Izložene radnice imale su visoku prevalenciju akutnih simptoma tijekom radne smjene i to naročito za glavobolju (pušači 62,5 %; nepušači 56,1 %). Ventilacijska funkcija pluća bila je značajno smanjena u usporedbi s predviđenim normalnim vrijednostima posebice za FEF25 % upućujući na opstruktivne promjene pretežno u manjim dišnim putovima. Naši podaci upućuju na opasnost razvoja kroničnih i akutnih respiracijskih simptoma i promjena plućne funkcije u radnika koji rade u industriji na preradi riba. Medicinske i tehničke preventivne mjere u radnom okolišu treba preporučiti u industriji prerade riba.

Hazardous agents in anode manufacture.

Hazardous Agents in Anode Manufacture The aim of this study was to assess to which extent the modernisation of an anode plant had reduced occupational chemical health hazards for jobs with the highest potential of exposure. Periodical measurements of dust and gases were performed at the same workplaces using the same methods, before and after modernisation. These measurements were compared with the recommended standards. Before modernisation the concentrations of total dust, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride, benzene, and phenol were above the recommended standards in 56.9 % (74/130) of the samples. After modernisation, only 12.3 % (21/171) of the samples were non-conforming. Before modernisation, workers were exposed to higher concentrations of all agents in all production sections. After modernisation, dust remained the primary pollutant in harmful concentrations in the anode baking furnace (GM=22.1 mg m-3) and in the anode rodding room (GM=22.1 mg m-3), hydrogen fluoride in the anode rodding room (GM=4.2 mg m-3), and sulphur dioxide in all production sections. As plant modernisation has not completely resolved the exposure issue, stringent compliance to safety rules and regular medical checkups are necessary. Štetni agensi pri proizvodnji anoda Cilj je rada procijeniti učinak modernizacije tehnološkog procesa u Tvornici anoda na prisutnost i razinu koncentracije prašine i plinova štetnih za zdravlje radnika u radnom okolišu, kao i na poslove s velikim potencijalom za izloženost zaposlenih. U tu svrhu uspoređivani su rezultati obveznih periodičkih mjerenja kemijskih čimbenika provedeni prije i nakon modernizacije. Mjerenja su provedena na istim radnim mjestima i istim metodama tijekom radnih smjena i uspoređeni sa sadašnjim nacionalnim Standardom. Prije modernizacije, koncentracije ukupne prašine i plinova: ugljikova(II) oksida, ugljikova(IV) oksida, sumporova(IV) oksida, fluorovodika, benzena i fenola prelazile su preporučene vrijednosti u 56,9 % uzoraka, a nakon modernizacije u 12,3 % (21/171) uzoraka. Prije modernizacije radnici su istodobno na velikom broju radnih mjesta svih odjela bili izloženi prekomjernim koncentracijama štetnih kemijskih čimbenika. Nakon modernizacije prašina je i dalje prisutna u visokim koncentracijama pri pečenju anoda (GM=22,1 mg m-3), kao i pri zalijevanju anoda (GM=22,1 mg m-3), a geometrijska sredina koncentracije fluorovodika prizalijevanju anoda iznosi 4,2 mg m-3, dok je sumporov(IV) oksid prisutan u svim fazama proizvodnje anoda u koncentracijama štetnim za zdravlje radnika. Modernizacijom tehnološkog procesa smanjene su prisutnost i koncentracije kemijskih čimbenika u radnom okolišu. Međutim, izloženost prašini, sumporovu(IV) oksidu i fluorovodiku samo je djelomično smanjena.

Annual decline of ventilatory capacity and change in acute respiratory response in hemp exposure over a 10-year period

SummaryA follow-up study of the effect of exposure to hemp dust on respiratory function over a 10-year period (1963–1973) was conducted in 24 female non-smoking hemp workers. The prevalence of byssinosis in 1973 (70.8%) was found to be significantly higher than 10 years earlier in 1963 (33%) (P<0.01). The prevalence of all other chronic respiratory symptoms was also considerably increased. In the control group the prevalence of all chronic respiratory symptoms was practically the same during both surveys.In hemp workers, there was a significant acute fall over the work shift in FEV1.0 (1-second forced expiratory volume) and FVC (forced vital capacity), both in 1963 and 1973 (P<0.01), except in the group of workers who did not have byssinosis either in 1963 or in 1973. The lowest mean annual decline of FEV1.0 within the 10-year period was found in the group without byssinosis in both 1963 and in 1973 (27 ml), followed by the group without byssinosis in 1963 but with byssinosis in 1973 (38 ml). The largest annual decline was observed in the subjects with byssinosis during both surveys (55 ml). The mean annual FEV1.0 decline in the control group was 22 ml.

Workplace Noise Exposure After Modernisation of an Aluminium Processing Complex

Workplace Noise Exposure After Modernisation of an Aluminium Processing Complex The aim of this study was to assess to which extent modernisation of an aluminium production complex reduced occupational noise hazard for jobs with the highest potential of exposure. Periodical measurements of noise level were taken at the same workplaces using the same method, before and after modernisation of all plants. The results were compared with the recommended standard. After modernisation, the noise was significantly reduced in all sections of all plants. The greatest reduction was measured in the foundry. After modernisation, the portion of workplaces with excessive noise level dropped significantly (chisquare=21.315; p<0.0001) from 78.4% to 13%. Noise remained a problem in ingot casting and dross skimming section. In the anode plant, noise remained a problem in the green mill section where noise intensities generated by mills and vibrocompactors varied from 95 dB(A) to 102 dB(A). In the electrolysis plant, the portion of workplaces with extensive noise dropped from 77.8% to 39.3% after modernisation (p=0.0019). Noise remains to be a problem at the anode covering section where levels rise up to 100 dB(A). The modernisation of the factory has considerably reduced the noise level in the working environment of all plants, but it can not be reduced completely. Procjena utjecaja modernizacije i novih tehnoloških procesa na izloženost buci u aluminijskoj industriji Cilj je rada procijeniti utjecaj modernizacije tehnološkog procesa proizvodnje aluminija na prisutnost i razinu buke štetne za zdravlje radnika u radnom okolišu. U tu svrhu uspoređivani su rezultati periodičkih mjerenja razine buke prije i nakon modernizacije. Mjerenja intenziteta buke provedena su na istim radnim mjestima i istom metodom tijekom radnih smjena i uspoređeni s važećim nacionalnim standardom. Nakon modernizacije tvornice u svim odjelima proizvodnih pogona značajno se smanjila razina buke, kao i broj radnih mjesta na kojima su radnici izloženi prekomjernoj buci. Najbolji rezultati postignuti su u ljevaonici, gdje se broj radnih mjesta s prekomjernom razinom buke, tj. razinom buke višom od 90 dB(A) smanjio sa 78.4 % na 13 %. Na radnim mjestima gdje se izlijevaju ingoti i skida šljaka buka je i dalje prekomjerna. U pogonu anoda prekomjerna je buka i dalje prisutna pri proizvodnji sirovih anoda, gdje razina buke zbog rada mlinova i vibrokompresora varira od 95 dB(A) do 102 dB(A). U pogonu elektrolize buka viša od 100 dB(A) izmjerena je pri zasipanju anoda. Iako je modernizacijom tvornice i unaprjeđenjem tehnološkog procesa značajno reducirana razina buke, nije ju moguće u cijelosti ukloniti.

Effects of Volcanic Eruptions on Environment and Health

Učinci Vulkanskih Erupcija Na Okoliš I Zdravlje Vulkani predstavljaju prijetnju za gotovo pola milijarde ljudi: danas je na Zemlji aktivno oko 500 vulkana, a svake se godine događa 10 do 40 njihovih erupcija. Posljedice erupcija vulkana odražavaju se na okoliš, utječu na klimu te na život i zdravlje ljudi, a vezani su uz pogoršanje socijalnih i gospodarskih uvjeta života. U okoliš s magmom uz vodenu paru (H2O), na površinu dospijevaju plinovi ugljikov dioksid (CO2) i sumporv dioksid (SO2), ugljikov monoksid (CO), vodikov sulfid (H2S), ugljikov sulfid (CS), ugljikov disulfid (CS2), klorovodik (HCl), vodik (H2), metan (CH4), fluorovodik (HF), bromovodik (HBr) i različiti organski spojevi te teški metali (živa, olovo, zlato). Njihovi nepovoljni učinci ovise o udaljenosti od vulkana te o eruptivnim obilježjima, tj. o viskozitetu magme i koncentraciji plinova. Štetnosti bliže vulkanu uključuju piroklastične rijeke, rijeke blata, plinova i vodene pare, potrese, zračne udare i tsunami. U štetnosti u udaljenim područjima ubrajaju se učinci toksičnosti vulkanskog pepela i zdravstveni problemi vezani uz dišni sustav, oči, kožu, zatim psihološke posljedice, ozljede, komunikacijski i transportni problemi, problem odlaganja otpada i opskrbe vodom, rušenje kuća, kao i pad strujnog napona. Dolazi do pogoršanja kvalitete vode i smanjenja kišnih razdoblja, oštećenja poljoprivrednih usjeva, uništavanja vegetacije. Za vrijeme vulkanskih erupcija i neposredno nakon njih povećan je morbiditet, posebno od respiratornih bolesti, a povećan je i mortalitet osoba zahvaćenih vulkanskom erupcijom. Nepovoljni zdravstveni učinci mogu se djelomično prevenirati pravodobnom primjenom zaštitnih mjera. Effects of Volcanic Eruptions on Environment and Health Volcanoes pose a threat to almost half a billion people; today there are approximately 500 active volcanoes on Earth, and every year there are 10 to 40 volcanic eruptions. Volcanic eruptions produce hazardous effects for the environment, climate, and the health of the exposed persons, and are associated with the deterioration of social and economic conditions. Along with magma and steam (H2O), the following gases surface in the environment: carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), carbon sulphide (CS), carbon disulfide (CS2), hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen (H2), methane (CH4), hydrogen fluoride (HF), hydrogen bromide (HBr) and various organic compounds, as well as heavy metals (mercury, lead, gold). Their unfavourable effects depend on the distance from a volcano, on magma viscosity, and on gas concentrations. The hazards closer to the volcano include pyroclastic flows, flows of mud, gases and steam, earthquakes, blasts of air, and tsunamis. Among the hazards in distant areas are the effects of toxic volcanic ashes and problems of the respiratory system, eyes and skin, as well as psychological effects, injuries, transport and communication problems, waste disposal and water supplies issues, collapse of buildings and power outage. Further effects are the deterioration of water quality, fewer periods of rain, crop damages, and the destruction of vegetation. During volcanic eruptions and their immediate aftermath, increased respiratory system morbidity has been observed as well as mortality among those affected by volcanic eruptions. Unfavourable health effects could partly be prevented by timely application of safety measures.

Earthquakes - a historical review, environmental and health effects, and health care measures

Potresi su prirodne katastrofe koje možemo očekivati u bilo kojem dijelu Zemlje u bilo kojem trenutku. Učestalost im je veća u cirkumpacifičkom i mediteransko-transazijskom seizmičkom pojasu. Prate se nizom sofisticiranih metoda, magnituda im se određuje Richterovom ljestvicom, a intenzitet Mercani- Cancani-Sibergovom ljestvicom. Kroz povijest je zabilježen niz potresa koji su svojom razornom snagom odnijeli brojne ljudske živote te dramatično izmijenili okoliš. Hrvatska se nalazi u seizmički aktivnom području, što dokazuje niz katastrofalnih potresa, od kojih velik broj i na zagrebačkom području. Posljedice potresa najviše će ovisiti o gustoći naseljenosti i seizmičkoj otpornosti zgrada. Okolišne posljedice najčešće uključuju zagađenje zraka, vode i tla. Učinci takvog zagađenja mogu imati dugoročne posljedice na zdravlje populacije. Najdramatičniji, akutni, zdravstveni učinci potresa posljedica su rušenja zgrada. Pri tome brzo i djelotvorno medicinsko djelovanje ovisi ne samo o dobroj organizaciji i pripremljenosti zdravstvenih djelatnika nego i o spremnosti i opremljenosti civilne zaštite, vatrogasne službe i pripadnika Gorske službe spašavanja (HGSS). Tada će upravo dobra koordinacija između navedenih službi biti najvažnija, čime će se spasiti mnogi životi i spriječiti teže ozljede. Javnozdravstveno djelovanje mora se zasnivati na učinkovitim kontrolnim mjerama u okolišu kao prevenciji sekundarnih zdravstvenih problema izazvanih nepovoljnim okolišnim čimbenicima. Identifikacijom i kontrolom dugoročnih štetnosti nastalih kao posljedica potresa smanjit će se kronični zdravstveni učinci u populaciji. Najvažnije je istaknuti da smanjenje potresom izazvanih razaranja, budući da je rušenje zgrada najveći rizični čimbenik potresa, uključuje postavljanje prioriteta u izgradnji seizmički sigurnih zgrada. Summary Earthquakes are natural disasters that can occur at any time, regardless of the location. Their frequency is higher in the Circum-Pacific and Mediterranean/Trans-Asian seismic belt. A number of sophisticated methods define their magnitude using the Richter scale and intensity using the Mercani-Cancani-Sieberg scale. Recorded data show a number of devastating earthquakes that have killed many people and changed the environment dramatically. Croatia is located in a seismically active area, which has endured a series of historical earthquakes, among which several occurred in the Zagreb area. The consequences of an earthquake depend mostly on the population density and seismic resistance of buildings in the affected area. Environmental consequences often include air, water, and soil pollution. The effects of this kind of pollution can have long-term health effects. The most dramatic health consequences result from the demolition of buildings. Therefore, quick and efficient aid depends on well-organized health professionals as well as on the readiness of the civil defence, fire department, and Mountain Rescue Service members. Good coordination among these services can save many lives Public health interventions must include effective control measures in the environment as secondary prevention methods for health problems caused by unfavourable environmental factors. The identification and control of long-term hazards can reduce chronic health effects. The reduction of earthquake-induced damages includes setting priorities in building seismically safe buildings.

Dance as a Risk Factor for Injuries and Development of Occupational Diseases

Ples kao čimbenik rizika za ozljede i razvoj profesionalnih bolesti Ozljede i bolesti mogu znatno utjecati na stvaralačku sposobnost, kreativnost i dostignuća umjetnika. Povezanost uvjeta i načina rada s pojavom bolesti u umjetnika prepoznata je već u srednjem vijeku. Tjelesna zahtjevnost izvedbe, gdje se tijelo koristi kao instrument izražavanja, može uzrokovati ozljede i razvoj profesionalnih bolesti koje mogu dovesti do nemogućnosti umjetničke interpretacije na očekivanoj razini, prekinuti aktivnosti i onemogućiti nastavak profesionalne karijere. Plesači su jedna od skupina umjetnika-izvođača koji su izloženi specifičnim rizicima i kojima treba specifična zdravstvena zaštita, što nije moguće ostvariti bez poznavanja mehanizama nastajanja ozljeda i uvažavanja posebnosti potreba plesača. Mnogi plesači teže visokim umjetničkim i estetskim kriterijima izvedbe, pri čemu često protežu svoje tjelesne mogućnosti i izdržljivost i zanemaruju vlastita tjelesna ograničenja. Zdravstveni problemi plesača obuhvaćaju čitav niz ozljeda, profesionalnih bolesti i bolesti vezanih uz rad koji se kreću od stresa i straha od nastupa sve do poremećaja u prehrambenim navikama. Također obuhvaćaju ozljede mišićno-koštanoga sustava, sindrome prenaprezanja i trenažnoga preopterećenja koje može uzrokovati karakterističnu topološku pojavu boli, koja je često početak kroničnih zdravstvenih problema kod plesača. Navedeni zdravstveni problemi plesača sve su češće područje zanimanja liječnika različitih specijalizacija, unaprjeđenja i provođenja preventivnih programa, dijagnostičkih metoda i liječenja u tom djelu populacije. Dance as a Risk Factor for Injuries and Development of Occupational Diseases Injuries and diseases can significantly affect the creativity and artistic performance. The link between working conditions and artistic performance had been recognised as early as the medieval age. Physically demanding performance arts such as dance can sometimes result in injuries, illnesses, inability to perform, and even end artists career. Dancers are exposed to specific risks and in need of specific medical care. Many dancers often stretch their physical capabilities and endurance and neglect their physical limitations. Their health problems include a number of work-related illnesses that range from stress and stage fright to metabolic and nutritional disorders. They also include musculoskeletal injuries due to overload training that are often the beginning of chronic health problems.