1-Decanol [112-30-1] is an aliphatic fatty alcohol with ten carbon atoms. It is one of five isomers of decanol. They are medium chain length alcohols that have found use in the manufacture of solvents, surfactants, pesticides, lubricants, waxes, creams and cosmetics. 1-Decanol and 3-decanol are also used as synthetic flavourings added to foods. This compound occurs naturally in essential oils extracted from the seeds and flowers of various plants, while on an industrial scale it is obtained by chemical synthesis. Occupational exposure to 1-decanol concerns individuals involved in the production process and use of this substance. Under occupational conditions, the main routes of exposure are the respiratory system and the skin. The most common symptoms of poisoning are eye and skin irritation. Results from in vitro and in vivo tests indicate that 1-decanol did not have mutagenic or genotoxic effects. Also, no tumour changes resulting from exposure to this compound were noted in animal studies. Available literature lacks information on organ toxicity of 1-decanol and/or its isomers in humans and there are no sufficient results of studies on animals exposed to the compound by inhalation or ingestion. The results of animal studies for compounds with a similar chemical structure, i.e. 2-ethylhexanol and octane-1-ol, were taken as the basis for the determination of the MAC (TWA) for 1-decanol. For 1-decanol and its isomers a MAC of 30 mg/m3 was proposed and STEL of 60 mg/m³. There is no basis for setting a concentration limit value in biological material – DSB. The substance is labelled with the letter "I" for irritation.This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmengini.

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has been widely used in the past mainly as a plasticizer. Occupational exposure to DEHP occurs during its production and use, and environmental exposure is related to products containing DEHP and contaminated food/water. The European Union has banned products containing DEHP in concentrations ≥0.1%. Absorption of DEHP may occur via the oral and inhalation routes. DEHP crosses the placental barrier and passes into breast milk. Epidemiological data indicate an association between DEHP occupational and environmental exposures and male reproductive function. However, no direct relationship between DEHP exposure and infertility can be identified. In animal studies, impaired spermatogenesis in rats has been considered as the most sensitive effect of chronic toxicity of DEHP. The proposed MAC value for bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (0.8 mg/m³) is based on toxic effects on the male reproductive system demonstrated in a chronic study on rats (NOAEL = 5.8 mg/kg bw/day). There is no basis for setting the STEL value (no local irritation) and BEI value. Due to the low dermal absorption of DEHP there is no basis for a “skin” notation, but “R” notation is required (toxic to reproduction). This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental enginieering.

Acrylonitrile (AN) is highly flammable, colorless liquid with an unpleasant odor. Acrylonitrile is used in industry to produce polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and its copolymers. Acrylonitrile can cause cancer. The aim of this study was to develop a method for determining acrylonitrile in workplace air which will allow determination of its concentrations at the level of 0.1 mg/m³. The method was based on adsorption of acrylonitrile vapors on activated carbon, desorption with acetone solution in carbon disulfide and chromatographic analysis of the obtained solution. The study was performed using a gas chromatograph (GC) with a flame ionization detector (FID) equipped with a DB-VRX capillary column  (60 m × 0.25 mm, 1.4 µm).  The method was validated in accordance with the requirements of Standard No. EN 482. The method allows the determination of acrylonitrile in workplace air at the concentration range from 0.1 to 2 mg/m³.

The method for determining acrylonitrile has been recorded in the form of an analytical procedure (see Appendix). This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental engineering.

Arsenic is a chemical element classified as metalloids (semi-metals). Some arsenic compounds have been classified  (according to CLP) as carcinogens, causing cancers of skin, respiratory system, liver and leukemia. In the industry, workers are exposed to arsenic and its compounds in its extraction, in metallurgy of non-ferrous metal ores, in metal refining processes, in the production of alloys, semiconductors, pigments and insecticides. In Poland, binding value of the hygienic standard (NDS) at workplace air, for the inhalable fraction of arsenic aerosol and its inorganic compounds, converted into As is 0.01 mg/m³. A determination method has been developed that enables the determination of this substance in the air of 0.1 − 2 values of the hygiene standard, in accordance with the requirements of Standard PN-EN 482. Arsenic is determined with the atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization (ET-AAS), in the concentration range of 5.00 − 100.0 μg/l which allows the determination of arsenic and its compounds in workplace air in the range of 0.0010 − 0.021 mg/m³ (for 480-L air sample). The presented procedure enables the determination of this substance with the use of individual dosimetry. This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental engineering.

Bicyclo[4.4.0]decane (BCD), also known as decalin, is a colorless liquid with the scent of camphor, menthol and naphthalene. This substance can be fatal if swallowed or entered a respiratory tract. It can cause severe skin burns and eye damage, and is toxic if inhaled. The aim of this study was to develop a method for determining BCD in workplace air, which will allow the determination of its concentrations at the level of 5 mg/m3. The method was based on adsorption of BCD vapors on activated carbon, desorption with acetone solution in carbon disulfide and chromatographic analysis of the obtained solution. The study was performed with a gas chromatograph (GC) with  a flame ionization detector (FID) equipped with a DB-VRX capillary column (60 m × 0.25 mm, 1.4 µm).  The method was validated in accordance with the requirements of Standard No. EN 482. The method allows the determination  BCD in workplace air in the concentration range 5–200 mg/m3. The method for determining BCD has been recorded in the form of an analytical procedure (see Appendix). This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental engineering.

Nickel due to its physicochemical properties is used to produce high strength, corrosion resistant, temperature resi-stant, high resistance and acid resistant alloys. Nickel in the form of fine powder can induce an allergic response when  in contact with the skin, carcinogenic properties have been proven with long-term exposure to nickel dust. According to the proposed directive of the European Parliament No. 2020/0262, a value of maximum allowable concentration (MAC) in a workplace air in Poland for the inhalable fraction should be at 0.05 mg/m3 and for the respirable fraction at 0.01 mg/m3 (2020/0262/COD). The aim of this study was to develop a method for determining nickel in the range of 1/10 ÷ 2 of the MAC. The method is based on gathering nickel aerosol and its compounds contained in the air on a filter, filter mineralization in nitric acid(V) and hydrochloric acid at elevated temperature then determination of nickel content in the sample using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) with flame atomization. The method for the determination of nickel is presented in the form of an analytical procedure, which is included in the appendix. This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental engineering.

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a method for determining of inhalable and respirable fraction of compounds of manganese, nickel and iron in workplace air. The method is based on passing the tested air through  a filter from the cellulose ester mixture placed in a specific sampler. The filter mineralizes in concentrated nitric acid (V) and makes a solution for analysis in diluted nitric acid (V). The use of different dilutions of the sample solution after mineralization makes it possible to use the ranges of standard curves for the determination of substances as manganese, nickel and iron. The addition of lanthanum salt (correction buffer) prevents the occurrence of chemical interference, the use of deuterium lamp eliminates background interference. The developed method enables the determination of selected substances in the air of the working environment in the concentration ranges corresponding to the range from 0.1 to 2 MACs values and also enables the determination of nickel and its compounds in the inhalable fraction for the currently proposed new value of the maximum permissible concentration. The developed method has been validated in accordance with the requirements of Standard No. PN-EN 482 and good validation results were obtained. The method can be used for assessing occupational exposure to compounds of manganese, nickel and iron and associated risk to workers’ health. The developed method of determining compounds of manganese, nickel and iron has been recorded as an analytical procedure (see Appendix). This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental engineering.