This is a study of how people coexisting with the infrastructure of electromagnetic mobile communication technologies emitting radio waves in the work and living environment: (i) in passenger trains, (ii) in shopping centres and (iii) in passenger cars. It revealed significantly different trends, over the last five years (2018-2023), in the structure of exposure to radio waves, with slight changes in the level of total exposure in analysed environments used by workers and the public. The observed changes are related to the spread of mobile access to fast data transfer and increased speed of transmission from personal devices (terminals such as smartphones or tablets). The results from shopping centres showed dominant downlink-components of exposure (from base stations) and a broadening of their frequency band (due to the spread of LTE subscription services using the 2100 and 2600 MHz bands) in 2023, along with reduced uplink-components (from terminals) and components related to local hotspots of non-subscription networks (Wi-Fi). A broadening of the frequency band was also observed in measurements from passenger trains, but with the dominant uplink-components of exposure, regardless of the availability of local hotspots. In passenger cars, exposure to external radio waves (downlink components) also broadened in the frequency band (in the LTE 800 and 2600 MHz bands). A reduction in exposure fluctuations over time was found in all the studied microenvironments. This implies that different measures are necessary to reduce workers’ exposure, along with different methods of identifying and assessing the parameters there.

Glyphosate is an odorless solid in the form of white crystalline powder. It is an active ingredient in broad-spectrum herbicides, which used at lower doses is a plant growth regulator and desiccant. In Poland since 2001 the MAC value for glyphosate is 10 mg/m3. Over the past 25 years many new research findings have been published regarding the potential fetotoxicity and carcinogenicity of glyphosate. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) reassessed the properties of glyphosate in order to presenting them to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). A new harmonized classification of glyphosate was also considered (in accordance with Regulation 1272/2008 of the Parliament and of the Council). In this context, it was necessary to verify the MAC value currently in force in Poland. The basis for calculating the MAC value was the dose of 155 mg/kg bw./day, considered as the NOAEL for systemic effects after oral exposure in mice. No basis for changing the current MAC value (10 mg/m3) were found. It should be considered that glyphosate has a very low vapor pressure – exposure occurs to glyphosate dust or aqueous solution only. There are no basis to establish the STEL value and the Biological Exposure Index (BEI). Glyphosate do not meet the criteria for "Skin" notation.

Antimony is used as an additive in font and bearing alloys along with other metals. Antimony in metallic form is not classified as a health hazard, while its salts have been so classified. Some antimony compounds have been classified as carcinogens. The applicable value of the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) in air at workplaces is 0.5 mg/m3 (MRPiPS ordinance, 2018). The purpose of this study was to develop a method for the determination of antimony for occupational exposure assessment in the range of 1/10–2 of the proposed MAC values. The method consists of collecting antimony and its airborne compounds from an MCE filter, mineralizing the filter in aqua regia at 150°C, then determining the antimony content in the sample using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) with flame atomization. The method for the determination of antimony is presented in the form of an analytical procedure, which is included in the appendix. The scope of the article includes health and environmental health and safety issues that are the subject of research in health sciences and environmental engineering.

1,2-Dihydroxybenzene is a colorless crystalline substance with a characteristic odor that turns brown when exposed to air and light. It is used in industry as an antioxidant. Worker exposure to 1,2-dihydroxybenzene can occur during the production, processing and use of the chemical, through inhalation, dermal and gastrointestinal routes. The aim of the study was to develop a method for the determination of 1,2-dihydroxybenzene to assess occupational exposure within 1/10–2 of the proposed MAC value (10 mg/m3). The method involves the collection of 1,2-dihydroxybenzene in a system consisting of a glass fiber filter and a tube containing two layers of XAD-7 sorbent, extraction with a solution of N,N-dimethylformamide in methanol, and chromatographic analysis of the resulting solution. The method allows the determination of 1,2-dihydroxybenzene in air in the concentration range from 1.0 to 20.0 mg/m3. The method has been validated in accordance with PN-EN 482. The scope of the article includes health and environmental health and safety issues being the subject of research in health sciences and environmental engineering.

1,4-Dioxane is a volatile liquid with a weak odor that dissolves well in water and most organic solvents. As a flammable liquid it poses a fire hazard. 1,4-Dioxane is unstable at increased temperature and pressure and can form explosive mixtures. It is mainly used as a solvent in the production of other chemicals, as a solvent for printing inks, coatings and adhesives, and as a laboratory reagent. According to the Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council (WE 1272/2008), 1,4-dioxane is classified as a carcinogen, flammable, eye and respiratory irritant. This article presents a method for the determination of 1,4-dioxane in workplace air, revised due to a proposed change in the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) value for this substance. The method involves adsorption of 1,4-dioxane on activated carbon, desorption with a mixture of propan-2-ol and carbon disulfide, and chromatographic analysis (GC-FID) of the resulting solution. The method allows for the determination of 1,4-dioxane in the concentration range of 2.2 to 44 mg/m3 (MAC 22 mg/m3) or 0.73 to 14.6 mg/m3 (MAC 7.3 mg/m3), i.e. 1/10 to 2 of the proposed value of the maximum allowable concentration. The method has been validated in accordance with PN-EN 482. This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental engineering.

In the sixth phase of the national programme “Governmental Programme for Improvement of Safety and Working Conditions” in 2023, three meetings of the Interdepartmental Commission for Maximum Admissible Concentrations and Intensities for Agents Harmful to Health in the Working Environment were considered, during which: eight documentations of the occupational exposure limit values, a position regarding the extension of the transitional period for the OEL for nitrogen oxide by 3 years for the underground mining and tunnel construction sector, the position of the Cobalt Institute, the Group Expert of Chemical and Dust Agents regarding the proposal of the ECHA Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) for OEL values for cobalt and its inorganic compounds (as Co) and the position of the regarding the exemption for nickel and lead compounds included in the annex to the Regulation of MAC and MAI of 2018. The Interdepartmental Commission for MAC and MAI adopted and submitted to the minister responsible for labour three proposals to amend the list of MAC and MAI in the following scope: introduction of occupational concentration values for five new chemical substances, leaving the current MAC value for the inhalable fraction of glyphosate (herbicide), extension by 3 years of the transitional period for the permissible concentration of nitrogen oxide in the underground mining and tunnel construction sector, i.e. until August 21, 2026, removal of exclusions regarding nickel and lead compounds included in the annex to the regulation on NDS and NDN of 2018 (implementation of Directive 2022/431/EU). The results of the Commission's activities in 2023 were presented in three notes, communication No. XVI, a popular science publication, at the 23rd PTHP Symposium, and in a brochure entitled “Harmful factors in the work environment - limit values for carcinogenic/mutagenic, reprotoxic substances” as well as regular occupational health and safety training and in postgraduate studies.