Assessment of occupational exposure of medical personnel to inhalatory anesthetics in Poland

Objectives: Despite common use of inhalatory anesthetics, such as nitrous oxide (N2O), halothane, sevoflurane, and the like, occupational exposure to these substances in operating theatres was not monitored in Poland until 2006. The situation changed when maximum admissible concentration (MAC) values for anesthetics used in Poland were established in 2005 for N2O, and in 2007 for sevoflurane, desflurane and isoflurane. The aim of this work was to assess occupational exposure in operating rooms on the basis of reliable and uniform analytical procedures. Material and Methods: The method for the determination of all anesthetics used in Poland, i.e. nitrous oxide, sevoflurane, isoflurane, desflurane, and halothane, was developed and validated. The measurements were performed in 2006-2010 in 31 hospitals countrywide. The study covered 117 operating rooms; air samples were collected from the breathing zone of 146 anesthesiologists, and 154 nurses, mostly anaesthetic. The measurements were carried out during various surgical operations, mostly on adult patients but also in hospitals for children. Results: Time weighted average concentrations of the anesthetics varied considerably, and the greatest differences were noted for N2O (0.1-1438.5 mg/m3); 40% of the results exceeded the MAC value. Only 3% of halothane, and 2% of sevoflurane concentrations exceeded the respective MAC values. Conclusions: Working in operating theatres is dangerous to the health of the operating staff. The coefficient of combined exposure to anesthesiologists under study exceeded the admissible value in 130 cases, which makes over 40% of the whole study population. Most of the excessive exposure values were noted for nitrous oxide. Med Pr 2014;65(1):43–5

Triphenyl phosphate. Determination in workplace air with gas chromatography

Fosforan trifenylu (FTF) jest bezbarwnym ciałem stałym o delikatnym zapachu przypominającym fenol. Związek jest stosowany jako środek zmniejszający palność przy produkcji elementów elektrycznych i samochodowych oraz jako niepalny plastyfikator używany do produkcji kliszy fotograficznej. Ponadto jest składnikiem płynów hydraulicznych i olejów smarowych, pracujących w warunkach ekstremalnych ciśnień. Fosforan trifenylu jest obecnie stosowany jako zamiennik bisfenolu A w opakowaniach z tworzyw sztucznych i innych, znalazł również zastosowanie w kosmetykach. Celem prac badawczych było opracowanie i walidacja metody oznaczania fosforanu trifenylu w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy. Opracowana metoda oznaczania fosforanu trifenylu polega na adsorpcji par tej substancji na żywicy XAD-2, desorpcji przy użyciu mieszaniny dichlorometan−acetonitryl (1: 1) i analizie chromatograficznej tak otrzymanego roztworu. Do badań wykorzystano chromatograf gazowy sprzężony ze spektrometrem mas (GC-MS), wyposażony w niepolarną kolumnę kapilarną HP-5MS (o długości 30 m, średnicy 0,25 mm i grubości filmu fazy stacjonarnej 0,25 µm). Wskazania spektrometru mas pracującego w trybie SIM w funkcji stężenia fosforanu trifenylu w badanym zakresie stężeń (10,0 ÷ 200,0 µg/ml) mają charakter liniowy. Opracowana metoda analityczna umożliwia oznaczanie fosforanu trifenylu w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy w obecności substancji współwystępujących. Metoda charakteryzuje się dobrą precyzją i dokładnością, spełnia wymagania normy PN-EN 482 dla procedur dotyczących oznaczania czynników chemicznych. Opracowana metoda oznaczania fosforanu trifenylu w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy została zapisana w postaci procedury analitycznej, którą zamieszczono w załączniku. Zakres tematyczny artykułu obejmuje zagadnienia zdrowia oraz bezpieczeństwa i higieny środowiska pracy będące przedmiotem badań z zakresu nauk o zdrowiu oraz inżynierii środowiska.Triphenyl phosphate (TPP) is a colorless solid with a slight phenol-like odor. It is used as a flame retardant in the production of electrical and automotive components and as a non-flammable plasticizer used in the production of photographic film. In addition, it is a component of hydraulic fluids and lubricating oils operating under extreme pressure. TPP is currently used as a substitute for Bisphenol A in plastic and other packaging, and has also been used in cosmetics. The aim of the research was to develop and validate method of determination of triphenyl phosphate in workplace air. The developed method of TPP determination consists in adsorption of the vapors of this substance on XAD-2 resin, extraction with a dichloromethane-acetonitrile mixture and chromatographic analysis of the solution obtained in this way. The study was performed by gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS), equipped with a non-polar HP-5MS capillary column (length 30 m, diameter 0.25 mm and the film thickness of the stationary phase 0.25 µm). Indications of the mass spectrometer operating in SIM mode as a function of TPP concentration in the tested concentration range (10.0–200.0 µg/ml) are linear. The analytical method described in this paper enables determination of TPP in air at workplaces in the presence of comorbid substances. The method is precise, accurate and it meets the criteria for procedure for determination of chemical agents listed in Standard No. PN-EN 482. Developed method of determination of triphenyl phosphate at workplaces 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

1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone. Determination in workplace air with gas chromatography

1-Metylo-2-pirolidon (NMP) jest higroskopijną cieczą o lekko aminowym (rybnym) zapachu, pochodną γ-laktamu. NMP znalazł zastosowanie w przemyśle chemicznym jako polarny rozpuszczalnik do ekstrakcji, do mycia i odłuszczania części metalowych, do usuwania pozostałości żywic z części elektronicznych oraz starych powłok malarskich. Główną drogą narażenia na NMP w środowisku pracy jest droga inhalacyjna oraz kontakt przez skórę. Celem prac badawczych było opracowanie i walidacja metody oznaczania 1-metylo-2-pirolidonu w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy. Opracowana metoda oznaczania NMP polega na adsorpcji par tej substancji na węglu z łupin orzecha kokosowego, ekstrakcji dichlorometanem i analizie chromatograficznej tak otrzymanego roztworu. Do badań wykorzystano chromatograf gazowy sprzężony ze spektrometrem mas (GC-MS), wyposażony w polarną kolumnę kapilarną ZB-WAXplus (o długości 60 m, średnicy 0,25 mm i grubości filmu fazy stacjonarnej 0,5 µm). Opracowana metoda jest liniowa w zakresie stężeń 40,0 ÷ 800,0 µg/ml, co odpowiada zakresowi 4,0 ÷ 80,0 mg/m³ dla próbki powietrza o objętości 10 l. Opracowana metoda analityczna umożliwia oznaczanie 1-metylo-2-pirolidonu w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy w obecności substancji współwystępujących. Metoda charakteryzuje się dobrą precyzją i dokładnością i spełnia wymagania normy PN-EN 482 dla procedur dotyczących oznaczania czynników chemicznych. Opracowana metoda oznaczania 1-metylo-2-pirolidonu w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy została zapisana w postaci procedury analitycznej, którą zamieszczono w załączniku. Zakres tematyczny artykułu obejmuje zagadnienia zdrowia oraz bezpieczeństwa i higieny środowiska pracy będące przedmiotem badań z zakresu nauk o zdrowiu oraz inżynierii środowiska.1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) is a hygroscopic liquid with a slightly amine (fishy) odor, a derivative of γ-lactam. NMP has been used in the chemical industry as a polar solvent for extraction, washing and degreasing metal parts, removing residual resins from electronic parts, removing old paint coatings. The main route of exposure to NMP in workplace air is the inhalation route and skin contact. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a method for determining 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone in workplace air. The developed method of NMP determination consists in adsorption of vapors of this substance on coconut shell charcoal, extraction with a dichloromethane and chromatographic analysis of the solution obtained in this way. The study was performed with gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS), equipped with a polar ZB-WAXplus capillary column (length 60 m, diameter 0.25 mm and the film thickness of the stationary phase 0.5 µm). The developed method is linear in the concentration range of 40.0–800.0 µg/ml, which corresponds to the range of 4.0–80.0 mg/m³ for a 10-L air sample. The analytical method described in this paper makes it possible to determine 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone in workplace air in the presence of comorbid substances. The method is precise, accurate and it meets the criteria for procedure for determining chemical agents listed in Standard No. PN-EN 482. The developed method for determining 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone at workplace air 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

Furan. Determination in workplace air with gas chromatography

Furan jest bezbarwną, bardzo lotną i łatwopalną cieczą o charakterystycznym eterowym zapachu. Występuje naturalnie w niektórych gatunkach drewna, powstaje podczas spalania drewna, tytoniu i paliw, a także obróbki termicznej żywności. W przemyśle furan jest stosowany jako półprodukt w syntezie organicznej, rozpuszczalnik żywic, przy produkcji lakierów, leków, stabilizatorów i insektycydów, a także do produkcji związków chemicznych o strukturze polimerycznej i związków kompleksowych. Działanie rakotwórcze na zwierzęta było podstawą do uznania furanu za substancję o prawdopodobnym działaniu rakotwórczym na ludzi. Celem prac badawczych było opracowanie i walidacja metody oznaczania furanu w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy. Opracowana metoda oznaczania furanu polega na adsorpcji par tej substancji na węglu łupin z orzecha kokosowego, ekstrakcji za pomocą roztworu butan-1-olu w toluenie i analizie chromatograficznej tak otrzymanego roztworu. Do badań wykorzystano chromatograf gazowy sprzężony ze spektrometrem mas (GC-MS), wyposażony w niepolarną kolumnę kapilarną HP-PONA (o długości 50 m, średnicy 0,2 mm i grubości filmu fazy stacjonarnej 0,5 µm). Opracowana metoda jest liniowa w zakresie stężeń 0,05 ÷ 1,0 µg/ml, co odpowiada zakresowi 0,005 ÷ 0,1 mg/m³ dla próbki powietrza o objętości 10 l. Opracowana metoda analityczna umożliwia oznaczanie furanu w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy w obecności substancji współwystępujących. Metoda charakteryzuje się dobrą precyzją i dokładnością i spełnia wymagania normy PN-EN 482 dla procedur dotyczących oznaczania czynników chemicznych. Opracowana metoda oznaczania furanu w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy została zapisana w postaci procedury analitycznej, którą zamieszczono w załączniku. Zakres tematyczny artykułu obejmuje zagadnienia zdrowia oraz bezpieczeństwa i higieny środowiska pracy będące przedmiotem badań z zakresu nauk o zdrowiu oraz inżynierii środowiska.Furan is colorless, highly volatile and flammable liquid with a specific ether odor. In nature it occurs in some species of wood, it is formed during burning process of wood, tobacco, fuels and also in thermal food processing. In industry furan is used as an intermediate in organic synthesis, resins solvent, during production of lacquer, drugs, stabilizers, insecticides and also in production of chemical compounds which have polymeric and coordination structure. Carcinogenic effect on animals was a base of recognition that furan is a substance which is probably also carcinogenic on humans. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a method of determining furan in workplace air. Developed determination method of furan relies on vapor absorption of this substance on coconut shell charcoal. Furan was extracted by 5% butan-1-ol solution in toluene. Obtained solution was analyzed with chromatography. The study was performed with gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS), equipped with non-polar HP-PONA capillary column (length 50 m, diameter 0.2 mm and the film thickness of the stationary phase 0.5 µm). Developed method is linear in the concentration range of 0.05–1.0 µg/ml, which is equivalent to the range of 0.005–0.1 mg/m³ for 10-L air sample. The analytical method described in this paper makes it possible to determine furan in workplace air in the presence of comorbid substances. The method is precise, accurate and it meets the criteria for procedures for determining chemical agents listed in Standard No. PN-EN 482. The developed method of determining furan in workplace air 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

1-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone. Determination in workplace air with gas chromatography

1-Etylo-2-pirolidon (NEP) jest bezbarwną cieczą o zapachu zbliżonym do amoniaku. Należy do związków organicznych z grupy laktamów, czyli jest etylową pochodną 2-pirolidonu. 1-Etylo-2-pirolidon ze względu na podobne właściwości fizykochemiczne stosowany jest w przemyśle jako zamiennik 1-metylo-2-pirolidonu (NMP). Używany jest jako rozpuszczalnik w przemyśle polimerowym, petrochemicznym, farb i lakierów, elektronicznym. Ponadto znalazł zastosowanie jako środek czyszczący do usuwania farb, lakierów, klejów, oleju czy smarów. 1-Etylo-2-pirolidon może wchłaniać się przez skórę, a także drogą inhalacyjną i pokarmową. Celem prac badawczych było opracowanie i walidacja metody oznaczania 1-etylo-2-pirolidonu w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy. Opracowana metoda oznaczania NEP polega na adsorpcji par tej substancji na węglu z łupin orzecha kokosowego, ekstrakcji dichlorometanem i analizie chromatograficznej tak otrzymanego roztworu. Do badań wykorzystano chromatograf gazowy sprzężony ze spektrometrem mas (GC-MS), wyposażony w polarną kolumnę kapilarną ZB-WAXplus (o długości 60 m, średnicy 0,25 mm i grubości filmu fazy stacjonarnej 0,5 µm). Opracowana metoda jest liniowa w zakresie stężeń 15,0 ÷ 320,0 µg/ml, co odpowiada zakresowi 1,5 ÷ 32,0 mg/m³ dla próbki powietrza o objętości 10 l. Opracowana metoda analityczna umożliwia oznaczanie 1-etylo-2-pirolidonu w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy w obecności substancji współwystępujących. Metoda charakteryzuje się dobrą precyzją i dokładnością i spełnia wymagania normy PN-EN 482 dla procedur dotyczących oznaczania czynników chemicznych. Opracowana metoda oznaczania 1-etylo-2-pirolidonu w powietrzu na stanowiskach pracy została zapisana w postaci procedury analitycznej, którą zamieszczono w załączniku. Zakres tematyczny artykułu obejmuje zagadnienia zdrowia oraz bezpieczeństwa i higieny środowiska pracy będące przedmiotem badań z zakresu nauk o zdrowiu oraz inżynierii środowiska.-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (NEP) is a colorless liquid with ammonia-like odor. It belongs to the organic compounds from the lactam group, i.e., the ethyl derivative of 2-pyrrolidone. 1-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, due to similar physicochemical properties, is used in industry as a substitute for 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). It is used as a solvent in polymer, petrochemical, paint and varnish, and electronic industries. Moreover, it has been used as a cleaning agent for removing paints, varnishes, adhesives, oil or grease. 1-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone can be absorbed through the skin as well as through inhalation and food. The aim of the this study was to develop and validate a method for determining 1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone in workplace air. The developed method of NEP determination consists in adsorption of vapors of this substance on coconut shell charcoal, extraction with a dichloromethane and chromatographic analysis of the obtained solution. The study was performed using a gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS), equipped with a polar ZB-WAXplus capillary column (length 60 m, diameter 0.25 mm and the film thickness of the stationary phase 0.5 µm). The developed method is linear in the concentration range of 15.0–320.0 µg/ml, which corresponds to the range of 1.5–32.0 mg/m³ for a 10-L air sample. The analytical method described in this paper makes it possible to determine 1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone in workplace air in the presence of comorbid substances. The method is precise, accurate and it meets the criteria for procedure for measuring chemical agents listed in Standard No. PN-EN 482. Developed method of determining 1-ethyl2-pyrrolidone at workplace air 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

Testing of the composition of e-cigarette liquids – Manufacturer-declared vs. true contents in a selected series of products

Background: Electronic cigarettes are currently in common use. However, in Poland there is no specific legislation governing the sale of these products. At the same time, no information has been made public about the hazards e-cigarettes pose to the users and bystanders − passive smokers. The aim of the study was to determine the qualitative composition of the analyzed liquid, which is an essential element of regulating the distribution of such cigarettes. Material and Methods: Under this study the method for determining the composition of e-cigarette liquids was developed. This method employs gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Levels of nicotine and flavoring components were determined in 50 e-liquid samples. The results were compared with the information provided by the manufacturer on the packaging. Results: The applied method of qualitative determination helped to identify the main ingredients, such as nicotine and propylene glycol (PG). Propylene glycol was found to be present in all liquids, because it was used as the solvent for nicotine and flavors. There was a good agreement between the declared and the determined content of nicotine in the analyzed samples. The agreement was considerably poorer for the remaining e-liquid ingredients, mainly flavors. Conclusions: There was no agreement between the flavor substances specified by the manufacturer and aroma identified in the e-cigarette liquid, which may pose a risk to users of e-cigarettes, particularly those susceptible to allergies. Several unsaturated aliphatic alcohols and aldehydes found to be present in the liquids, unstable at elevated temperatures, may be more harmful to the smoker than the original compounds. Therefore, it is essential to implement in Poland the legal provisions regarding e-cigarettes. Med Pr 2016;67(2):239–25

Comparability of Portable and Desktop Spirometry: A Randomized, Parallel Assignment, Open-Label Clinical Trial

Introduction: Portable spirometers are often perceived as inaccurate. We aimed to evaluate the performance of AioCare®, a new portable spirometer, by comparing it with a reference desktop spirometer. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two patients diagnosed with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease performed spirometry examinations on a portable and the reference spirometer. The patients were randomized to two groups with different order, in which the spirometers were used. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and FEV₁/FVC rate were compared. Results: The study revealed a high correlation in FEV₁, FVC, FEV₁/FVC and PEF between portable and reference spirometers. The mean differences between measurements obtained from the AioCare® and reference spirometer were: 0.0079 liter for FEV₁ (p = 0.61), 0.05 liter for FVC (p = 0.14), 5.1 liter/min for PEF (p = 0.28) and –0.0034 for FEV₁/FVC rate (p = 0.54). Pearson correlation coefficient analysis showed high association of FEV₁ (R = 0.994; 95% CI: 0.990–0.997; p < 0.001), FVC (R = 0.984; 95% CI: 0.974–0.990; p < 0.001), PEF (R = 0.965; 95% CI: 0.942–0.979; p < 0.001), and FEV₁/FVC (R = 0.954; 95% CI: 0.924–0.972; p < 0.001) readings from both spirometers. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the portable spirometer produces largely similar readings to those obtained by a stationary spirometer in patients with chronic lung diseases, and therefore it may serve as a complementary tool in daily, remote management of patients with lung diseases

Chemical composition of surgical smoke formed in the abdominal cavity during laparoscopic cholecystectomy – Assessment of the risk to the patient

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the exposure of patients to organic substances produced and identified in surgical smoke formed in the abdominal cavity during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Material and Methods: Identification of these substances in surgical smoke was performed by the use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with selective ion monitoring (SIM). The selected biomarkers of exposure to surgical smoke included benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene. Their concentrations in the urine samples collected from each patient before and after the surgery were determined by SPME-GC/MS. Results: Qualitative analysis of the smoke produced during laparoscopic procedures revealed the presence of a wide variety of potentially toxic chemicals such as benzene, toluene, xylene, dioxins and other substances. The average concentrations of benzene and toluene in the urine of the patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, in contrast to the other determined compounds, were significantly higher after the surgery than before it, which indicates that they were absorbed. Conclusions: The source of the compounds produced in the abdominal cavity during the surgery is tissue pyrolysis in the presence of carbon dioxide atmosphere. All patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures are at risk of absorbing and excreting smoke by-products. Exposure of the patient to emerging chemical compounds is usually a one-time and short-term incident, yet concentrations of benzene and toluene found in the urine were significantly higher after the surgery than before it

Comparability of portable and desktop spirometry: a randomized, parallel assignment, open-label clinical trial

Introduction: Portable spirometers are often perceived as inaccurate. We aimed to evaluate the performance of AioCare®, a new portable spirometer, by comparing it with a reference desktop spirometer. Materials and methods: Sixty-two patients diagnosed with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease performed spirometry examinations on a portable and the reference spirometer. The patients were randomized to two groups with different order, in which the spirometers were used. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and FEV1/FVC rate were compared. Results: The study revealed a high correlation in FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and PEF between portable and reference spirometers. The mean differences between measurements obtained from the AioCare® and reference spirometer were: 0.0079 liter for FEV1 (p = 0.61), 0.05 liter for FVC (p = 0.14), 5.1 liter/min for PEF (p = 0.28) and –0.0034 for FEV1/FVC rate (p = 0.54). Pearson correlation coefficient analysis showed high association of FEV1 (R = 0.994; 95% CI: 0.990–0.997; p < 0.001), FVC (R = 0.984; 95% CI: 0.974–0.990; p < 0.001), PEF (R = 0.965; 95% CI: 0.942–0.979; p < 0.001), and FEV1/FVC (R = 0.954; 95% CI: 0.924–0.972; p < 0.001) readings from both spirometers. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the portable spirometer produces largely similar readings to those obtained by a stationary spirometer in patients with chronic lung diseases, and therefore it may serve as a complementary tool in daily, remote management of patients with lung diseases

Analysis of volatile ingredients of selected essential oils listing relaxing action

Background Stress is a result of disturbed homeostasis and can contribute to the development of many diseases. One of the methods of combating stress is aromatherapy, which uses essential oils with a calming and relaxing effect. The aim of the work was to perform a qualitative analysis of selected essential oils with a relaxing effect. Material and Methods The research concerned 6 preparations available on the Polish market, which are attributed with anti-stress activity. The qualitative analysis was carried out by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, which allows the determination of both main and trace substances in the tested oils. The components of individual samples were compared with data from the literature. Results In the samples tested 9–36 substances were identified. The following substances had the largest share in the composition of the studied samples: limonene (0.5−91%), linalool acetate (16.8−39.2%), citronellal (0.1−28.7%), linalool (0.8−46.5%), valerianol (17.6%), geraniol (16.4%), and citronellol (14%). Conclusions According to literature data, the main components of the studied essential oils have low acute toxicity. They can be safely used as intended and in the quantities recommended by the manufacturer. However, one should remember the potential synergistic effect (as a result of exposure to the abovementioned substances from various sources, such as: food, cosmetics, cleaning agents, etc.), as well as sensitizing effects of some compounds contained in oils. Despite the different chemical structure of active substances contained in the tested oils, it is suggested that the mechanism of the relaxing effect is identical and is associated with the inhibition of glutamatergic neurotransmission, similar to the action of benzodiazepines. Med Pr. 2019;70(2):229–4