Exposure of military unit employees to carcinogenic factors in the work environment in 2018–2019

Abstract

Background The aim of the study was to analyze data on the exposure of military personnel to carcinogenic chemical substances, ionizing radiation and technological processes. Material and Methods Reports collected from the Military Centers of Preventive Medicine on carcinogens and exposure of workers in military units and institutions were subjected to a detailed analysis. Results The number of workers exposed to carcinogenic factors increased in the period under analysis. In 2019, the total number of people exposed in the workplace to chemical carcinogens or mutagens was 4058, to ionizing radiation – 1015, and to technological processes with carcinogenic or mutagenic effects – 12, compared to 3224, 1289 and 8 people, respectively, in 2018. The most common chemical agents in military units which caused exposure, from the point of view of occupational health and safety, were mixtures of liquid hydrocarbons used as fuel for driving vehicles and devices with internal combustion engines. In military units dedicated to the provision of medical services, exposure to X-ray radiation (diagnostics imaging) and formaldehyde (pathomorphology) was the most common. Conclusions The collected data presents different approaches of individuals in terms of reporting and assessing occupational exposure. Understanding the long-term health effects requires more thorough research. Med Pr. 2021;72(5):501–8

Keywords

• occupational exposure
• ionizing radiation
• workplace
• chemical agents
• technological processes
• osh supervision