Due to the increasingly popular application of platinum nanoparticles (Pt-NPs), they can be continuously released to the environment, mainly to the air (including the air in the working environment), but also to water, wastewater and soil, both from production processes, during their processing and use, and as a result of waste disposal. Pt-NPs toxicity data are limited. Given the ability of Pt-NPs to bioaccumulate in living organisms, it is important to know the long-term effects of exposure, such as the impact on reproductive functions, including hormone (testosterone and 17β-estradiol) production. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Pt-NPs on steroid hormone secretion in Leydig cells. Cytotoxicity of Pt-NPs < 50 nm was assessed in the R2C Leydig cell line derived from rat testicles by examining their effects on cellular metabolic activity (MTT assay) and cell membrane damage (NRU assay). Abnormalities of steroidogenesis in cells were evaluated by determination of testosterone (T) and 17β-estradiol (E2) secretion with the competitive ELISA test. Pt-NPs exerted a cytotoxic effect on R2C cells depending on the concentration, but this effect was seen only in the MTT assay (50% reduction in cell survival was noted at concentrations above 250 μg/ml). Pt-NPs at non-cytotoxic concentrations (8–125 μg/ml) increased the secretion of T and E2 as compared with control. The E2 concentration was maintained at a level comparable to the effect of an inducer (forskolin). The results, yet having a screening nature, may indicate a potential steroidogenesis-modulating effect of Pt-NPs in gonads.

Nickel (Ni) is a metal with a distinctive luster, and has found applications in alloying, electroplating, battery manufacturing, prosthetics, pigments, ceramics and computer industries. The effects of human exposure to nickel and its compounds under occupational conditions mainly include effects on the respiratory system (including the risk of cancer of the lungs and nasal cavity, fibrosis and pneumoconiosis, bronchial asthma) and sensitization of the skin and respiratory system. The harmful effects of nickel and its compounds on the respiratory system are confirmed by the results of experimental studies on animals. Long-term exposure to nickel and its compounds also caused immune system impairment and nephro- and hepatotoxic effects. Soluble nickel salts did not induce mutations in bacterial cells, but the genotoxicity of nickel and its compounds has been confirmed in studies using mammalian eukaryotic cells, with only high nickel concentrations. Nickel and its compounds can cross the placenta and into breast milk. Respiratory carcinogenic effects after inhalation exposure have also been demonstrated in rat studies, mainly in regard of nickel sulfide and nickel oxide. It has been proposed to adopt the binding values for nickel compounds included in Directive (EU) 2022/431 of the European Parliament and of the Council of March 9, 2022, amending Directive 2004/37/EC, as the NDS values: 0.01 mg Ni/m³ (respirable fraction), 0.05 mg Ni/m³ (inhalable fraction). It is proposed to adopt a transitional period up to and including January 17, 2025, during which an NDS value of 0.1 mg/m³ will apply to the inhalable fraction of nickel compounds. It is proposed to label as substances with the following effects: sensitizer, carcinogen cat. 1A – nickel compounds, Carc. 2 – carcinogenic cat. 2 – nickel metal, reproductive toxicity.

Butan-2-one oxime (MEKO) belongs to ketoximes. It is used in the formulation of primers, varnishes and protective coatings. From March 1, 2022, MEKO has been classified as a category 1B carcinogen. Repeated or chronic inhalation exposure of laboratory animals to MEKO leads to: methaemoglobinaemia, haemolytic anemia, non-neoplastic effects on the liver and degenerative changes of the olfactory epithelium in the nose. Liver effects of MEKO were observed in rats and mice in a concentration-dependent manner in life-long studies. MEKO did not induce mutations in bacterial, in vitro mammalian cell and in vivo tests. No data on the carcinogenicity of MEKO in humans have been found in the available literature. Butan-2-one oxime caused liver tumors (adenomas and carcinomas) in F344 rats and CD-1 mice. A dose of 600 mg/kg/day was taken as the NOAEL for developmental toxicity in rats. For maternal toxicity, a LOAEL of 25 mg/kg/day was established. The base for calculating the proposed MAC value included the results of liver cancer risk estimation carried out by German researchers. It was proposed to adopt the MAC-TWA value at the level of 1 mg/m³ and MAC-STEL at the level of 3 mg/m³ . Due to the carcinogenic, irritating and sensitizing effect of thesubstance as well as skin absorption, the following labeling of the compound was proposed: “Carc. 1B”, “A”, “I”, “skin”.This article discusses the problems of occupational safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental engineering.

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.

Isoprene is a highly volatile liquid with an unpleasant and irritating odor, which is easily polymerized in the air with the release of energy. Isoprene is used in industry mainly for the production of tires, inner tubes, garden hoses, gaskets and clothing. It is extracted industrially as a byproduct of the thermal cracking of gasoline and oil, or as a byproduct of ethylene production. It can also be produced during condensation of isobutene with formaldehyde or by catalytic dehydrogenation of isopentane. It is made by plants, where it is used during the production of tarpenoids, carotenoids and dyes. According to the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council (WE 1272/2008), isoprene has been classified as a carcinogen, mutagen and extremely flammable substance. The aim of the study was to develop a method for determining isoprene to assess occupational exposure within 1/10−2 of the proposed MAC value. The method involves collecting airborne isoprene onto a tube filled with ORBO 351 sorbent, desorbing it in carbon disulfide, and then determining the isoprene content of the sample using gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Validation requirements presented in European standard PN-EN 482 were fulfilled during the tests. The method enables determination of isoprene in air at concentrations of 0,8−16 mg/m³. The method for determining isoprene 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.