This article, aimed at assessing potential health risks to medical personnel, presents a literature review on paclitaxel (PTX), a natural taxane alkaloid widely used in cancer chemotherapy. The review analyzes the toxic properties of PTX, occupational exposure routes and sources, as well as findings from environmental and biological monitoring studies and potential health effects. The methodology included a review of literature from reputable databases, institutional reports on hazardous medicinal products, and data from national registries. The results confirm that, despite its effectiveness in cancer treatment, PTX is a highly toxic substance associated with significant occupational risk. Due to its high molecular weight and relatively high vapor pressure, exposure may occur via inhalation and dermal contact during various stages of drug handling - from preparation to contact with patients' excreta. Biological monitoring has detected PTX in the urine and plasma of healthcare workers, while environmental monitoring has confirmed widespread surface contamination in medical facilities. The potential health effects of PTX primarily include mutagenic and genotoxic actions (aneugenicity, clastogenicity, DNA damage, chromosomal aberrations, and micronuclei formation), as well as neurotoxicity, myelosuppression, hepatotoxicity, and adverse effects on reproduction (embryotoxicity, fetotoxicity, and impaired fertility). To identify irregularities early and effectively reduce health risks associated with PTX exposure, a comprehensive occupational exposure assessment should become standard practice. This assessment should incorporate 3 complementary components: biological monitoring of workers, air concentration measurements, and surface contamination testing using wipe sampling. The inclusion of surface contamination measurements as a routine exposure surveillance method should be recognized as a best practice in healthcare settings where cytotoxic substances are used. A reference value of 0.1 ng/cm² for surface contamination is recommended. The implementation of effective preventive measures, appropriate personal protective equipment, regular decontamination, and staff training is essential for protecting the health of medical personnel. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(6).

A significant increase in the number of indoor shooting ranges for many years in Poland and most European countries is connected with a raising number of people potentially exposed to lead (both employees and users). In recent years, it has been noted that lead exposure poses a significant health risk to both those who professionally use indoor shooting ranges, such as services officers, instructors, and shooting range staff, as well as occasional users. Exposure to lead increased its blood concentrations, which is associated with the risk of serious health effects, primarily affecting the hematopoietic system and the peripheral nervous system. Indoor shooting ranges constitute a significant source of occupational lead exposure for employees and users, primarily through inhalation. Available literature indicates existing health risks associated with working at these facilities, primarily related to the chronic effects of lead poisoning. Lead, although regulated by industry, is not routinely identified as a harmful agent at shooting ranges, resulting in a lack of measurements of lead concentrations in air and blood. The aim of this study was to assess current legal regulations regarding occupational lead exposure in the workplace in relation to exposure of employees at indoor shooting ranges. This study analyzed and summarized the current regulations regarding occupational lead exposure assessment and the literature regarding potential lead exposure at indoor shooting ranges. Due to EU Directive 2024/869 lowering the occupational exposure limit (OEL) and biological limit values (BLV) for lead, it appears necessary to develop guidelines and regulations regulating the exposure of employees at indoor shooting ranges to lead, similar to that in the United States. Lack of identification and reduction of lead exposure at indoor shooting ranges may lead to an increase in occupational disease cases, which poses a significant challenge for both employers and the healthcare system. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(6).

Eating a healthy and varied diet is an important factor in supporting the maintenance of mental health. Many nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, are essential for proper brain function and a lack of them can contribute to impaired mental function. For workers who are exposed to excessive mental stress during work activities a balanced diet is particularly important to maintain cognitive performance, increase resistance to stress and maintain good overall psychophysical performance. A review was conducted to find scientific papers dedicated to studying the impact of nutrition on mental fitness. The review included papers published 2012-2025. As a result of the literature analysis, selected nutrients that play an important role in the proper functioning of the nervous system were listed. The role each component plays in the body and the consequences of deficiencies were discussed. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(6).

This study aimed to identify distinct employee and organizational profiles influencing workplace safety behaviors (compliance and participation) using latent profile analysis (LPA), focusing on psychological need satisfaction, work performance, and organizational safety culture.

The constantly growing number of elderly and disabled people in Polish society forces decision-makers, investors, and architects to take action to eliminate obstacles in access to public buildings. Educational and cultural facilities, including libraries, are particularly important for ensuring the well-being of this particular group. These facilities should be characterized by universal accessibility, including appropriate location that facilitates integration with the environment not only geographically but also socially, the reduction of all barriers, and the implementation of solutions that enable the use of all their areas by people with special needs. The spatial solutions of these facilities should counteract social exclusion. The aim of the article is an attempt to diagnose the current state of adaptation of public libraries to the needs of elderly and disabled people in one of the representative cities in Poland.

The role of architects is to create sustainable spaces that are artificial yet mimic natural environments, taking into account the needs of all users. One such group is the elderly, whose spatial requirements change with age. Physical and psychological limitations emerge as they age. This issue is mainly considered regarding the organization of architectural space and its impact on older adults.

The research presented here was designed to look for possible relationships between personality traits, including temperament, work ethic components and workaholism. Workaholism, i.e., work addiction, was conceptualized as obsession and compulsion to work and excessive work.

The aim of the article is to answer the question of how to improve the fulfillment of the needs of senior-aged individuals working in offices. To this end, based on experiences gained from designing healthcare buildings, guidelines for designing architecture with a therapeutic function that positively impacts users' health have been formulated. The concept of the system presented in the article is based on a consistent architectural approach aimed at enriching the functional aspects of existing office buildings with health-promoting spaces that enhance users' well-being.

Obesity is a serious health problem among workers. Blue-collar workers, despite the fact that their work involves physical effort, may also have difficulty maintaining a healthy body weight. A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among blue-collar workers employed in various sectors of industry. The study also examined the influence of selected occupational and non-occupational factors on excessive body mass in this group of workers.

Legal regulations regarding anti-smoking policy in Poland were analyzed in comparison to solutions adopted in other countries around the world. Based on the 2022 National Health Survey of Poles conducted by the Polish Oncological Society and a report from the Polish Academy of Sciences, the smoking rate was nearly 30%, 3 pp higher than in 2021. At the same time, alternative nicotine products are becoming increasingly popular. The authors reviewed available reports and scientific publications on this topic and proposed directions for legislative changes. The goal is to reduce the scale of smoking and nicotine addiction, so that in the long term, the percentage of smokers in Poland decreases to 5%. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(5):407-416.

There is a lack of architectural guidelines for care and treatment facilities in Poland. The aim of the study was to assess the adequacy of existing regulations for the design of such facilities and to identify any shortcomings.

In some professions, the load on the vocal apparatus is particularly high, and professional functioning depends on maintaining vocal function for many hours a day. The aim of the study is to identify risk factors for the development of work-related and non-work-related diseases of the vocal organs and to indicate tests assessing the efficiency of the vocal organ in order to improve preventive care for employees exposed to vocal strain. The article discusses work-related diseases of the vocal organs and the law criteria for recognizing them as occupational diseases. The scope of preventive activities as part of preventive care for employees exposed to work requiring constant and excessive vocal effort was also determined. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(5):417-427.

Understanding user perception and experience is one of the key challenges in cognitive science and architecture. Anticipating user needs at the design stage, particularly those of the primary beneficiaries of an architectural structure or urban space, constitutes a central focus in user experience research. This article explores contemporary methods for studying the experiences of users in architectural environments, in particular, considering seniors. The study reviews the transition from foundational approaches - such as environmental psychology and evidence-based design - to technologically advanced methods incorporating biometric sensors. It highlights the potential of integrating physiological and behavioral data to capture cognitive-emotional responses to architectural spaces. Ultimately, the study advocates for the integration of advanced digital tools with traditional architectural research to create more inclusive, stress-reducing environments that enhance the quality of life for older individuals. The article presents a systematic literature review and analysis of current research on the user experience in architectural spaces. Special attention is given to the application of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) using body sensor networks (BSN), which enables real-time data collection, minimizes memory-related biases from surveys and retrospective interviews, and provides objective measurements of physiological and behavioral parameters, complementing subjective self-reports obtained through traditional methods. As research tools, data visualization techniques were utilized, including VOSviewer, which enables the graphical representation of keyword co-occurrence within leading scientific databases, Web of Science and Scopus. In view of the current development of technology it is possible to conduct EMA studies with older adults using BSN. Conducting such research, however necessitates an interdisciplinary approach, combining neuroscience, cognitive science, and universal design. Ongoing research is essential to refine design practices and create built environments that are inclusive and stress-reducing, ultimately providing an ergonomic and better-adapted architectural space for older adults. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(4):331-340.

Healthcare workers having close contact with patients are particularly vulnerable to influenza virus infection and may serve as a source of transmission. Despite WHO recommendations regarding annual influenza vaccination, the vaccination rate in this professional group in Poland remains very low. Scientific data on the effectiveness of influenza prevention methods are presented in the article. Additionally, attitudes toward influenza vaccination in Poland are analyzed based on a cross-sectional survey conducted at 3 university hospitals in Warsaw. The survey revealed that only 29.9% of respondents perceived vaccination as effective in preventing influenza, while 52.8% pointed to hand hygiene as the primary preventive measure. Significant differences were identified between professional groups, with physicians more likely than nurses to recognize vaccination efficacy (84% vs. 42.4%). The lack of willingness to undergo vaccination is primarily attributed to insufficient knowledge regarding vaccine safety and efficacy, concerns about adverse effects, and limited access to vaccines. Implementation of free workplace vaccinations and educational campaigns is suggested as a means to significantly increase vaccination coverage among healthcare personnel in Poland. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(5):397-406.

Urinary continence requires the coordination of all components of the urinary system. This review aimed to clarify contemporary views on the nature of micturition disorders and to try to determine which amenities might be useful for older people with micturition disorders. PubMed and Google Scholar search engines were used to search for English-language full-text articles using the keywords: "micturition disorders," "bladder changes," "neurological disorders," "hypoactive detrusor," "improvements," "technology," "quality of life improvement," "elderly," "accessibility," "public toilets," "interior design". Forty-one articles were selected for the final analysis. With age the structure of the bladder walls changes. At the same time, there are physiological changes in the nervous system that make ideal control of continence and micturition difficult. In older men, benign prostate hypertrophy is a common urinary tract disorder, in women there is pelvic organ prolapse and mucosal atrophy due to hypoestrogenism, and in both sexes an increase in infections. Older people are more likely to have diseases of other systems that affect urinary function (stroke, Parkinson's disease, dementia, circulatory failure, diabetes). Urinary incontinence, is a major social problem that significantly affects the quality of life of seniors. E-visits, medical chatbots, medical apps, and examinations performed at the patient's home or in the general practitioner's outpatient clinic can facilitate access to medical services for these patients. There is a need to improve accessibility to specialists, rehabilitation, medication, hygiene products as well as easy access to toilets at home and in the urban environment. The development of electronic devices, mobile applications and use of artificial intelligence, can improve the quality of life of seniors also regarding urinary disorders. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(3):199-207.

The aging population has led to an increasing number of patients with urological conditions, such as urinary tract infections, prostate and bladder cancer, and nephrolithiasis. These diseases often require regular medical visits, posing challenges for elderly patients with usually limited mobility, as well as for the burdened healthcare system. Telemedicine, through remote consultations and telemonitoring tools, can improve the care of urological patients, which require further analysis. A literature review in Polish and English was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases with the keywords: "telemedicine in urology," "telehealth in urology," "telehealth," "telementoring," and "telemedicine." Articles meeting the criteria, standards of practice according to the current guidelines, and relevant content related to the listed keywords were included. The authors evaluated the publications, excluding outdated information. Telemedicine facilitates early diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of patients, reducing transport. Remote consultations allow for the assessment of laboratory and imaging results, monitoring of cancer treatment, and planning of surgical and pharmacological treatments. In andrology, telemedicine supports hormonal therapy and infertility diagnostics. The use of virtual rounds and surgical telementoring enhances the effectiveness of surgical treatment. Although studies indicate high acceptance and adaptation rates of telemedicine among patients and physicians, significant barriers to its implementation remain. These include limited technological proficiency among elderly patients, lack of formal training and standardization of telemedical procedures, and concerns regarding data security and confidentiality in teleconsultations. Not all procedures in urology can be effectively managed remotely and further research, including the optimal scope of telemedicine, is necessary. Telemedicine is an effective tool in geriatric urological care, improving access to specialists, reducing costs, and enhancing patients' quality of life. However, its successful integration into modern urology requires addressing technological, organizational, legal and ethical challenges. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(3):223-231.

The development of research on exercise physiology in the last several years has allowed to better understand mechanisms affecting exercise performance in athletes. Despite this, the causes of exercise intolerance in athletes are not fully elucidated. The exercise performance is a complex process and regardless of the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system may be subject to significant changes under the influence of nervous system and thermoregulatory mechanisms. The purpose of this work is to assess the relationship between psychomotor performance ( - SP), core body temperature (Tc) and exercise performance parameters as measured by spiroergometry (cardiopulmonary exercise testing - CPX) and the diagnostic accuracy of neurothermometabolic index (NTMI) as a new marker of exercise performance in athletes.

With the increasing number of stroke cases worldwide, there is a growing demand for more and more effective rehabilitation methods. Having suffered a stroke is associated with significant functional and motor limitations, which directly translates into a decrease in quality of life. Over the past decades, researchers have become increasingly interested in the impact of therapies using multimedia tools, such as video games, virtual reality or robots that support the movements of specific body parts, on the effectiveness of rehabilitation and the patient's return to maximum fitness. One such tool is MusicGloves, a dynamic form of post-stroke rehabilitation using movement therapy, video games, music therapy and biofeedback. In this literature review, available peer-reviewed research papers from 2011-2020 were used. The purpose of the review article was to gather existing knowledge on the benefits and risks of using MusicGloves therapy as a form of rehabilitation for patients, with upper limb disorders, after stroke. Based on selected research papers, the effectiveness of MusicGloves therapy is described in comparison with other therapies available in neurological rehabilitation departments. MusicGloves therapy, as a fairly new therapy method, is a promising rehabilitation tool, with a simple and transparent way of working, not requiring the presence of a therapist during the entire therapy process, and significantly motivating patients to undertake newer and more difficult motor tasks. The effectiveness of MusicGloves therapy is still poorly understood, current research is based on low numbers of study groups and the sheer number of available studies is negligible. Improving the recommendations, regarding MusicGloves therapy, may allow patients to recover faster and achieve a standard of living similar to that before the stroke. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(3):193-197.

Bladder cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers, especially in older people. Bladder cancer belongs to urothelial carcinomas, which can also occur in other parts of the urinary tract (also at the same time). The most common symptom of bladder cancer is hematuria. Bladder cancer treatment is largely based on surgery. Not all patients (due to comorbidities) will benefit from surgical treatment (especially in the case of radical cystectomy). Appropriate geriatric assessment of patients is crucial when qualifying for surgery. The aim of this article was to indicate the best management of a multimorbid geriatric patient with bladder cancer. The authors presented current knowledge and discussed interdisciplinary approach. The literature review included scientific articles that form the new standards and current guidelines of the European Association of Urology. Geriatric patients with bladder cancer require greater specialist involvement and multidisciplinary care. During qualification for treatment, close cooperation between urologist, oncologist, geriatrician, and other specialists is necessary. Due to the complex therapeutic process, not all patients will be able to follow all recommendations. Personalized medicine allows for the selection of the most appropriate therapeutic option. Further research is also needed on less invasive treatments, such as trimodal therapy, which includes transurethral resection of the bladder tumor, systemic chemotherapy, and external beam radiation therapy - especially for patients who are not eligible for radical treatment. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(3):233-239.