Hygienic Studies Research Articles

The object of study of hygiene in the texts published in Spain in the 19th CENTURY

The object of study of hygiene in the texts published in Spain in the 19th CENTURY

Parasitic sanitary and hygiene risks to human and animal health in the river basin of specially protected natural territories in the North Caucasus Federal District

The article is devoted to the study of the influence of modern parasitic risks on the sanitary and hygienic well-being of water resources in the territories of the reserves of Kabardino-Balkaria. 1700 water samples were studied. An analysis of sanitary and hygienic studies of water in specially protected biospheric territories showed sanitary contamination with helminth eggs that threatens humans and animals, which made it possible to classify them as unfavorable objects of the mountain ecosystem. From the list of trematode eggs found in water samples from the tributaries of the Baksan River within the nature reserve «National Park Prielbrusye» and the tributaries of the Cherek River within the Kabardino-Balkar high-mountain reserve, the eggs of fasciols, dicrocelia, metorchis numerically prevailed, eggs of the cestodes — eggs of the teniid type, and from among the eggs of nematodes — eggs of Ostertagia, Haemonhus, Dictyocaulus and Toxocara. According to the level of the index of sanitary pollution in the areas of water withdrawal from 9 tributaries of the river. Baksan within the nature reserve «National Park Prielbrusye» was contaminated with eggs of trematodes by 46.3–100 %, cestodes — by 69.2–100 % and nematodes — by 100 %. Water samples Cherek on the territory of the Kabardino-Balkar high-mountain reserve (tributaries of Ushtulu-Su; Mukhol-Su; Dykh-tau Su; Ylygy-Su; Maltan-Su; Ilcheu-Su; Kara-Su; Sukan-Su; Khaznidon-Su) also are heavily contaminated with trematode eggs by 60.4–100 %, cestodes — by 76.6–100 % and nematodes — by 66.8–100 %, which is a consequence of the annual increase in fecal load on the alpine ecosystem. The cause of sanitary pollution of the tributaries of the river. Baksan and R. In the Cherek biospheric territories, the eggs of bio- and geohelminths are the grazing use of their areas for distant pasture keeping of small, cattle and yaks, in which trematodes, cestodoses and nematodes occur with a high prevalence of invasions (28.0–100 %). Our data confirm the need to develop comprehensive programs for the hygienic and epidemiological monitoring of zoonoses and the development of legal documents on the sanitary protection of the environment and water resources of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic.

Hygienic study of attention and memory of students

The article presents the results of a study of some characteristics of memory and attention of 140 thirdyear students of the medical, pediatric and dental faculties of Omsk State Medical University, conducted at the beginning of hygiene classes according to the curriculum. In comparison with the norms from literary sources, the best result was noted in terms of the volume of figurative memory (99.3 % of positive results among the subjects) and attention switching (90.8 %). 2/3 of the students demonstrated good short-term and long-term memory. Half of the students (51.4 %) coped with the task of assessing the distribution of attention. Reference intervals for the indicator of attention switching T (Schulte tables), an indicator of the distribution of attention and semantic memory, were proposed, which are absent in the available literature. The worst indicators of switching attention in girls at 8:00 am compared to those in boys and girls in the daytime were established, which probably indicates a higher sensitivity of the female body to lack of sleep. A significant influence on the verbal-logical memory of the factor of the day of the school week was established (the worst indicators were on Monday and Friday, the best were in the middle of the week and on Saturday), as well as the effect of testing time on figurative and long-term memory (the best indicators were noted at 13:00). In connection with the foregoing, it is recommended to conduct memory and attention studies in the middle of the day, excluding the early morning hours, especially for girls, and also to regulate the start of classes at the university no earlier than 8:30, especially in large cities.

Electronic Health Records and Cyber Hygiene: A Qualitative Study of the Awareness, Knowledge, and Experience of Physicians in Kuwait

ABSTRACTThreats against electronic medical and health records are on the rise. These threats include phishing attacks, malware and ransomware, encryption blind spots, cloud threats, and most important one is the internal threat caused by gaps in the level of awareness and knowledge of the employees and health practitioner of handling sensitive healthcare data. Cyber hygiene is a term used to describe both the technical and non‐technical threats. In the same way, personal hygiene practices are used to maintain one's own health and protect against diseases, cyber hygiene security practices are important in protecting and preserving sensitive electronic health information systems. In this paper, we report on the findings of a cyber hygiene study carried out in Kuwait with the objectives of assessing the level of awareness, knowledge and experience of physicians and healthcare professionals. The study identified seven different areas or barriers that impacted the cyber hygiene and the adoption of electronic health medical records in Kuwait. The seven areas include financial barriers, time, difficulty of using technology, lack of management support, negative attitude toward the use of electronic medical records, legal and ethical issues, as well as cultural barriers. Most of the physicians interviewed lacked the awareness and basic knowledge needed to practice cyber hygiene. Most physicians were not aware of regulation or standards pertaining to the use of electronic medical records.

Toxicological and hygienic assessment of modern thermo-insulating polymer materials during thermal exposure

Introduction. Polyethylene and synthetic foam caoutchouc are used for thermal insulation of communications, at temperatures not exceeding 90 °C and 105 °C, respectively. Data on how these materials will behave in the appropriate temperature conditions was not be found. 
 The purpose of the study was to conduct a toxicological and hygienic assessment of products made of polyethylene foam and synthetic foam rubber under thermal exposure.
 Materials and methods. The thermal effect on the studied samples was modelled in a climate chamber. The time interval during the mass loss of the samples was determined, a sanitary and chemical study of the gas-air mixture in the climatic chamber was carried out. To conduct a toxicological and hygienic study in animals, a swim-escape conditioned active avoidance response was developed.
 Results. Under thermal (90 °C) exposure for 72 hours to polyethylene tube, a loss of 0.77% of the initial mass of the sample occurs. Thermal exposure (105 °C) to synthetic foam caoutchouc resulted in a loss of 15.3% of the initial mass of the sample for 108 hours, while pronounced changes in the appearance of the samples were determined. When conducting a sanitary and chemical study in the climate chamber, an increase in the concentration of carbon monoxide was determined after 12, 24, and 72 hours and hydrogen chloride after 12 and 24 hours following the onset of thermal exposure compared with the values of their average daily maximum permissible concentration. Thermal exposure to the sample and synthetic foam caoutchouc led to an increase in the concentration of ammonia, carbon monoxide and hydrogen chloride 12 and 24 hours after the start of exposure compared with the average daily maximum permissible concentration. During the toxicological and hygienic study, animals exposed to thermal degradation products of the materials under study were revealed to show learning disabilities.
 Limitations. They are conditioned by the methodology of the study. A quantitative analysis of some gaseous thermal degradation products released into the climate chamber was performed, without taking into account the aerosols formed.
 Conclusion. Thermal insulation materials made of synthetic foam rubber and polyethylene foam lose their structural properties when they are operated in the maximum permissible temperature conditions (105 °C and 90 °C, respectively). When they are used in appropriate temperature conditions, the formation of toxic products occurs, the inhalation effect of which leads to a disturbances of the learning ability in laboratory animals.

Study of functional fatigue in surgeons and nurses of children's medical organizations

Introduction. The impact of high work stress loads on medical workers of children's medical organizations contributes to the formation of fatigue and overwork, especially in modern working conditions, which determines the relevance of these studies.
 The study aims to develop methodological approaches to the quantitative assessment of functional fatigue under the influence of neuropsychiatric and visually stressful loads in medical workers for the differentiated justification of preventive 
 measures.
 Materials and methods. The researchers conducted comprehensive physiological and hygienic studies of medical workers in various work activities (in pediatric intensive care, surgery), aimed at hygienic assessment of the intensity of the labor process, physiological study of the state of the cardiovascular system with the study of the characteristics of the response to functional load (ECG registration on a 12-channel electrocardiograph and continuously using Holter monitoring). The authors have studied the physiological state of the central nervous system and the visual analyzer according to generally accepted methods. We have carried out a total of 2,700 measurements of psychophysiological indicators. Static processing of the received data was carried out using statistical programs STATISTICA 10, Microsoft Excel 2010.
 Results. Medical workers have high nervous-emotional and visual loads when watching video terminal screens. This leads to negative dynamics of the time of perception of sequential contrast (TPSC), a decrease in visual function. The time of onset and the depth of adverse changes depend on the degree of intensity of visual labor.
 We have established the same level of effectiveness of the functions of concentration of attention, short-term memory, perception of simple and complex visual signals in the daytime and at night. The daily curve of indicators does not correspond to the natural curve of the daily rhythm.
 Surgeons and nurses had a strain on the regulatory mechanisms of the circulatory system, a slowdown in the recovery period of all indicators after functional load in the night shift compared with daytime hours of work.
 Conclusion. Pronounced loads on the visual analyzer when watching video terminal screens against the background of nervous and emotional labor stress are the leading professional factors and determine the formation of the functional state of overwork of the first degree in nurses and the second degree in surgeons.
 Limitations. There are quantitative restrictions due to the number of medical personnel in the intensive care unit.
 Ethics. The study was approved by the local Ethics Committee of Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health (Protocol No. 4 of 04/14/2021).

Якість повітря житлових приміщень як важлива детермінанта здоров’я та пріоритетне завдання у галузі гігієни середовища життєдіяльності людини

According to WHO definition, indoor air quality is an important determinant of human health. Emissions from building materials, furniture, and consumer goods, combustion processes, and infiltration of polluted atmospheric air are considered the main sources of hazardous chemicals and solid pollutants in indoor air. Aim. To conduct an analysis of the results of comprehensive sanitary and hygienic studies of air quality in residential buildings and apartments in order to determine priority chemical pollutants and products of their transformation; justify the need to improve the air quality monitoring system of residential premises taking into account modern WHO recommendations. Materials and Methods. The study of air samples of residential premises was carried out on the basis of the L.I. Medved’s Research Center of Preventive Toxicology, Food and Chemical Safety of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine (2000-2015) and Kyiv Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine (2015-2019). A comprehensive toxicological and hygienic assessment of the air in residential premises was carried out based on the appeals of citizens who complained about the unpleasant smell of the air. A total of 123 residential objects (856 samples) were investigated. Applied methods of systematic and comparative analysis, cross-sectional survey method (survey of residents of residential buildings and apartments), sanitary and hygienic methods; sanitary and chemical methods (29 methods according to the institution's accreditation). Statistical data processing was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 29.0.0.0 program (Spearman correlation analysis), with p≤0.05. Results. A high level of chemical air pollution in residential premises, carried out based on citizen complaints, was established. Various external and internal sources of chemical air pollution were determined, in particular by marker pollutants: formaldehyde, phenol, and acetone. It has been established that the cause of their emission into the air is household items (furniture), various construction and finishing materials (polymers), which are used mainly during repair work or in new buildings. A direct positive connection was found between the level of exceeding the maximum permissible limit of marker chemical pollutants and the well-being and health of residents of settlements. Symptoms such as fatigue, cough, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, headaches and dizziness, allergic conditions were most often observed, which determines the urgency of improving the preventive work of primary care doctors ‒ family medicine in the direction of detecting pre-pathological conditions among healthy individuals and especially sensitive contingents (children, teenagers, pregnant women) living in the conditions of a "sick building". Conclusions. The unsatisfactory state of air inside residential premises determines the need to improve the existing system of monitoring the quality of air inside residential premises, in particular, improving methods of sampling and analysis of priority chemical indoor air pollutants to assess the risk of their combined action. Keywords: indoor air, "sick building syndrome", phenol, formaldehyde.

Hygienic behavioural response of honey bees (Apis mellifera and Apis cerana) against pin-killed brood as trait evaluation in Kashmir

In Apis mellifera and Apis cerana hygienic behavior involves recognition and removal of sick, damaged or dead brood from capped cells. We investigated whether bees react in the same way to grouped versus isolated damaged capped brood cells. Ten colonies of Apis mellifera honey bees and ten colonies of Apis cerana honey bees were used for this investigation. Capped worker brood cells aged 12 to 14 days old were perforated with the pin-killing method. After making holes in the brood cells, the combs were placed back into the hives; 24 h later the number of cleaned cells was recorded in areas with pin-killed and control brood cells. Four repetitions were made in each colony. Isolated cells were more frequently cleaned than grouped cells, though variance analysis showed no significant difference. Apis cerana bees also were somewhat, though not significantly more hygienic than Apis mellifera honey bees with mean removal of pin killed brood 97.46+/-1.37% and 83.83+/1.13% respectively. We conclude that honey bees can detect and remove both isolated and grouped dead brood. The tendency towards greater hygienic efficiency directed towards grouped Hygienic behaviour in honey bees was studied for first time with the aim of understanding mechanisms of pathogen resistance and colony health. It shows how honey bees confer colony level resistance and remove dead and diseased brood from the colony. This hygienic behavioural study can potentially increase the procedure of screening colonies for hygiene and breeding.

Critical analysis of Russian and foreign hygienic regulations of electromagnetic fields (EMF) created by modern wireless communication and communication systems

The authors present a critical analysis of domestic SanPiNs, international recommendations (ICNIRP 2020, EU Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC, EU Directive 2013/35/EC, IEEE Std C95.1-2019) and national standards of the USA, England, Germany, France, China, Italy and Switzerland establishing hygienic regulations for radio frequency band EMF RF created by modern wireless communication and communications systems. It is shown that the RF EMF remote controls in the workplace and for the population, installed in the Russian Federation, are generally the most stringent compared to foreign recommendations, due to different methodological approaches to the hygienic rationing of the factor. In the Russian Federation, hygienic standards of EMF are developed on the basis of comprehensive hygienic, clinical-physiological, epidemiological and chronic experimental studies of bioeffects of non-thermal levels. Most foreign countries use international recommendations as national EMF standards, the basis for determining the threshold level of EMF is the thermal effect. In order to solve the issues of harmonization of hygienic standards of RF EMF, it is necessary to conduct in-depth scientific research to study the features of their biological action and impact on human health. It should be taken into account that the EMFs created by modern wireless communication systems, according to their multi-frequency characteristics, modulation modes, intensity and time parameters, the nature and methods of exposure to workers and the population, differ significantly from EMFs for which there are already existing hygienic standards.
 Ethics. This study did not require the conclusion of the Ethics Committee.

4 Standardization of Devices, Methods and Units of Measurement of Infectious and Non-Infectious Bioaerosols in the Workplace: Literature Review

Abstract There is currently a disconnect between the occupational hygienist and the epidemiologist in establishing quantitative relationships between exposure and resulting acute and chronic diseases. This disconnect is the result of a lack of standardization for assessing worker exposure to pathogenic biological agents. Specifically, there are numerous combinations of devices, analytical methods and units of measurement used in hygiene and epidemiological studies that prevent study to study comparisons and development of a uniform body of knowledge. Several recent reviews have concluded that occupational exposure limits for biological agents cannot be established due to this lack of standardization. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that most studies use area monitoring rather than breathing zone monitoring, a known source of error in defining worker dose. This review will use specific agents such as Legionella, Coccidioides, Endotoxin, Metalworking Fluid Mist, Flour Dust and Compost Dust to define the problem and suggest possible solutions.

Hygienic Studies of Electromagnetic Fields in the Work Environment during Operation of Ground-Based Radio Navigation and Aircraft Landing

Introduction: The development of navigation support for flights takes place in an environment of constantly increasing intensity of aeronautics, stricter requirements for accuracy, volume, and reliability of navigation information, efficiency of its processing. Radio navigation aids are improving, thus necessitating assessment of the electromagnetic situation at the workplaces of the personnel servicing modern equipment. Objective: To study and assess electromagnetic fields in the work environment of personnel engaged in the maintenance and operation of modern means of radio navigation and aircraft landing. Materials and methods: The research was carried out at three civil aviation facilities (two airports and an airfield) in 2021–2022. We established the composition, technical characteristics of the equipment, its operating modes, and parameters of radio frequency signals and measured the levels of electromagnetic fields at workplaces using the P3–42 electromagnetic radiation level meter. Results: The personnel are exposed to multi-frequency modulated electromagnetic fields of varying intensity. During the operation of glide and course radio beacons, radio transmitting devices at the dispatchers’ workplaces, levels of energy flux density and electric field strength exceeding hygienic standards are not created. In the premises of the hardware remote and near drive beacons, during the operation of the drive automatic radio station, an excess of the hygienic standards for the intensity of the electric field of the medium-wave range established for an 8-hour working day was registered; in the territory, the radiation from the antennas did not exceed the maximum permissible levels. Conclusions: The professional activity of the personnel servicing modern means of radio navigation and aircraft landing is carried out in a complex electromagnetic environment. A specific feature of working conditions is the effect on the body of multi-frequency, modulated electromagnetic fields of varying intensity and duration of exposure. These characteristics of radio frequency signals are essential adverse parameters that affect the formation of body responses. When choosing devices measuring the levels of electromagnetic fields, it is necessary to take into account the modulation parameters of radio frequency signals.

Evaluation of an advanced oral hygiene regimen on maternity outcomes in a randomized multicenter clinical trial (Oral Hygiene and Maternity Outcomes Multicenter Study)

During pregnancy, dental plaque-induced gingivitis prevalence and subsequent risk of periodontal disease increases substantially as a consequence of both inadequate oral hygiene and changes in sex steroid hormone levels. Although maternal periodontal disease has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous preterm birth, previous clinical trials involving mechanical debridement (e.g., scaling and root planing) to remove plaque biofilm have not yielded decreased rates of preterm birth. We hypothesized that an advanced oral hygiene program, including an antibacterial regimen coupled with a power toothbrush and hygiene instruction, may improve the periodontal milieu and reduce the rate of spontaneous preterm birth. Therefore, we conducted a clinical trial of obstetrical patients with moderate-to-severe gingivitis who were randomized to an advanced oral hygiene program versus usual oral hygiene care, and the primary obstetric outcome compared between the treatment groups was gestational age at delivery. Obstetrical patients with singleton pregnancies between 8 and 24 weeks gestation were screened by trained dentists at two clinical sites for moderate-to-severe gingivitis (more than 30 intra-oral sites with gingival bleeding on probing). Eligible participants were randomized to an advanced oral hygiene regimen, including antibacterial mouth wash, dental floss, antibacterial toothpaste, a power toothbrush, and intensive oral hygiene education versus standard oral home care instructions and regimen. The primary obstetric outcome assessed was gestational age at delivery. The overall primary (dental) outcomes were gingival index, bleeding sites, and pocket depth (reported elsewhere). Secondary obstetric outcomes included birthweight and incidence of preterm birth at <37 weeks. Regression models were utilized and included factors such as treatment group, gestational age at enrollment, preterm birth history, and potential markers of health disparities (i.e., education, employment status). A total of 817 obstetrical patients underwent dental screening at the two sites, 789 were identified with moderate-to-severe gingivitis, 746 were randomized, and birth outcomes were available for 613 of the study participants. The gestational age at delivery was two days earlier in the control group (p=0.040), but the clinical significance of this finding was limited (39.13 vs 38.85 weeks). Overall rates of spontaneous preterm birth <37 weeks and <34 weeks were not statistically different between the two treatment groups (7.0% advanced oral hygiene regimen versus 10.3% controls, OR=1.63 (0.90, 3.00), p=0.11; and 2.3% versus 3.9%, OR=1.88 (0.71, 4.98), p=0.20, respectively). However, we observed lower rates of spontaneous preterm birth among unemployed participants with less favorable socioeconomic status (4.7% advanced oral hygiene regimen versus 16.0% controls, OR=4.04 (1.34, 15.12), p=0.01). An advanced oral hygiene program may reduce the risk of spontaneous preterm birth among pregnant patients with moderate-to-severe gingivitis and health disparities. This is the same group that may be at highest risk of poor dental hygiene and preterm birth.

Clean Hands, Dirty Truths: A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Professionals' Hand Hygiene in Public Hospitals of Lahore Before and During COVID-19

This qualitative research investigates the hand hygiene knowledge and practices of healthcare professionals in public hospitals, as well as how the COVID-19 pandemic affected their knowledge and practices in this area. The study conducted 20 in-depth interviews with medical staff working in public tertiary care facilities in Lahore, Pakistan. The results show that while healthcare workers possess a basic understanding of hand hygiene, they exhibit lower compliance with hand-washing practices, which is attributed to inadequate hand hygiene facilities and a heavy workload. Despite increased funding to hospitals during the pandemic, the findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic increased healthcare practitioners' awareness of hand hygiene and its importance, but it did not lead to a significant improvement in hygiene practices due to increased workload and inadequate facilities.

Oral hygiene and infective endocarditis: a case control study

To determine if oral hygiene is associated with infective endocarditis (IE) among those at moderate risk for IE. This is a case control study of oral hygiene among hospitalized patients with IE (cases) and outpatients with heart valve disease but without IE (controls). The primary outcome was the mean dental calculus index. Secondary outcomes included other measures of oral hygiene and periodontal disease (e.g., dental plaque, gingivitis) and categorization of blood culture bacterial species in case participants. The 62 case participants had 53% greater mean dental calculus index than the 119 control participants (0.84, 0.55, respectively; difference=0.29, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.48; P=.002) and 26% greater mean dental plaque index (0.88, 0.70, respectively; difference=0.18, 95% CI: 0.01.0.36; P=.043). Overall, cases reported fewer dentist and dental hygiene visits (P=.013) and fewer dental visits in the 12 weeks before enrollment than controls (P=.007). Common oral bacteria were identified from blood cultures in 27 of 62 cases (44%). These data provide evidence to support and strengthen current American Heart Association guidance that those at risk for IE can reduce potential sources of IE-related bacteremia by maintaining optimal oral health through regular professional dental care and oral hygiene procedures.

Обоснование оптимальных параметров яркости экрана интерактивной панели для снижения риска общего и зрительного утомления школьников

The digital transformation of modern education contributes to the active introduction of interactive panels (IP) into the educational process, replacing traditional chalkboards. Minimizing possible risk factors when using an IP also requires considering the visual characteristics of its screen. At present, there are no results of such studies in the scientific literature. The purpose of this work was to substantiate the optimal range of IP screen brightness when it is used in the classroom to prevent general and visual fatigue of schoolchildren. We analysed research articles describing studies in visual hygiene, lighting engineering, display technologies, etc. Our study involved measuring brightness and pulsation coefficient of a working IP screen. Ranges of IP screen brightness that could produce harmful effects on children's health have been empirically established. With the help of a specially designed questionnaire, complaints of students attending the 4th grade of secondary schools were studied to identify general and visual fatigue, as well as factors caused by the IP and negatively affecting the respondents’ well-being. The relative risk values are calculated, namely a probability that these complaints would occur in schoolchildren, depending on parameters of IP screen brightness. The optimal range of IP screen brightness is justified for a working mode that significantly reduces the probability of students complaining about general and visual fatigue. Monitoring and correction of IP screen brightness mode during classes will reduce the risks of students' health disorders. It is necessary to continue research to substantiate the optimal visual characteristics of the IP screen based on investigating indicators describing the functional state of the child's body.

The impact of "freedom day" on COVID-19 health protective behaviour in England: An observational study of hand hygiene, face covering use and physical distancing in public spaces pre and post the relaxing of restrictions.

To study the prevalence of COVID-19 health protective behaviours before and after rules eased in England on the 19th July 2021. Observational study pre (12th-18th July) and post (26th July-1st August) 19th July, and a cross-sectional online survey (26th to 27th July). Observations occurred in supermarkets (n = 10), train stations (n = 10), bus stops (n = 10), a coach station (n = 1) and a London Underground station (n = 1). The survey recruited a nationally representative sample. All adults entering the observed locations during a one-hour period (n = 3819 pre- and n = 2948 post-19th July). In the online survey, 1472 respondents reported having been shopping for groceries/visited a pharmacy and 566 reported having used public transport or having been in a taxi/minicab in the last week. We observed whether people wore a face covering, maintained distance from others and cleaned their hands. We investigated self-reports of wearing a face covering while in shops or using public transport. In most locations observed, the proportion of people wearing face coverings, cleaning the hands and maintaining physical distance declined post 19th July. Pre 19th July, 70.2% (95% CI 68.7 to 71.7%) of people were observed to be wearing a face covering versus 55.8% (54.2 to 57.9%) post 19th July. Equivalent rates for physical distancing were 40.9% (39.0 to 42.8%) versus 29.5% (27.4 to 31.7%), and for hand hygiene were 4.4% (3.8 to 5.1%) versus 3.9% (3.2 to 4.6%). Self-reports of "always" wearing face coverings were broadly similar to observed rates. Adherence to protective behaviours was sub-optimal and declined during the relaxation of restrictions, despite appeals to exercise caution. Self-reports of "always" wearing a face covering in specific locations appear valid.

Substantiation of the optimum screen brightness parameters of the interactive panel to reduce the risk of general and visual fatigue of schoolchildren

The digital transformation of modern education contributes to the active introduction of interactive panels (IP) into the educational process, replacing traditional chalkboards. Minimizing possible risk factors when using an IP also requires considering the visual characteristics of its screen. At present, there are no results of such studies in the scientific literature. The purpose of this work was to substantiate the optimal range of IP screen brightness when it is used in the classroom to prevent general and visual fatigue of schoolchildren. We analysed research articles describing studies in visual hygiene, lighting engineering, display technologies, etc. Our study involved measuring brightness and pulsation coefficient of a working IP screen. Ranges of IP screen brightness that could produce harmful effects on children's health have been empirically established. With the help of a specially designed questionnaire, complaints of students attending the 4th grade of secondary schools were studied to identify general and visual fatigue, as well as factors caused by the IP and negatively affecting the respondents’ well-being. The relative risk values are calculated, namely a probability that these complaints would occur in schoolchildren, depending on parameters of IP screen brightness. The optimal range of IP screen brightness is justified for a working mode that significantly reduces the probability of students complaining about general and visual fatigue. Monitoring and correction of IP screen brightness mode during classes will reduce the risks of students' health disorders. It is necessary to continue research to substantiate the optimal visual characteristics of the IP screen based on investigating indicators describing the functional state of the child's body.

Occupational stress in teaching and medical workers and its prevention

In modern conditions, an important task of occupational medicine remains to study the physiological features of the formation of occupational stress with an assessment of the impact of adverse stress factors of varying intensity and duration on the body of pedagogical and medical workers. The study aims to conduct a physiological and hygienic assessment of the resistance to stress and physiological reactions of the employee's body to the effects of neuropsychiatric stress for the scientifically based development of a system of measures aimed at preserving health and optimizing professional activity of pedagogical and medical workers. The authors conducted a hygienic assessment of working conditions in educational institutions of St. Petersburg, lifestyle based on the results of a survey of teachers (a total of 116,256 pieces of information), the health status of teachers according to medical examination data (418 teachers) and questionnaires (346 respondents). Physiological and hygienic studies of the work of nurses, pediatric surgeons and medical workers employed in the covid hospital included a quantitative assessment of stress resistance using a new methodological approach. Specialists examined 130 people, carried out 1194 measurements of psychophysiological indicators. The authors performed static data processing using sets of statistical programs EpiInfo 3.5.2., Statistica 10, Microsoft Excel 2010. Pedagogical and medical workers of intellectual labor with a pronounced component of interpersonal communication revealed a high level of nervous and emotional tension, which correlates with a high degree of reliability with physiological shifts and an indicator of resistance to stress. Specialists conducted a study of the prevalence of chronic diseases among teachers, which revealed the predominance of diseases of the circulatory system in the structure of morbidity, also implemented and tested a set of physical culture and wellness activities. As a result of the data analysis, it was found that insufficient resistance to stress, a low level of physical fitness (fitness) form pronounced changes in the parameters of cardiodynamics in teachers. According to the results of the study, scientists have developed a system of health-saving behavior of pedagogical and medical workers, universal for educational and medical organizations. Limitations. There are quantitative restrictions due to the number of medical staff of the covid hospital. Ethics. The study was approved by the local Ethics Committee of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Research Institute of MT" (Protocol No. 4 of 04/14/2021)

The history of the Department of Occupational Hygiene of the Federal Scientific Center of Hygiene named after F.F. Erisman” of Rospotrebnadzor

The history of the creation of the Department of Occupational Hygiene of the Federal Scientific Center of Hygiene named after F.F. Erisman of Rospotrebnadzor dates back to 1942, when the subject of scientific research was devoted to the study of sanitary working conditions at defense industry enterprises and the development of personal protective equipment for workers. By 1950, the range of issues under study was expanded with initiation of the comprehensive clinical and hygienic studies in the mining, chemical industries, mechanical engineering and agriculture using hygienic, physiological, biochemical research methods, animal experiments. In 1960-1990, the research was carried out in areas including the study of working conditions, workers’ health and toxicological assessment of new substances in the chemical industry, study of the dust factor and occupational health issues in the coal and mining industries; study of the effects on the body of working physical factors (noise, vibration, ultrasound, magnetic fields) in industry and agriculture, study of working conditions, working and rest regimes with new technological processes and new forms of labour management. During the period of 1957-2001, employees of the Occupational Health Department developed 14 sanitary rules (SP) and sanitary rules and regulations (SanPiN), hygienic norms of infrasound and vibration in the workplace. Maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) in the air of the working area for 42 harmful substances, maximum permissible levels (MPC) of skin contamination of workers for 17 chemicals have been developed and approved, the toxicity of 35 different compounds has been studied. According to the results of the research, 45 candidate’s and 18 doctoral dissertations were defended. In the modern period, the accumulated experience of effective scientific activity of the Department of Occupational Hygiene has been mastered .and implemented by a new generation of researchers of the Department of Occupational Medicine of the Institute of Complex Hygiene Problems of the "Federal Research Center of Hygiene named after F.F. Erisman" of Rospotrebnadzor.

Будівельні композитні матеріали на основі деревини: оцінка безпеки в Україні та система технічного регулювання в ЄС

Abstract. Composite building materials based on wood (further ‒ wood plastics) remain a key object of sanitary and hygienic research as an important source of marker air pollutants in residential premises. Aim. Generalization of the results of sanitary and hygienic studies of wood plastics that are in circulation on the market of Ukraine; comparative analysis of individual provisions of the system of technical regulation of the specified products in the EU and Ukraine. Materials and Methods. Directives of EU countries in the field of technical regulation of chemically hazardous construction materials and sanitary legislation of Ukraine; data of sanitary-hygienic researches of the air of residential premises based on complaints of residents of the city of Kyiv, carried out by the "Kyiv City Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine" (2010-2019); the results of chamber studies of samples (N=4859) of building products based on wood plastics and furniture, performed in the polymer hygiene laboratory of the State Enterprise "L.I. Medved’s Research Center of Preventive Toxicology, Food and Chemical Safety of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine" (2010-2019). Statistical analysis ‒ Microsoft Excel 2019. Results. According to the research data of wood-plastic samples, a high level of their compliance with technical requirements and quality parameters and hygienic standards of Ukraine was established, so over the 10 years of research, the average deviations were: glued plywood, veneered panels, other laminated wood materials - 3.59% (n=1234); fiberboard boards made of wood or other wood materials with or without the addition of resins or other substances ‒ 1.36% (n=1512); chipboard boards, with oriented chips and similar boards (for example, wafer boards) ‒ 1.73% (n=1441); furniture samp-les – 1.6% (n=672). At the same time, an increase in the number of cases of exceeding the concentration of phenol and formaldehyde in relation to the MPC average daily in the air of residential premises of multi-apartment buildings during the same period was found: phenol by 2.86 times (R2=0.764), formaldehyde by 2.7 times (R2=0.529). The difference between wood-plastic samples sent for sanitary-hygienic research and those products that enter residential premises is not excluded, and cases of wood-plastic use in residential premises that are not intended are also found. Fundamental differences in the approaches of the EU and Ukraine to the assessment of the safety of composite building materials still remain unsettled. Difficulties in adapting the product safety regulatory system in the EU for introduction in Ukraine are due to the methodology of risk assessment for human health as a key tool for substantiating product and commodity safety standards. The main distinguishing feature of the EU legal framework on this issue is the recognition of product safety based on the absence of unacceptable risk, and the methodology that was implemented in the Soviet period (more than 30-40 years ago) is based on the principle of "zero risk". Conclusions. There is a need to harmonize the EU system of technical regulation and safety for construction products based on wood with the approaches that are in force in Ukraine, which will contribute to updating the national sanitary legislation, methodology, criteria, and methodical approaches to ensure the safety of a wide range of construction products for the population. An effective tool on this path can be the development and implementation of a targeted interdisciplinary state program. Key Words: wood plastics, risk assessment, technical regulation.