Extractable organic halogens (EOX) in sediments from selected Polish rivers and lakes--a measure of the quality of the inland water environment

EOX in sediments from the two main Polish rivers (the Vistula and the Oder/Odra) as well as five lakes was assayed coulometrically and its values examined with respect to the location of the sample collection points. EOX values were found to increase near industrial areas and large urban agglomerations, although mean values--comparable for rivers and lakes--were similar to those recorded elsewhere. EOX tends to rise as TOC does so. On the other hand, the EOX:TOC ratio decreases sharply in the case of lakes, since TOC values there are roughly one order of magnitude higher than in rivers. Furthermore, the contents of selected polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides are directly related to EOX values. These relationships constitute a basis for the application of EOX as a parameter reflecting the level of organochlorine compounds in environmental quality evaluation.     

Analysis of total work inability in Poland in 2000 and 2001 according to age, disease diagnosis and occupation.

This study was to determine the main health-related reasons, age and occupation of those who took early retirement. This was done through an analysis of the data from Poland's Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) from 2000 and 2001. An analysis of these data showed an increase in the number of certificates confirming total inability to work in people over 40 years old. Over 50% of certificates work were issued to workers in 2 age-groups: 45-49 and 50-54. Diseases of the circulatory system, musculoskeletal system and connective tissue as well as mental and behavioural disorders are the main causes of early inability to work. Approximately 70% of people who obtained certificates confirming total inability to work had blue- and blue-and-white-collar jobs.