Oblique Vibratory Surface Grinding-Experimental Study.

The article reports the results of experimental study of vibratory surface grinding in the range of low excitation frequencies and variable directions of excited vibrations in the plane of the table, and investigates the effect of these directions on the roughness and waviness of the ground surface. The tests were conducted on a production surface grinder with a vibrating table on which the samples were mounted. The table made it possible to change the direction for the introduction of vibrations to the workpiece (longitudinally, transversely, and obliquely to the longitudinal feed of the table) and the parameters of the introduced vibrations, frequency and amplitude. In the course of the study, selected parameters of surface roughness and waviness of samples ground conventionally and with vibrations introduced on the workpiece were compared. The results show an improvement in the roughness and waviness parameters of the vibration-ground surfaces compared to surfaces ground without vibration (conventionally). The profile of the ground surface was subjected to Fourier analysis and the harmonic components of the surface shape of the ground samples were determined to characterize the effect of the introduced vibrations on the surface roughness. It was determined that the direction of vibration introduction, which is most favorable in terms of the parameters of the geometric structure of the ground surface, is the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal feed of the grinding table. In other directions of vibration introduction, the simultaneous effect of improving both parameters of the geometric structure of the ground surface profile was not obtained.

Planetary transmission performance tests at very low temperatures.

This article presents the results of a study on resistance to motion in a multi-stage planetary transmission, built with lightweight structural materials such as aluminum alloy 2017, with bearing nodes featuring steel ball bearings made from X65Cr14 alloy and lubricated with molybdenum disulfide powder. Details of the planetary gear construction were presented, followed by operational performance tests. During the performance tests, the temperature of the running transmission was gradually lowered with liquid nitrogen to as low as - 190 °C. The analysis covered, among others, the power consumption of the mechanism as a function of temperature. The results were compared with the parameters of the mechanisms already working in space. The measurements were carried out to confirm the applicability of the gearing in drive systems of manipulators intended to operate in open space or under extraterrestrial conditions such as on Mars.

Multiple slip effects on time dependent axisymmetric flow of magnetized Carreau nanofluid and motile microorganisms.

This presented work investigate the bio-convections effects of the magnetized time dependent axisymmetric flow of Carreau-nanomaterial performances with multiple slip effects over a stretching sheet. The momentum, heat, concentration and density of motile micro-organism are renovated into the system of equation via using well known similarity revolution. Well known Mathematical computational techniques and software (i.e. bvp4c and MATLAB) are used to draw graphical and tabular results. Velocity profile equation [Formula: see text], energy equation [Formula: see text], volumetric nanoparticles [Formula: see text], density motile microorganism [Formula: see text].The Carreau viscosity model is use to reduce the viscosity of fluid when [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Besides we moderate this into power law index with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] partial slip condition of velocity is also instigated at the surface. Gravity dependent gyrotactic nanoparticles are utilized for well observing axisymmetric flow with convective boundary layer condition and comparatively better heat transfer rate result and applicable to maximum realistic approach.

Effectiveness of splitter plate to control fluid forces on a circular obstacle in a transient flow: FEM computations.

The reliability of the usage of a splitter plate (passive control device) downstream of the obstacle, in suppressing the fluid forces on a circular obstacle of diameter [Formula: see text] is studied in this paper. The first parameter of the current study is the attachment of a splitter plate of various lengths [Formula: see text] with the obstacle, whereas the gap separation [Formula: see text] between the splitter plate and the obstacle, is used as a second parameter. The control elements of the first and second parameters are varied from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]. For the attached splitter plates of lengths [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], the oscillatory behavior of transient flow at [Formula: see text] is successfully controlled. For the gap separation, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] similar results are obtained. However, it is observed that a splitter plate of too short length and a plate located at the inappropriate gap from the obstacle, are worthless. A computational strategy based on the finite element method is utilized due to the complicated representative equations. For a clear physical depiction of the problem, velocity and pressure plots have been provided. Drag and lift coefficients the hydrodynamic benchmark values are also evaluated in a graphical representation surrounding the obstacle's peripheral surface as well as the splitter plate. In a conclusion, a splitter plate can function to control fluid forces whether it is attached or detached, based on plate length and gap separation between obstacle and plate, respectively.

Significance of concentration-dependent viscosity on the dynamics of tangent hyperbolic nanofluid subject to motile microorganisms over a non-linear stretching surface.

The communication describes a theoretical framework for tangent hyperbolic fluid of nano-biofilm due to an extending or shrinking sheet that comprises a stagnation point flow, chemical reaction with activation energy, and bioconvection of gyrotactic microorganisms. The varying transport features due to dynamic viscosity, thermal conductivity, nano-particle mass permeability and microbe organisms diffusivity are taken into account for the novelty of this work. The inspiration is developed to enhance heat transfer. A set of leading partial differential equations is formed along with appropriate boundary constraints. Using similarity transformations, the basic formulation is transitioned into non-linear differential equations. To produce observational data, the shooting technique and Runge-Kutta fourth order method are employed. The coding of numerical scheme is developed in Matlab script. The visual representation of the effects of diverse fluid transport properties and distinctive parameters on speed, temperature, concentration and motile density are evaluated. The velocity become faster when the parameters [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are enhanced. Brownian motion, thermal conductivity, heat generation as well as thermophoresis factors all strengthen the temperature distribution, however the nano-particle concentration profile is enhanced as the nano-particle mass conductivity variable, activation energy as well as the thermophoresis variable are boosted. The microorganism density improves significantly when the microorganism diffusivity factor increases. The skin friction, Sherwood number, Nusselt number and motile density number decline against the incremented transport parameters.

Soret and Dufour effects on unsteady MHD second-grade nanofluid flow across an exponentially stretching surface.

The unsteady energy and mass transport of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) second grade nanofluid via an exponentially extending surface with Dufour and Soret effects are investigated in this study. Variable thermal conductivity and mixed convection effects are used to investigate the heat transfer mechanism. There are also new characteristics such as slip flow, viscous dissipation, Brownian motion, nonlinear thermal radiation, and thermophoresis. In the problem formulation, the boundary-layer approximation is used. Using the suitable transformations, the energy, momentum, and concentration equations are generated into non-linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The solution to the resultant problems was calculated via the Homotopy analysis method (HAM). The effects of environmental parameters on velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles are graphically depicted. When comparing the current results to the previous literature, there was also a satisfactory level of agreement. In comparison to a flow based on constant characteristics, the flow with variable thermal conductivity is shown to be significantly different and realistic. The temperature of the fluid grew in direct proportion to the thermophoresis motion, buoyancy ratio, and Brownian motion parameters. According to the findings, the slippery porous surface may be employed efficiently in chemical and mechanical sectors that deal with a variety of very viscous flows.

Ethanol as a stimulus to risky and auto-aggressive behaviour.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ethyl alcohol occupies the third place among health risks for the general population, causing damage to health as well as social damage. Ethanol is also considered the greatest risk factor in injuries. Both alcohol and its main metabolite, acetaldehyde, are directly toxic to tissues and lead to several systemic pathologies. Alcohol abuse may also lead to mental health disorders. Although one-in-eight adult Poles abstains from drinking alkohol, 10-20% of adult Poles drink alcohol regularly. It is estimated that this group includes about 900,000 addicts, and over 2,000,000 people who drink alcohol at a risky or harmful level. It affects their occurrence and their consequences Drink- driving is one of the problems most often raised, although alcohol is a documented risk factor in pedestrian accidents. It is also an important risk factor for suicidal behaviour with people under the influence of alcohol choosing more radical and effective methods of committing suicide, such as hanging or 'throwing themselves under a moving vehicle.' Only properly selected and consistently taken preventive actions can improve the tragic statistics related to ethanol stimulating risky and auto-aggressive behaviours. It is also necessary to improve the system for reporting such events because only reliable statistics enable proper assessment of the scale of the problem, and the effectiveness of these activities.

Geographic Information System Technology: Review of the Challenges for Its Establishment as a Major Asset for Disaster and Emergency Management in Poland.

Technical and technological progress in the 21st century, especially emerging geographic information system (GIS) technology, offers new and unprecedented opportunities to counteract the impact of crisis situations and emergencies. Computerization and development of GIS enabled the digital visualization of space for interactive analysis of multiple data in the form of models or simulations. Additionally, computerization, which gives rise to a new quality of database management, requires continuous modernization of computer hardware and software. This study examines selected examples of the implications and impact of the GIS commonly used in Poland.

Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response in Poland: Prevention, Surveillance, and Mitigation Planning.

OBJECTIVES: Biological weapons are one of the oldest weapons of mass destruction used by man. Their use has not only determined the outcome of battles, but also influenced the fate of entire civilizations. Although the use of biological weapons agents in a terrorist attack is currently unlikely, all services responsible for the surveillance and removal of epidemiological threats must have clear guidelines and emergency response plans. METHODS: In the face of the numerous threats appearing in the world, it has become necessary to put the main emphasis on modernizing, securing, and maintaining structures in the field of medicine which are prepared for unforeseen crises and situations related to the use of biological agents. RESULTS: This article presents Poland's current preparation to take action in the event of a bioterrorist threat. The study presents both the military aspect and procedures for dealing with contamination. CONCLUSIONS: In Poland, as in other European Union countries fighting terrorism, preparations should be made to defend against biological attacks, improve the flow of information on the European security system, strengthen research centers, train staff, create observation units and vaccination centers, as well as prepare hospitals for the hospitalization of patients-potential victims of bioterrorist attacks.

Alcohol and Road Accidents Involving Pedestrians as Unprotected Road Users.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than half of all road fatalities involve vulnerable road users, i.e., pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Poland is classified as one of the European Union (EU) countries marked by low road safety, with a higher frequency of accidents involving pedestrians compared to other EU countries (31% of all fatalities). Among unprotected road users, a significant group of victims are pedestrians, who are often under the influence of alcohol. This study aims to analyze the impact of alcohol on the risk of occurrence and consequences of road accidents among pedestrians. The source of data was the medical documentation of the Department of Forensic Medicine of the Medical University of Warsaw. In more than half of pedestrian deaths, the presence of alcohol was found; regardless of the place of the event and the place of death, among the victims under the influence of alcohol, males dominated; the average age of the victims under the influence of alcohol was significantly lower compared to the average age of sober victims, with younger victims being significantly more likely to die at the scene of the accident, especially in rural areas; significantly higher alcohol concentrations were found in males, in victims who died at the scene of the accident, and with victims of accidents in rural areas. Among pedestrian traffic accident fatalities, the most numerous group comprised young men under the influence of alcohol. In rural areas, a higher percentage of pedestrian victims died at the scene as a result of excessive alcohol consumption. These areas should be subject to intensive preventive measures to increase the safety of pedestrians as unprotected road users.

Alcohol and the Risk of Railway Suicide.

Suicide is one of the ten most common causes of death in the world. Of all deaths from suicide, 22% can be attributed to the use of alcohol, which means that every fifth suicide would not occur if alcohol were not consumed by the population. People under the influence of alcohol choose more radical and effective methods of dying by suicide, e.g., throwing themselves under a moving vehicle, such as a train. The presented analysis aimed to determine important risk factors affecting railway suicide in Poland and their relation to the state of alcohol intoxication of the victims, and the relationship between ethyl alcohol consumption and the phenomenon of suicide. Documentation obtained from the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Medical University of Warsaw, in the form of death registers and forensic medical records concerning examination and autopsy, was analyzed. This made it possible to identify suicide victims from among pedestrian victims of railway accidents recorded during the period under study. The research was carried out using unidimensional and multidimensional statistical analyses with IBM SPSS Statistics, version 25. Sober suicide victims were statistically significantly older than victims under the influence of alcohol; alcohol concentration was correlated with the age of the victims-the older the victims were, the higher the alcohol concentration. A significantly higher number of deaths attributed to suicide by sober victims was observed in autumn compared to other seasons. Multidimensional analysis showed a statistically significant effect of age and season on the probability of dying by suicide under the influence of alcohol-this probability decreases with the age of the victims and is also significantly lower in autumn. The observed relationship between age and the presence of alcohol in suicide victims can be the cause of railway suicides. Knowledge of the mechanisms of seasonal variability of suicidal behavior can help to develop effective strategies to prevent railway suicides. It is necessary to improve the system of reporting railway suicides, as only reliable statistics provide the possibility of assessing both the scale of the problem and the effectiveness of actions taken.

Evacuation from Healthcare Facilities in Poland: Legal Preparedness and Preparation.

Medical facilities, while providing both essential and demanding health care to society's most vulnerable populations, also belong to the most demanding category of risk to human life if and when a crisis event occurs within its walls. The development of a safe evacuation plan for these facilities is extremely complicated, as the evacuation of medical facilities is much more complex than for other critical infrastructure. In this category, the evacuated patients constitute a specific risk group requiring specialized medical care. Hospitalized persons may be dependent on life-saving measures, are unconscious or immobile, are significantly restricted in movement or mentally unbalanced, being dependent on the continued assistance of trained third parties. Additionally, the medical transport of evacuated patients becomes more difficult due to the limited capacity of ambulances and available health care facilities to transport them to, which are increasingly limited due to their overcrowded census. The study aimed to analyze the requirements which are placed on hospitals in Poland to ensure the safety of patients in case of an evacuation. The research method used in the paper was retrospective analysis and evaluation of the media and literature. We have found, that Polish law imposes an obligation on the administrator of a medical facility to ensure the safety of both patients and employees. The regulations cover issues of technical conditions to be met by buildings and their location, prevention, and fire protection requirements, and the determination of which staff is responsible for the evacuation. However, available documents fail to describe what the hospital evacuation process itself should entail under emergency evacuation. Taking into account the complexity of the hospital evacuation process, health care facilities should have a well-developed plan of action that must be implemented at least once a year in the form of facility-wide training. Evacuation drills should not be avoided. Only trained procedures offer the possibility of later analysis to identify and eliminate errors and provide the opportunity to acquire skill sets and habits which promote the behaviors expected in real-life emergencies.

Alcohol Intoxication and Suicide by Hanging in Poland.

AIMS: An integral part of the World Health Organization (WHO) plan to reduce suicide by 10% by 2020 is to identify areas and demographic groups, which should be priority target groups for preventive activities. This study aimed to present the demographic differences between victims of suicide by hanging in the Warsaw metropolitan area, in Poland, by examining the sobriety of victims. METHODS: Data for analysis were obtained from the documentation of the Department of Forensic Medicine (DFM) at the Medical University of Warsaw (MUW). The retrospective analysis included 358 out of 466 victims of suicides by hanging in the Warsaw metropolitan area, in Poland, recorded in the DFM documentation covering 2011-2013. The data gathered included age, gender, the cause of death, a post-mortem examination as well as the level of ethanol in the blood and muscles of victims. RESULTS: In both groups, men accounted for a larger percentage of victims than women, P = 0.068. In the no-alcohol group, the victims were older than in the alcohol group (47.52 ± 19.21 vs. 40.88 ± 12.77) (P < 0.001). The majority of the studied population were victims aged 25-34 (22.90%), mainly men (20.95%). Young men were also the largest group among victims in the alcohol group (28.33%). The most numerous age group among no-alcohol group were older victims aged 55-64 (19.10%), especially men (16.29%). CONCLUSION: Regardless of sobriety, men were the largest group of suicide victims in the study population, which means that men die suicide more often than women. Differences in gender proportions are related to age. In the studied population, it was primarily young victims, mainly men. These are the groups that should be priority target groups for preventive activities aimed at reducing the number of suicides. The presence of ethanol in more than half of the victims of suicide in the study population indicates that alcohol is an important suicidal risk factor.

Seasonality of Suicides among Victims Who Are under the Influence of Alcohol.

INTRODUCTION: Suicide is one of the most frequent causes of death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), each year, over eight hundred thousand people worldwide die as a result of suicide. The most common risk factors for suicide are depressive disorders and alcohol dependence. Alcohol can directly influence a decision about suicide, or be a factor facilitating this decision. The aim of the study was to analyse the seasonality of suicides among persons under the influence of alcohol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data for analysis were obtained from the Department of Forensic Medicine (DFM) of the Medical University of Warsaw. A retrospective analysis was performed on 317 victims of suicides by hanging, those which were entered into the registry of deaths kept by the DFM in the years 2009-2013. The analysis took into account the age and sex of victims, initial cause of death, date of post-mortem examination, autopsy result and alcohol concentration in the blood or muscles of the victims. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. RESULTS: In the analysis, a spring peak of suicides was found for men, and an autumn peak was revealed for women. In addition, a significant correlation was observed between the age of victims and the concentration of alcohol; the older the victims, the higher the alcohol concentration. However, this correlation was reported only in the spring months. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the analysis seem to be consistent with seasonal patterns observed in other studies, and they indicate the occurrence of suicide seasonality. In order to improve the strategies of suicide prevention, it is necessary to identify factors which are related to the seasonal variation of suicidal behaviours, as well as to gain knowledge about the mechanisms behind this phenomenon.

The Effect of Ethyl Alcohol upon Pedestrian Trauma Sustained in Traffic Crashes.

INTRODUCTION: Every year more than 1.2 million people worldwide die due to trauma sustained in road crashes, with an additional number of people injured exceeding 50 million. To a large extent, this applies to so called "unprotected road users", including pedestrians. The risk involved in a traffic crash for pedestrians can result from many factors, one of which is participation in road traffic when under the influence of alcohol. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of alcohol use among pedestrians as unprotected road traffic participants, and the consequences of them being struck by motor vehicles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The source of data was the medical documentation of the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Medical University of Warsaw. The sample for this research consisted of 313 pedestrians who were victims of fatal road crashes resulting from a collision with a mechanical vehicle. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis using the STATISTICA version 12.5 program (StatSoft Polska, Cracow, Poland). RESULTS: Male fatalities constituted the majority of the study sample. Nearly half of the fatal pedestrian victims were found to be under the influence of alcohol. The statistical analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between the gender and age of the victims, as well as between the place of the event, the place of death, the mechanism of the event, and the presence of alcohol in pedestrians. CONCLUSIONS: Among pedestrians, victims of road crashes who were under the influence of alcohol were predominantly drunk young males. Victims under the influence of alcohol were more likely to become fatalities in crashes where the mechanism of the incident was being struck by a passenger car, and when the place of the incident was a rural area, in these cases the rates of death directly at the scene were much more frequent. The eradication of alcohol consumption by all road users should be the overriding objective of all measures aimed at reducing the number of road crashes.

Road traffic injuries in Poland: magnitude and risk factors.

INTRODUCTION: The article presents the epidemiology of road traffic injuries and fatalities in Poland in the years 2004-2014. In Poland, every fourth death caused by external reasons is the result of a road traffic crash and Poland has one of the highest road fatality rates in relation to vehicle ownership in Europe, with an average 23 deaths per million residents. This rate is two times higher than most other European Union countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research is based on a secondary analysis of data contained in multiple Polish governmental reports, including those of the Prevention and Analysis Office of Road Traffic Headquarters of Police, National Road Safety Program-GAMBIT 2005, National Road Safety Program 2013 to 2020, and Strategy for Efficient State in 2020, plus previous publications describing road safety in Poland. Data were analysed in two steps. First, the data were described using means and frequencies, and tabulated according to variables. Second, we considered the time frame (day, month, and year of the occurrence), the place and the circumstances of fatal road crashes, the kind of event, and types of road crashes. RESULTS: Between 2004 and 2014, there were 475,591 traffic crashes on Polish roads. 52,217 people were killed and 597,191 people were injured. Traffic-related injuries represent the leading cause of death for Polish men up to 44 years of age. The most common cause of road crashes in Poland was failure to comply with the rules of the road traffic, such as through excessive speeding. We also found drivers poorly assessed road situations, faced a lack of adequate road infrastructure, and maintained many vehicles in poor condition. DISCUSSION: Despite the variety of measures undertaken to improve safety on Polish roads, including modifications of the law as well as improving road quality, the number of fatalities and injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes is still considerable, and the losses incurred by Polish society are still substantial. CONCLUSIONS: The number of fatalities and injuries as a result of road crashes in Poland remains very high. Multifaceted action to improve safety on the roads in Poland should continue.

Risk indicators for road accident in Poland for the period 2004-2017.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the research was to assess the prevalence, effects and risk factors for motor vehicle accidents (MVA) in the years 2004-2017 in Poland. METHOD: We merged secondary data from the Prevention and Analysis Office of Road Traffic Headquarters of Police and Central Statistical Office of Poland. RESULTS: Our results suggest that several thousand people are killed on Polish roads annually, and tens of thousands are injured. Road crashes represent the leading cause of death for Polish men up to 44 years of age. The most common causes of road crashes in Poland include failure to comply with the road traffic rules and low driving skills. We also found drivers who poorly assessed road situations, roads characterized by a lack of adequate road infrastructure, and many vehicles in poor condition. Road crashes have become a significant public health and social problem globally. Drivers caused most MVA in Poland in the years 2004-2017, whereas the underlying cause was inadequate speed regarding the road traffic condition as well as not respecting the right-of-way. Despite various measures that are being taken to improve safety on Polish roads, the number of the dead and wounded as a result of road accidents is still high and the losses to the society are considerable as well. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to continue multidirectional actions to improve safety on the roads in Poland resulting in a systematic increase in the level of road traffic security.

[First aid education - a questionnaire survey].

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: The ability to provide first aid, especially cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in accordance with the guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) is a key element in helping and rescuing people with pre-hospital cardiac arrest. As recommended by the ERC 2015 guidelines, one of the most important steps to be taken to increase the rate of CPR appraisal by participants or cardiac arrest witnesses is to teach these skills to all children in schools. Numerous studies have shown that school-age children are positive about learning resuscitation, and moreover, they are important multipliers of knowledge because they are happy to transmit the information they receive to family members and the closest surroundings. The aim: To get to know the opinions of young people about the need for first aid education and the period in which it is best to start learning in this area. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The study was attended by 498 people, students of various types of universities, the research method was an online diagnostic survey, a self-help questionnaire tool. RESULTS: Results: The study involved 309 women (62%) and 189 (38%) men. The respondents are young people between 18-30. Almost all respondents (97.2%) are of the opinion that learning first aid should be compulsory in the course of school education. The majority of respondents (76.7%) expressed the opinion that the knowledge regarding first aid should be updated, 16.3% had no opinion on this subject, while only 7.0% of respondents believed that there was no need to do so. Almost half of respondents (48.3%) are of the opinion that learning first aid should take place from the elementary school, while 30.3% of respondents think that they should be educated at pre-school age. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The vast majority of respondents consider first aid education to be significant and needed during education. Young people are aware of the need to practice skills and to repeat and update information on first aid. The majority of respondents are of the opinion that education in this area should be started very early, even in the pre-school period.

Road safety in Poland: magnitude, causes and injuries.

Road accidents are a serious problem of the modern world. They are one of the main causes of injuries and are the third most frequent cause of death. Every year, about one million people, adults and children, die on the roads and several millions get injured. Mortality rate due to injuries from road accidents amounts to 2.2% of all deaths in the world. The research presents epidemiology of road accidents in the period 2004-2015 with particular emphasis on the key issues of road safety in Poland, related to the dangerous behaviour of road users (disregard toward traffic rules). Between years 2004 and 2015 on Polish roads took place more than 508000 accidents with 53155 fatalities and more then 572000 casualties. Despite the various measures which are taken to improve safety on Polish roads, the number of dead and wounded in the vehicle mishap is still large, and losses borne by society are high. To improve safety on Polish roads, it is necessary to continue multi- action plan to systematically progress in the level of road safety.

Analysis of the impact of harmful factors in the workplace on functioning of the respiratory system of firefighters.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Firefighters are considered a healthy and fit group of individuals, well-prepared for taking action in disaster situations. While working, they suffer from exposure to certain toxic agents, especially combustion products generated when a fire takes place. Among them, the most frequent and the most toxic are: carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, and those resulting from PVC combustion - hydrochloride, phosgene and chloride. Additionally, fire-extinguisher powder can be inhaled and lead to certain lesion in the airways. The aim of study was to ascertain the influence of toxic agents present at the scene of fire on the lung tissue of firefighters, and also to study this on an animal model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of firefighters who had a minimum of 10 years service. After completing a questionnaire, their clinical status was ascertained based on a general examination, laboratory tests and lung function tests. RESULTS: Questionnaire analysis showed a high percentage of pathological symptoms in the studied group. The incidence of the symptoms correlated with the duration of occupational exposure to toxic agents. Among other results, obstruction of flow in medium airways in about 30% of the studied individuals represented the most important finding. Experimental tests were next performed on male Wistar rats, aged 3 months. They were insufflated with the solution of powdered fire-extinguisher, after which morphology specimens of lung tissue were studied. Evidence for disseminated fibrosis was obtained, which supported the previous clinical findings in the firefighters. CONCLUSIONS: The above shows correlation between occupational exposure and respiratory system involvement in firefighters. This justifies covering the group of firefighters with special medical care focused on prophilaxis, early detection and therapy of pulmonary diseases.