Laboratory of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases

The work environment plays an important role in our life as about half of our wakeful time is spent at work. Everyone has the right to work and live in a safe and healthy work environment. It is well known that a safe and healthy work environment increases productivity and efficiency of work and reduces accidents and diseases in the workplace.

The main functions of the Laboratory of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases (HASL) are research and prevention of occupational and environmental risk factors as well as professional services in occupational safety and health to companies.

Laboratory of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases is competent to conduct tests based on LVS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 standard requirements

Projects

Grants by the Latvian Council of Science

• Latvian Council of Science project “Impact of metals and stable organic pollutants on the activity of antioxidants for employees at separate manufacturing companies in Latvia”. Duration: 2002–2009. Result: The air pollution of the work environment of welders with metals was measured and their impact to employees' health in Latvia was assessed.
• Latvian Council of Science project No. 05.1835 “Development of assessment criteria for psychosocial risk factors in the working environment”. Duration: 2004–2007. Result: Development of stress markers — development of scientifically-based criteria for the objective assessment of working environment risk factors.

EU Structural Funds and INTERREG projects

• INTERREG “Work ability and social inclusion” (CB52) Duration: from 1 May 2011 to 31 December 2013. Aim of the project: Improvement of stress management and good management practice in companies thus fostering the increase of working abilities and social integration of employees. Target groups: specialists and middle-level managers working in offices, banks, medical treatment institutions, and in the IT sphere. Result: Causes for stress in the work place were studied and by solutions sought by applying special methodology solutions.
• Participation in the EU 6-FP project IMPART (NMP4-CT-2005-013968) “Improving the understanding of the impact of nanoparticles on human health and environment”, in cooperation with the Latvian Toxicology Society LATTOX. Duration: 2005. Result: What are nanoparticles? What is their impact on health? How can one measure the content of nanoparticles in indoor air? Information on toxicity of nanoparticles and the potential risk to the environment and health was collected and disseminated.
• GRUNDTVIG project “Strengthening of the integrated skills of the less educated employees concerning their health choices in the context of the changing labour market” (2008-3466/001-001). Duration: 2008–2011. Result: The impact of the social-economic condition, in particular, the level of education, on the health and healthy practices was studied.
• ESF survey “Working conditions and risks in Latvia, 2009–2010”. Duration: 2011. Result: Analysis of the development of labour protection system in dynamics. The survey provided additional analytical data in the fields of occupational health, labour protection, and employment legal relationships.

Funding projects by EEA/Norway

• EEA “ Indoor air pollution caused by office equipment and its potential impact on the body”. Duration: 2009–2010. Result: The main pollutants of indoor air were established and their possible impact on the human organism was assessed.
• EEA “Establishment of the Environmental Modelling Centre in Riga Stradiņš University” (LV0042). Duration: 2008–2010. Result: Professional background of employees working in the field of environment protection and public health in Latvia was improved. Training was run for employees of RSU Environmental Modelling Centre, RSU lecturers, staff, study courses, and employees of state and municipal institutions.

Publications

2016

• Kozlova L., Lakiša S. Prevalence of Psychosocial Risk Factors in Selected Industries in Latvia // Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of sciences ISSN 1407-009X / Riga.- Vol.70.- 2016.- No.5 (704).- p.278-285.
• Kaļužnaja D., Lakiša S. Preschool Personnel Exposure to Occupational noise // Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of sciences ISSN 1407-009X / Riga.- Vol.70.- 2016.- No.5 (704).- p.300-307.
• Sprūdža D., Kozlova L., Lakiša S., Mārtiņsone I., Vanadziņš I., Baķe M.Ā., and Erts R. // Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of sciences ISSN 1407-009X / Riga.- Vol.70.- 2016.- No.5 (704).- p.315-324.
• Sudmalis P., Baķe M.Ā., and Rotbergs J. Detection of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Blood serum of Electricians and Welders in Latvia // Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of sciences ISSN 1407-009X / Riga.- Vol.70.- 2016.- No.5 (704).- p.330-335.
• Martinsone Ž., Pilmane M., Moisejevs G., Sprūdža D., and Baķe M.Ā. Evalution of Histological Findings of Airways of Rats Exposed to Highly Polluted Indoor Airi n Offices // Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of sciences ISSN 1407-009X / Riga.- Vol.70.- 2016.- No.5 (704).- p.341-344.

2015

• Šidagytė R., Eglīte M., Salmi A., Šorytė D., Vanadziņš I., Hopsu L., Lerssi-Uskelin J., BulotaitėL., Kozlova L., Lakiša S. and Vičaitė S. The legislative backgrounds of workplace health promotion in three European countries: a comparative analysis // Journal of Occupational medicine and Toxicology. – 2015.
• Sprudza D., Lakisa S., Erts R., Bake M.A., Vanadzins I., Kozlova L, Martinsone I. Work Ability and Stress Factors of Latvian Office Workers. // RSU Collection of Scientific Papers 2014.- ISSN 1691-497X.- Riga; RSU, 2015.- pp. 80-91.
• Reste J., Zvagule T., Kurjane N., Martinsone Z., Martinsone I., Seile A., Vanadzins I. Wrist Hypothermia Related to Continuous Work with a Computer Mouse: A Digital Infrared Imaging Pilot Study // International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.- ISSN 1660-4601, pp.9265-9281.

2014

• Surakka J., Grotell. S., Piippo J., Gustafsson E., Tuulik V., Meigas K., Vanadzins I., Martinsone I., Lenne R. WASI – Well-Being at Work, Social Inclusion and Participatory Methods: Background, Importance and Theoretical Framework // Arcada Working Papers, Helsinki, 7/2014, ISSN 2342-3064, ISBN 978-952-5260-49-6, 2014.- pp.13-28.
• Surakka J., Vanadzins I., Meigas K., Piippo J., Tuominen R., Pille V., Tuulik V., Kozlova L., Mārtiņsone I., Kettunen J., Lakiša S., Sprūdža D., Baķe M.Ā. WASI: The Metal Age Method // Arcada Working Papers, Helsinki, 7/2014, ISSN 2342-3064, ISBN 978-952-5260-49-6, 2014.- pp.29-49.
• Martinsone I., Vizbule L., Cercina A., Pille V., Tuulik V., Surakka J., Piippo J., Baķe M.Ā. WASI – Stress // Arcada Working Papers, Helsinki, 7/2014, ISSN 2342-3064, ISBN 978-952-5260-49-6, 2014.- pp.50-54.
• Lakiša S., Martinsone I., Baķe M.Ā., Grāvele M., Meigas K., Tint P., Cercina A., Vanadzins I. WASI – Indoor Air Quality // Arcada Working Papers, Helsinki, 7/2014, ISSN 2342-3064, ISBN 978-952-5260-49-6, 2014.- pp.71-86.
• Salmi A., Lerssi-Uskelin J., Hopsu L., Kozlova L., Lakiša S. Workplace health promotion should be based on the needs of the workplace // Barents Newsletter on Occupational Health and Safety / Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. – 2014.- vol.17, No.3.- pp.81-84.
• Sprudza D., Lakisa S., Erts R., Bake M.A., Vanadzins I., Kozlova L., Martinsone I. Work Ability and Stress Factors of Latvian Office Workers // RSU Collection Scientific Papers 2014.- ISSN 1691-497X.- Rīga; RSU, 2014. pp. 80-91

2013

• A. Stepens, V. Groma, S. Skuja, A. Platkājis, P. Aldiņš, I. Ekšteina, I. Mārtiņsone, R. Bricis, M. Donaghy. The outcome of the movement disorder in methcathinone abusers: clinical, MRI and manganesemia changes, and neuropathology. European Journal of Neurology (2013), doi:10.1111/ene.12185
• Eglite M., Vanadzins I., Matisane L., Bake M. A., Sprudza D., Martinsone Z., Martinsone I., Kalve I., Reste J., Cirule J., Seile A. Assessment of occupational health and safety system in Latvia // International Journal of Safety and Security Engineering.- ISSN: 2041-904X (online) and ISSN: 2041-9031 (paper format); 2012.– vol.2.– N.4.– / WIT Press 2013.– pp. 305–316. Scopus

2012

• Эглите М.Э., Ресте И.А., Ванадзиньш И.А., Цируле И.Г., Матисане Л., Баке М.Я., Спруджа Д.Р., Мартинсоне И.Ю., Гринберга С.О. Оценка подготовки кадров для охраны труда в Латвии // Медицина труда и промышленная экология. ISSN 1026-9428.- Москва.- 2012.- № 3.- стр.41-47. Scopus
• Sprūdža D., Skreitule L. Apgaismojuma līmeņa analīze biroja darbinieku darba vietās // RSU Zinātniskie raksti, 1.sējums, 2011.- Rīga; RSU, 2012.- lpp. 234-240.
• Vanadzins I., Martinsone Z., Matisane L., Reste J., Bake M.A., Sprudza D., Eglīte M. Correspondence of changes in occupational health and safety policy in Latvia with changes in the work environment // OH&Forum 2011, International Forum on Occupational Health and Safety: Policies, Profiles and Services / Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and editors. ISBN 978-952-261-202-1.- 2012.- pp.95-97.
• Sprudza D., Martinsone I., Skreitule L., Valeine L., Kazerovska K. Conformity assessment of natural cosmetic products on volunteers // International Proceedings IFEH 12th World Congress on Environmental Health Vilnius, Lithuania.- 22.-27.05.2012.- ISBN 978-88-7587-664-7.- pp.33-36.
• Martinsone Z., Bake M.A., Seile A., Zellane M., Sudmalis P., Lakisa S., Sprudza D. Occupational Risks and Related Health Effects for Office Workers in Latvia // International Proceedings IFEH 12th World Congress on Environmental Health Vilnius, Lithuania.- 22.-27.05.2012.- ISBN 978-88-7587-664-7.- pp.91-94.

2011

• Vanadziņš I., Eglīte M., Mārtiņsone I., Sprūdža D., Baķe M., Zellāne M., Konova Š. Nodarbinātie ar zemu izglītības līmeni ceļā uz veselību – Latvijas piemērs, nodaļa grāmatā Izaicinājumi veselības apmācības organizēšanā nodarbinātajiem ar zemu izglītības līmeni // Korzeniovskas E. un Puchalski K red. / Rīgas Stradiņa universitātes Darba drošības un vides veselības institūts, Rīga.- 2011.- 136 lpp.
• Vanadziņš I., Eglīte M., Mārtiņsone I., Sprūdža D., Baķe M., Zellāne M., Konova Š. The low educatedemployees towards health a Latvian example // Edited by Korzeniowska E., Puchalski K. / Rīgas Stradiņš University, Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Riga.- 2011.- 136 lpp.
• Vanadziņš I., Eglīte M., Mārtiņsone I., Sprūdža D., Baķe M., Zellāne M., Konova Š. La actitud de los trabajadores y trabajadoras con bajo nivel educativo hacia la salud. El ejemplo leton // Editores: Korzeniowska E., Puchalski K./ Rīgas Stradiņš University, Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Riga.- 2011.- pp.109-135.
• Vanadziņš I., Eglīte M., Mārtiņsone I., Sprūdža D., Baķe M., Zellāne M., Konova Š. Nižje izobraženi delavci na poti k zdravju- izzivi za zdravstveno vzgojo // Urednika: Korzeniowska E., Puchalski K./ Inštitut za zdravje pri delu in zdravstveno ekologijo Stradiņove univerze v Rigi, Latvija.- 2011.- pp.94-106.
• Vanadziņš I., Eglīte M., Mārtiņsone I., Sprūdža D., Baķe M., Zellāne M., Konova Š. Nisko wyksztatceni pracownicy a zdrowie – wyzwania dla edukacji zdrowotnej // Redaktorzy: Korzeniowska E., Puchalski K./ Rīgas Stradiņš University, Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Riga.- 2011.- pp.103-116.
• Eglite M., Vanadzins I., Matiane L., Bake M.A., Sprudza D., Martinsone Z., Martinsone I., Reste J., Cirule J.&Seile A. Work conditions and occupational morbidity in Latvia // Sixth international conference on the impact of environmental factors on health&Ninth international conference on modelling in medicine and biology Environmental Health&Biomedicine (ISSN 1743-3525). Riga.- pp.221-232.
• Vanadzins I., Matisane L., EgliteM., Martinsone Z., Sprudza D., Bake M. Development of the occupational health and safety situation among Latvian health care workers // Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, ISBN 978-952-261-094-2, Helsinki; 2011.- p.46-51.

2010

• Martinsone Ž., Baķe M.Ā.Toxics effects of nanoparticles – differences and similarities with fine particles // Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of sciences ISSN 1407-009X / Riga.- Vol.64.- 2010.- N.1/2.- p.1-9. Scopus
• Sprūdža D., Eglīte M., Baķe M.Ā., Martinsone Ž., Matisāne L., Mārtiņsone I., Piķe A., Vanadziņš I. Evaluation of work conditions and occupational health risk factors in enterprises within a 10-year period in Latvia // Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of sciences ISSN 1407-009X / Riga.- Vol.64.- 2010.- N.1/2.- p.10-19. Scopus
• Baķe M.Ā., Eglīte M., Martinsone Ž., Buiķe I., Piķe A., Sudmalis P. Organic solvents as chemical risk factors of the work environment in different branches of industry and possible impact of solvents on workers¢ health // Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of sciences ISSN 1407-009X / Riga.- Vol.64.- 2010.- N.1/2.- p.25-32. Scopus
• Dundurs J., Martinsone Ž. Vibration as an occupational hazard in the work environment of Latvia // Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of sciences ISSN 1407-009X / Riga.- Vol.64.- 2010.- N.1/2.- p.33-38. Scopus
• Farbtuha T., Martinsone Ž., Vanadziņš I., Dundurs J., Mārtiņsone I., Piķe A. Work conditions and health risks of persons employed in construction in Latvia // Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of sciences ISSN 1407-009X / Riga.- Vol.64.- 2010.- N.1/2.- p.53-60. Scopus
• Mārtiņsone I., Baķe M.Ā., Martinsone Ž., Eglīte M. Possible hazards of work environment in metal processing industry in Latvia // Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of sciences ISSN 1407-009X / Riga.- Vol.64.- 2010.- N.1/2.- p.61-65. Scopus
• Vanadziņš I., Eglīte M., Baķe M.Ā., Sprūdža D., Martinsone Ž., Mārtiņsone I., Rusakova Ņ., Piķe A., Sudmalis P. Estimation of risk factors of the work environment and analysis of employees¢ self estimationin the wood processing industry // Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of sciences ISSN 1407-009X / Riga.- Vol.64.- 2010.- N.1/2.- p.73-78. Scopus
• Veide A., Eglīte M., Baķe M.Ā., Čurbakova E. Heath disorders of the employees exposed to organic solvents at work // Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of sciences ISSN 1407-009X / Riga.- Vol.64.- 2010.- N.1/2.- p.79-84. Scopus
• Visnola D., Sprūdža D., Baķe M.Ā., Piķe A. Effects of art therapy on stress and anxiety of employees // Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of sciences ISSN 1407-009X / Riga.- Vol.64.- 2010.- N.1/2.- p.85-91. Scopus
• Sprūdža D., Ļašenko I., Roga S., Meirēna V., Boziļeva E. Dzintara higiēnisko salvešu nekaitīguma novērtējums // RSU Zinātniskie raksti, 2009.- Rīga; RSU, 2010.- 323-330 lpp.
• Baķe M.Ā., Piķe A., Domkova S., Švedovs J. Psihosociālo darba vides riska faktoru ietekme uz nodarbināto veselību (objektīvas novērtēšanas iespējas) // RSU Zinātniskie raksti, 2009.- Rīga; RSU, 2010.- 374-383 lpp.
• Martinsone I., Bake M.-A., Martinsone Z., Eglite M.: Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Section B: Natural, Exact, and Applied Sciences Vol. 64, pp. 61 - 65, 2010
• Arija Bake M., Eglite M., Martinsone Z., Buike I., Pike A., Sudmalis P.: Organic solvents as chemical risk factors of the work environment in different branches of industry and possible impact of solvents on workers. Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Section B: Natural, Exact, and Applied Sciences Vol. 64, pp. 25 - 32, 2010

Equipment