Medical Survey of the Staff Working in Škocjan Caves

Povzetek

Jamska mikrokilima se odlikuje po mnogih parametrih, ki v primeru dolgotrajnega delovanja, lahko povzročajo fiziološke spremembe v človeškem telesu. Poleg temperature, zračnega toka, odsotnosti sončne svetlobe in vlage, ki se spreminjajo glede na lokacijo in strukturo podzemnih prostorov, je prisotno tudi radonsko sevanje. Park Škocjanske jame, Slovenija, izvaja redne in kontinuirane meritve radona in hčerinskih produktov že pet let. Vse meritve opravlja Zavod za varstvo pri delu, Ljubljana. Obenem uprava parka vodi natančno evidenco o času, ki ga posamezniki prebijejo v jami, kar nam omogoča, da določimo maksimalno prejeto dozo sevanja, ki jo zaposleni prejmejo pri delu v času enega leta. V skladu z nacionalnimi predpisi in zakoni ter odločbo, ki jo je izdalo Ministrstvo za zdravstvo RS, Zdravstveni inšpektorat RS, je Park Škocjanske jame vzpostavil tudi redni medicinski nadzor zaposlenih v jami. Da bi preprečili zdravstvene probleme, ki bi utegnili nastati, se izvajajo podrobnejši zdavstveni pregledi, vsako leto ali redkeje. S krvnimi analizami se spremlja vpliv sevanja. V prispevku bo v kratkem predstavljen splošen pregled mikroklimatskih parametrov tako z vidika koristnih vplivov kot tudi dejavnikov tveganja.

The cave microclimate is distinguished by many parameters that could underlie some physiological changes in human body when exposed for an extended period of time. Beside temperature, air-flow, the absence of sunlight and humidity, which vary according to the location and structure of the underground space, radon radiation is present as well. Park Škocjanske jame, Slovenia, has been performing a regular and continuous monitoring of radon and its daughter products for about five years now. All measurements are done by the Institute for Occupational Safety, Ljubljana. The accurate evidence of time spent in the cave is kept for every member of the staff. This enables us to combine the data with radon concentration and determine the maximum dose of radiation that one has received during one year working period. According to national regulation and law, stated by National Health Inspector and Ministry of Health, a regular medical survey has been established. Detailed medical exams are performed each year or less frequently in order to prevent health problems. Blood tests enable us to observe radiation impact. In the following work a short overview of microclimates impacts will be presented as health and risk factors.