Title: Key Points in the History of Occupational Medicine in Central Europe
Subtitle: On Occupational Diseases, Patients, and Politics
Subject Classification:  History, Healthcare  
BIC Classification: HB, MBP
BISAC Classification:
Binding: Hardback, eBook
Planned publication date: Sep 2026
ISBN (Hardback): 978-1-83711-985-1
ISBN (eBook): 978-1-83711-986-8

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Description

Occupational Medicine, including the diagnosis and treatment of occupational diseases, is a relatively young medical specialty, although the book De morbis artificum diatriba (The Diseases of Workers) was published as early as 1700.

Prevention may sound like a somewhat dry and formal concept, but it truly changes people's lives - a fact vividly demonstrated by this study of occupational medicine. This field has always been closely linked to the political system, depending heavily on legislation and the level of democracy.
After the communist regime took power in the Czech Republic in 1948, the situation changed dramatically. Political prisoners were forced to work in hazardous uranium mines, and political goals strictly overrode health concerns. Despite printers exhibiting clear symptoms of toluene intoxication, and high chemical concentrations being repeatedly measured, they were forced to continue printing socialist journals, including those exported to the Soviet Union.
Following the collapse of the Soviet regime, great progress was made in establishing correct and ethical care for employees exposed to occupational hazards. This shift also brought fair financial compensation for patients suffering from earlier workplace exposures. Beyond systemic changes, the field of toxicology encountered many unexpected challenges, ranging from accidental and intentional poisonings with mercury, lead, thallium, or cobalt in household settings, to toxic mushrooms from natural sources, and even methanol-tainted spirits sold in stores.
Positive developments and dark historical chapters, are described from the unique perspective of the author - a physician and toxicologist who has worked at the oldest Department of Occupational Medicine in the Czech Republic for nearly half of its existence.

Biography

Author(s):  Dr Daniela Pelclova is Professor of Occupational Medicine at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, and has worked as Head of the Clinic for more than 20 years in a position impossible for a non-communist under the former regime. She has shared her expertise at numerous world congresses.

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