Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Cheol In Yoo

17 Articles

The General Characteristics and Results of the Cold Provocation Test in the Risk Group of HAVS: Jae Kook Yoon, Chang Sun Sim, Myoung Soon Oh, Joo Hyun Sung, Ji Ho Lee, Choong Ryeol Lee, Yangho Kim, Cheol In Yoo, Hun Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(3):207-216. Published online September 30, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.3.207

OBJECTIVES
The cold provocation test for diagnosing the vascular component in hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is likely to be accepted as an objective test, and a few studies have been performed. However, controversy has continued regarding the diagnostic performance of this method. Although objective methods such as plethysmography and laser doppler flowmetry have been studied, they have not received as much attention as other diagnostic methods. Therefore, our study aim was to spread the awareness of HAVS by reporting the results of the cold provocation test in a hand-transmitted vibration exposure group.
METHODS
The study subjects were 549 workers who had been exposed to hand-transmitted vibrations and reported symptoms in their hands. While the subject immersed both their hands in 10degrees C water for 10 minutes, the skin temperature of 10 fingers was recorded from pre-immersion time to 20 minute postimmersion including 10 minutes immersion time. The recovery rates were calculated from the recorded skin temperatures. The 'decreased recovery rate' criteria were less than 30% at 5 minutes post-immersion and 60% at 10 minute post-immersion.
RESULTS
Of the subjects, 69.1% and 30.9% had more severe symptoms in the right and left hands, respectively. The mean finger skin temperature of the right hand after cold-water immersion for 10 minutes was approximately 10degrees C, which increased gradually with time, but they did not reach the baseline temperature at 20 minutes post-immersion. The deviations of the skin temperature in the subjects were higher in the recovery phase than in the baseline and cold immersion phase. The 3rd finger of both hands showed the lowest 5-minute recovery rate among the fingers examined, and the left 4th finger and right 3rd finger showed the lowest 10-minute recovery rate. Of the subjects, 37.6% and 10.4% of subjects showed a lower recovery rate at 5 and 10 minutes in at least one finger, respectively, while 10.2% showed a lower recovery rate at both 5 and 10 minutes simultaneously in at least one finger.
CONCLUSIONS
The larger deviations in the recovery phase than in the other phases indicated that interindividual differences are more prominent in the recovery phase. There might be no benefit in observing the finger skin temperature for an additional 10 minutes after 10 minutes post-immersion. Overall, approximately 10% of the subjects in the HAVS risk group had HAVS.

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Technetium-99m hand perfusion scintigraphy (Raynaud’s scan) as a method of verification in hand arm vibration syndrome: a review
Taewoong Ha, Hyeoncheol Oh, Jungwon Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Trend of Human Vibration Research in Korea
Hee-Sok Park
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2013; 32(4): 293. CrossRef

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Effect of Hand Transmitted Vibration on the Auditory System: Jae Kook Yoon, Cheol In Yoo, Ji Ho Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(1):18-30. Published online March 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.1.18

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OBJECTIVES
This study was undertaken to estimate the effect of hand transmitted vibration exposure for long time period on the auditory system in shipyard grinder workers.
METHODS
From 2006 to 2009, the study was carried out on 87 grinder workers for hand transmitted vibration exposure group, with 81 welders who were served as the control group. All subjects were male; at baseline, none of the participants had ear disease or diabetes mellitus. Auditory threshold at different frequencies ranged from 0.25 kHz to 8 kHz for both ear was recorded; the following were also collected from the subjects: age, exposure duration, noise exposure level of investigation year, total cholesterol, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, and smoking history.
RESULTS
In comparison of two groups, mean of age, exposure duration, noise level, total cholesterol, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, smoking rate were not significantly different between the groups. Auditory thresholds of 0.25, 0.5 kHz frequencies in both ear, 1 kHz frequency in right ear, and 8 kHz frequency in left ear were higher in hand-transmitted vibration exposure group than that in the control group at a statistically significant level. After stratification by age 50 years, there were no significant differences between the two groups in less than 50-years old age group, but auditory threshold of 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 8 kHz frequency were significantly different between the two groups in above 50-years old age group. The differences between two groups ranged from 0.4 dB(HL) to 6.7 dB(HL). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that hand transmitted vibration exposure was significant only in 0.25, 0.5 kHz frequency and the regression coefficients of vibration exposure ranged from 3.826 to 5.028 in those frequencies.
CONCLUSIONS
The differences of hearing threshold between two groups only in the 50-years old group were possibly owing to changed peripheral vascular system with autonomic nervous system, and significances only in low frequencies such as 0.25, 0.5 kHz probably mean that hand vibration exposure have been transmitted to auditory organ over long term. Collectively, older people can be more susceptible to hearing loss in the presence of hand transmitted vibration exposure and auditory threshold at low frequency may be more affected by the hand transmitted vibration exposure than high frequency.

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The Health Effect of Hand Arm Transmitted Vibration
Jung-Wan Koo
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2013; 32(4): 303. CrossRef

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Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A in a Manufacture Workplace: Hyun Soo Kim, Chang Sun Sim, Jae Kook Yoon, Hun Lee, Cheol In Yoo; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2010;22(4):356-363. Published online December 31, 2010; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2010.22.4.356

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OBJECTIVES
The prevalence of hepatitis A decreases with improved hygiene and changing lifestyle. However, hepatitis A remains a global problem causing sporadic food-borne infections. Over the past 5 years, hepatitis A incidence has increased, and 15 deaths were reported in 2009 in Korea. Concerns about hepatitis A infection have increased. We checked hepatitis A virus antibody (HAV anti-IgG) in a large manufacturing company, so that the results could be a guideline for workplace preventive plan and health policy for hepatitis A.
METHODS
We investigated the seroprevalence of HAV anti-IgG and the demographic characteristics of employee volunteer, in a company in Ulsan. In addition, we estimated those factors that affected seroprevalence of HAV anti-IgG.
RESULTS
A total of 2,719 employee volunteers were enrolled into the study. The seropositive rate of HAV anti-IgG was 69.8% (n=1,899) and, the seronegative rate was 30.2% (n=820). There were no enrolled employees under age 24 years who tested positive for HAV anti-IgG; in this group, the seropositive rate was 0.0% (n=0); in 25~29 years the rate was 3.9% (n=12) and 26.5% (n=118) in 30~34 years olds. In the 35-39 ears, 61.1% (n=203) tested HAV anti-IgG positive and 86.8% (n=256) of 40~44 years tested positive. Other group tested as follows: 96.5% (n=335) in 45~49 year olds, 98.7% (n=593) in 50~54 year olds, and 100% (n=382) in over 55 years. There was a significantly increasing tendency to test HAV anti-IgG positive according to age group. In the 34-35 year olds, the seropositive rate exceeded the seronegative rate.
CONCLUSIONS
HAV anti-IgG seropositive rate increased according to age. The result can used for guideline recommendationsand establishing hepatitis A policies.

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Seroprevalence of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella-zoster antibodies in new female nurses in the Republic of Korea
Yeongjae Yoo, Won-Ju Park, Seunghyeon Cho, Dae-Young Lim, Suwhan Kim, Wonyang Kang, Hyeonjun Kim, Jai-Dong Moon
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2021;[Epub] CrossRef

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A Case of Cerebellar Dysfunction After Acute Organotin Poisoning: Suk Hwan Kim, Cheol In Yoo, Jee Hyun Kwon, Jin Ho Bae, Young Cheol Weon, Yangho Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009;21(3):289-292. Published online September 30, 2009; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2009.21.3.289

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BACKGROUND
We performed a follow-up study of an acute organotin poisoning case on the neurological sequelae that remained after 3 years since diagnosis.
CASE
In the previous study, a 43-year-old male was reported for acute organotin poisoning. After 3 years, the neurological sequelae were studied using neurological examination, cognitive tests, neurobehavioral tests (by CAYSYS 2000(TM)), brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT. Upon neurological examination and other tests, orientation was improved compared to that 3 years before, but cerebellar ataxia, dysmetria and dysdiadochokinesia remained the same, with little change. Brain MRI showed cerebellar atrophy. 18F-FDG PET/CT revealed mildly decreased metabolic activity in the pons and in both cerebellar hemispheres.
DISCUSSION
This is the first brain MRI study on cerebellar atrophy caused by organotin poisoning. Cerebellar ataxia was confirmed by decreased metabolic activity in 18F-FDG PET/CT.

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Magnetic resonance imaging of leukoencephalopathy in amnestic workers exposed to organotin
Eunmi Lee, Ji Eun Park, Mayu Iida, Tomoya Fujie, Toshiyuki Kaji, Gaku Ichihara, Young Cheol Weon, Yangho Kim
NeuroToxicology.2016; 57: 128. CrossRef
Toxic Encephalopathy
Yangho Kim, Jae Woo Kim
Safety and Health at Work.2012; 3(4): 243. CrossRef
Occupational Neurological Disorders in Korea
Eun-A Kim, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S26. CrossRef
Occupational Neurologic Disorders in Korea
Yangho Kim, Kyoung Sook Jeong, Yong-Hun Yun, Myoung-Soon Oh
Journal of Clinical Neurology.2010; 6(2): 64. CrossRef

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Early Objectified Detection Method of Sensorineural Component in Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome: Jae Kuk Yoon, Hun Lee, Nari Choy, Suk Hwan Kim, Hyoung Ouk Park, Ji Ho Lee, Cheol In Yoo; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009;21(2):143-153. Published online June 30, 2009; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2009.21.2.143

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
In order to determine find out the best methods for a more objective detection of neurologic abnormality in early hand arm vibration syndrome(HAVS), early with analyzing the validity of each of the detection methods was analyzed. We evaluated the relationships between the sensorineural stage of Stockholm-revised vibration syndrome classification and the results of several tests.
METHODS
497 workers were investigated for symptom, exposure duration, the types of tools used, and medical history from January 2000 to December 2007. Pain sense threshold, vibrotactile threshold, hand grasp force, finger grasp force, and a finger tapping frequency test were performed by the workers.
RESULTS
The grinder(67.3%) was the most commonly used tool and the mean exposure duration was 14.8 years. Although the pain sense and vibrotactile threshold level tended to increase according to sensorineural stage of the Stockholm classification, there was statistically significant difference in the vibrotactile threshold of 125, 250 Hz (p=0.006~0.038) but not in the pain sense threshold. Hand and finger grasp force tended to decrease according to the sensorineural stage of Stockholm classification and there was statistically significant difference(p=0.041,<0.001, 0.034) only on the right hand side. The tapping frequency also generally decreased according to the sensorineural stage of the Stockholm classification and there was statistically significant difference (p=0.002~0.019) only on the left hand side.
CONCLUSIONS
Although there is no single standardized method that can objectively diagnose the sensorineural component of early HAVS early, the combination of subjective symptoms, the sensorineural stage of Stockholm classification, the pain and vibrotactile threshold test, the hand and finger grasp force, and the finger agility (tapping) test can objectively detect sensorineural component of HAVS early.

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Application of cold intolerance symptom severity questionnaire among vibration-exposed workers as a screening tool for the early detection of hand-arm vibration syndrome: a cross-sectional study
A Ram Kim, Dae Yun Kim, Ji Soo Kim, Heun Lee, Joo Hyun Sung, Cheolin Yoo
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2019;[Epub] CrossRef
Trend of Human Vibration Research in Korea
Hee-Sok Park
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2013; 32(4): 293. CrossRef

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A Case of Raynaud's Phenomenon of both Feet in a Rock Drill Operator with Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome: Nari Choy, Chang Sun Sim, Jae Kuk Yoon, Suk Hwan Kim, Hyoung Ook Park, Ji Ho Lee, Cheol In Yoo; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2008;20(2):119-126. Published online June 30, 2008; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2008.20.2.119

Abstract PDF

BACKGROUND
There have been many studies on hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) for almost a century. The Stockholm Workshop scale has been accepted as a useful tool in diagnosing HAVS. Although they are not standard tests for diagnosis, cold provocation test and plethysmography of the fingers are commonly used as objective measurements to confirm the vascular component of HAVS. However, there are only a handful of case reports and studies worldwide on Raynaud's phenomenon in the toes. We report the case of a patient with HAVS who developed Raynaud's phenomenon in the toes after the vibration exposure had ceased. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this entity in Korea.
CASE
REPORT: A 58-year-old male, who had been diagnosed with HAVS in 2003, first noticed white toes in the summer of 2006 after immersing his feet in cold water. He had been working as a rock drill operator since 1976 for almost 30 years and had symptoms on his fingers since 1992. He underwent the cold provocation test, photoplethysmography, Nerve conduction velocity, and basic laboratory tests to rule out other causes of secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. To describe the severity of his feet, it could be classified as vascular stage 2 and sensorineural stage 1 if we were to apply the Stockholm Workshop scale.
CONCLUSIONS
The patient showed vibration-induced white toes, and we would like to share the results of objective findings related to his condition. When diagnosing HAVS, symptoms of the feet should be assessed by the occupational and environmental medicine physicians. Further studies are needed to standardize test methods to diagnose "vibration-induced white toes."

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Raynaud’s phenomenon in the feet of Arctic open-pit miners
Albin Stjernbrandt, Hans Pettersson, Per Vihlborg, Anje Christina Höper, Anna Aminoff, Jens Wahlström, Tohr Nilsson
International Journal of Circumpolar Health.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Body physiological responses of city bus drivers subjected to noise and vibration exposure in working environment
Ramin Rahmani, Mohsen Aliabadi, Rostam Golmohammadi, Mohammad Babamiri, Maryam Farhadian
Heliyon.2022; 8(8): e10329. CrossRef
The Health Effect of Hand Arm Transmitted Vibration
Jung-Wan Koo
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2013; 32(4): 303. CrossRef
Examination of Vibration Characteristics, and Reported Musculoskeletal Discomfort for Workers Exposed to Vibration via the Feet
Mallorie Leduc, Tammy Eger, Alison Godwin, James P. Dickey, Ron House
Journal of Low Frequency Noise, Vibration and Active Control.2011; 30(3): 197. CrossRef

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A Case of Acute Organotin Poisoning: Yu Jung Kim, Yangho Kim, Kyoung Sook Jeong, Chang Sun Sim, Nari Choy, Jongchul Kim, Jun Bum Eum, Yoshiaki Nakajima, Yoko Endo, Cheol In Yoo; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(3):255-262. Published online September 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.3.255

Abstract PDF

BACKGROUND
Although organotin compounds are widely used as PVC stabilizers, catalysts and biocides, their effects on humans are not well known. However, their acute intoxication is known to cause neurotoxicity in the central nervous system, renal toxicity, and hepatotoxicity. As there has been no previously published case of organotin intoxication in Korea, we report here the first Korean case of acute exposure to organotin.
CASE
REPORT: A 43-year-old male with disorientation and behavioral change was admitted to a hospital. He had been working as a tank cleaner for several different companies in the previous 8 years and a week before admission, he had cleaned a tank containing dimethyltin (DMT) for 4 days. A day after finishing the job, he suffered decreased memory, behavioral change and progressive mental deterioration when he arrived at the emergency room. The result of spinal tapping was negative but on the 4th day of admission he deteriorated into a state of coma along with metabolic acidosis and severe hypokalemia. High levels of DMT and trimethyltin (TMT) were detected in a highly sensitive urine analysis. After conservative treatment and chelation therapy, the patient showed some clinical improvement but the neurological defects persisted.
CONCLUSION
The patient appeared to have been intoxicated from the acute exposure to a high level of organotin while cleaning the tank.

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Acute Occupational Poisoning in Korea
Hyunjoo Kim, Jia Ryu
The Ewha Medical Journal.2016; 39(4): 99. CrossRef
Compensation for Occupational Diseases by Chemical Agents in Korea
Soon-Chan Kwon, Soo-Yong Roh, Ji-Hoon Lee, Eun-A Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2014; 29(Suppl): S78. CrossRef
Occupational Neurological Disorders in Korea
Eun-A Kim, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S26. CrossRef
Occupational Neurologic Disorders in Korea
Yangho Kim, Kyoung Sook Jeong, Yong-Hun Yun, Myoung-Soon Oh
Journal of Clinical Neurology.2010; 6(2): 64. CrossRef

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Evaluation of Ototoxicity by Mixed Organic Solvents Using the Upper Limit of Hearing: Ji Ho Lee, Cheol In Yoo, Choong Ryeol Lee, Hun Lee, Young Hee Choi, Nam Jung Kim, Yangho Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(4):391-400. Published online December 31, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.4.391

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study evaluated the ototoxicity by mixed organic solvents on workers'hearing using the upper limit of hearing(ULH).
METHODS
Seven hundred ninety-seven male workers in the ship building industry who were evaluated by interview with an upper limit of hearing from August 2000 to July 2002 were enrolled in the study. The subjects were divided into 3 groups according to exposure profile and job: officers, field supporters, and painters. To assess the ototoxicity of mixed organic solvent exposure on hearing, with regard to confounders, the general liner model was used.
RESULTS
After controlling for the possible confounders, such as age, career, noise exposure level, tinnitus, alcohol intake, and smoking, the estimated mean for ULH of the painter group was higher than that of the officer and the field supporter groups. These differences of mean ULH were at the borderline of statistically significance(p=0.069).
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that a relatively lower level of mixed organic solvent chronically affected the hearing organ or auditory pathway. ULH seems to be a useful method for early detection of the ototoxicity of organic solvents.

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Relationship of Biological Indices of Manganese with Pallidal Index on MRI in Liver Cirrhotics: Younghee Choi, Neung Hwa Park, Jung Woo Shin, Hyo Kyung Kim, Sung Ryul Kim, Tae Heum Jeong, Ji Kang Park, Hun Lee, Cheol In Yoo, Choong Ryeol Lee, Ji Ho Lee, Yangho Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(2):129-138. Published online June 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.2.129

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study were to clarify which biological manganese exposure indices reflect the pallidal signal intensities in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in liver cirrhotics.
METHODS
We examined whole blood, plasma, RBC and urinary manganese concentrations, as well as, brain MRI in 22 cirrhotic patients and 10 healthy controls. From MRI scans we calculated the signal intensity of the globus pallidus using the pallidal index (PI), the ratio of the globus pallidus to subcortical frontal white-matter signal intensity in axial T1-weighted MRI planes multiplied by 100. In addition, we studied the relationships between PI and other measurements.
RESULTS
The high signal intensity in the globus pallidus on T1-weighted MRI was observed in 18 (81.8%) patients. There was a significant correlation between whole blood and RBC manganese concentration, and PI on MRI. According to multiple linear regression, whole blood and RBC manganese concentration reflected PI on MRI better the other indices did.
CONCLUSIONS
Whole blood and RBC manganese concentrations could be useful as biological manganese exposure indices that reflect PI on MRI.

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Occupational disease surveillance system in Busan, Ulsan, Kyung-Nam area: Jung Il Kim, Byung Gwan Kim, Jung Won Kim, Chang Ho Chae, Cheol Ho Yi, Dongmug Kang, Ji Hong Kim, Jin Ha Kim, Young Wook Kim, Young Ha Lee, Ji Ho Lee, Younghee Choi, Jung Ho Kim, Hyung Ryul Yun, Cheol In Yoo, Baek Geun Jeong, Tae Won Jang, Yun Gyu Kim, Dong Young Yun, Jin Uk Kang, Jong Eun Kim, Jin Hong Ahn, Dong Joon Lee, Joon Ho Jang, Kwang Young Lee, Hyu Ran Song, Yong Hwan Lee, Byung Man Cho, Hong Ryul Choi, Sang Baek Koh, Euna Kim, Yu Jin Lee, Young Seoub Hong, Kap Yeol Jung, Jung Man Kim, Joon Youn Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(1):1-12. Published online March 31, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.1.1

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVE: Occupational medicine specialists in the Busan, Ulsan and Kyung-Nam areas established an area-based occupational disease surveillance system and used this system to collected case information for the purpose of preventing occupational diseases METHODS: 11 hospitals participated in this system. The authors selected five main diseases, which were hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSD), occupational asthma, occupational skin disease and occupational lung cancer and established their case definitions. All cases were reported on the web, and real time analysis was conducted.
RESULTS
Between Apri1 2001 and April 2003, 192 cases of HAVS, 118 cases of WRMSD, 33 cases of occupational asthma, 17 cases of occupational skin disease and 17 cases of occupational lung cancer (for a total of 377 cases of these five main diseases) were reported. Most of the HAVS cases came from shipbuilding, and 172 of them (92.7 %) were associated with grinding. Of the four main types of WRMSD, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was the most prevalent with 46 cases and shipbuilding was also the main industry involved (83.9 %). The ergonomic risk factors involved mainly associated with the hand. In 19 (57.6 %) and 4 (12.1 %) cases of occupational asthma, the agents included isocyanate and welding fume, respectively. 64.7 % of the cases of occupational skin diseases were contact dermatitis, and organic solvents and welding fume were the main agents involved. The causative agents of occupational lung cancer included Cr, welding fume, PAH, Ni, etc. 10 (58.8 %) of the cases were diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma and 5 (29.4 %) as adenoma.
CONCLUSION
This result showed that an area-based occupational disease surveillance system might provide an effective method of evaluating the prevalence of such diseases, however the Busan, Ulsan and Kyung-Nam provinces are too large to be treated as individual areas. Therefore, the authors suggest that each province should establish its own surveillance system.

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Work-relatedness of lung cancer by smoking and histologic type in Korea
Young-Il Lee, Sang-Gil Lee, Dong-Mug Kang, Jong-Eun Kim, Young-Ki Kim, Jong-Han Leem, Hwan-Cheol Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2014;[Epub] CrossRef
Occupational Skin Diseases in Korea
Yeon-Soon Ahn, Min-Gi Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S46. CrossRef

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Mental Disorders and Fitness for Work in Korea: Choong Ryeol Lee, Yang ho Kim, Cheol In Yoo, Ji Ho Lee, Hun Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(3):224-236. Published online September 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.3.224

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study investigated the actual state of people with mental disorders in Korea, in order to present an alternative proposal for their work fitness and vocational rehabilitation.
METHODS
The authors conducted this study through a review of statistics on the prevalence of mental disorder, labor laws, and the literatures related with work fitness and vocational rehabilitation of people with mental disorders.
RESULTS
According to recent surveys, about 3 million people in Korea are likely to have mental disorders which could lead to discrimination in social life and dishonor in occupational career, either in the present or near future. Therefore, evaluation of work fitness and vocational rehabilitation for persons with mental disorders are important. At present, work fitness for psychiatric patients is evaluated without suitable guidelines regarding the kinds and severity of mental disorders that impede work capacity. Furthermore, mental disorder-specific fitness for work is not under consideration.
CONCLUSION
It is true that most psychiatric patients have some limitation in performing their job. However, judging from the results of some research, proper displacement, apprehension of co-workers, and adjusted workplace could help them complete their tasks properly despite their troublesome psychiatric symptomatology. The government must help all citizens to do their best in their social life, and show a deep interest in the employment of all disabled people including those with psychiatric disorders. Above all we have to change our attitudes and preconceptions against people with mental disorders. Some labor laws, which presently impede employment of people with psychiatric disorders, need to be revised in their favor. Future work capacity evaluation should be done on the basis of ability to function in the workplace rather than symptomatology.

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The Relations among Attitude, Competency, and Appropriateness of Work on Student Suicide in Health Teachers
Jae Soon Yoo, Dallong Han, Chul-Gyu Kim
The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education.2016; 22(4): 473. CrossRef
The Stigma of Mental Illness in Korea
Jong-Ik Park, Mina Jeon
Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association.2016; 55(4): 299. CrossRef
Employment Discrimination Against Schizophrenia
Mary V. Seeman
Psychiatric Quarterly.2009; 80(1): 9. CrossRef

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Epidemiologic Characteristics of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome through Occupational Disease Surveillance System in Busan, Ulsan, Kyungnam Province: Young hee Choi, Cheol In Yoo, Ji Ho Lee, Choong Ryeol Lee, Hun Lee, Young Wook Kim, Chang Ho Chae, Sang Baek Koh, Euna Kim, Lu Jin Lee, Yang ho Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(3):261-268. Published online September 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.3.261

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study were to estimate the epidemiologic characteristics of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) due to occupational exposure of hand transmitted vibration and to identify the occupations and industries where such exposures arises, and the main sources of exposure.
METHODS
In April 2001 the Busan, Ulsan, and Kyung-Nam Province occupational disease surveillance system was established to measure the incidence and prevalence of work-related HAVS and other occupational diseases in these Korean provinces. Occupational physicians of nine hospitals in Busan, Ulsan, and Kyung-nam Province were involved in this project between April 2001 and November 2002. Physicians collected information through questionnaires and interviews. Information gathered included age, occupation, types of vibration tools used and presence of subjective symptoms such as vibration-induced white finger (VWF), numbness and tingling.
RESULTS
A total 192 cases were reported with 188 males and 4 females. The shipbuilding industry was the most common type of industry and grinders were the most common source of exposure. Symptoms of neurological disorder were more common than those of vascular disorder.
CONCLUSIONS
The authors concluded that exposure to hand transmitted vibration is common and that HAVS is one of the most common occupational diseases in Korea. However, the range and extent of hand transmitted vibration and the overall prevalence of HAVS in Korea is still unknown. More extensive research on this syndrome in order to priorite necessary preventive measures is required.

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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Tinea Pedis in Workers of Shipbuilding Industry: Ho Seok Suh, Cheol In Yoo, Choong Ryeol Lee, Ji Ho Lee, Yangho Kim, Won Sin Lee, Jee Ho Choi, Kyung Jeh Sung, Jai Kyoung Koh, Kee Chan Moon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(4):408-417. Published online December 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.4.408

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
Recently,tinea pedis has been reported to be a type of occupational dermatoses because of its high prevalence in specific working conditions.Although there is no doubt that the environment surrounding work places, the usual habits of workers etc are intimately related to this skin conditions, there is some controversy as to whether or not this condition is a real occupational illness and what is the exact cause of the high prevalence of this illness is. In this study, the prevalence of tinea pedis in workers from the shipbuilding industry was investigated andthe risk factors of this disease were evaluated. This study also aimed to verify whether or not tinea pedis is one of the occupational diseases.
METHODS
The results of interviews, questionnaires and clinical findings from 1,419 workers who visited the occupational health center for an annual routine check for their health state were analyzed.
RESULTS
Among the 1,419 workers, 778 workers (54.8%)had tinea pedis. By simple logistic regression analysis,the prevalence of tinea pedis was found to be affected by some variables, including the job category, the types of work,the kinds of footwear, whether or not they were using communal baths in the work places, and a family history of tinea pedis.In contrast, by multiple logistic regression analysis,only utilization of the communal baths in the work places and a family history of tinea pedis turned out to be statistically significant risk factors.
CONCLUSIONS
In this study, the major factors contributing to the high prevalence of tinea pedis are the use of communal baths in the workplace and a positive family history. However, the wearing of safety shoes was not statistically significant. Therefore, tinea pedis could not be confirmed to be an occupational disease. On the basis of these results, a solution to the environmental hygiene of communal baths and the personal hygiene of individuals needs to be improved in order to prevent tinea pedis.

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Evaluation of Finger Skin Temperature by Cold Provocation Test for Diagnosis of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome: Cheol In Yoo, Ji Ho Lee, Choong Ryeol Lee, Hun Lee, Young Hee Choi, Yang Ho Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(2):124-133. Published online June 30, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.2.124

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Various objective tests have been widely used worldwide for diagnosing the hand-arm vibration syndrome. Among these, the cold provocation test has been frequently used to confirm the presence of Raynaud's phenomenon. This study was carried out in order to evaluate finger skin temperature by cold provocation test(10 degrees C for 10 minute) for the diagnosis of hand-arm vibration syndrome METHODS: Fifty-eight workers who had been exposed to local vibration were examined. Information concerning age, occupation, types of vibration tools used, presence of subjective symptoms such as vibration induced white finger(VWF), and numbness and tingling were collected. The subjects were classified into three groups according to their symptoms(Vascular, Neural, and No symptom group). In order to examine the applicability of the cold provocation test using water at 10 degrees C for 10 minute, we compared finger skin temperature between the groups.
RESULTS
The mean value of the finger skin temperature at 5 minutes and 10 minutes after cold provocation as well as the recovery rate in the vascular group were significantly lower than that seen in the other groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The evaluation of finger skin temperature by cold provocation test is very useful method for the diagnosis of hand-arm vibration syndrome. The test results will assist in confirming the diagnosis of the hand-arm vibration syndrome.

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The Health Effects of Whole Body Vibration
Soo-Jin Lee, Soo-Yong Roh
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2013; 32(4): 297. CrossRef

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Hematological Changes and Immunological Function in Children Living Near the Petrochemical Estate in Ulsan: Choong Ryeol Lee, Cheol In Yoo, Ji Ho Lee, Hun Lee, Yang Ho Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(2):127-140. Published online June 30, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.2.127

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the hematological changes and the immunological function of children living near the petrochemical estate in Ulsan.
METHODS
The study subjects comprised of 238 children who consisted of 143 children living near the petrochemical estate and 95 children living in a suburban area. We conducted the hematological examination 3 times, in April, July and October. Also we evaluated the immunological function of some children in July. To confirm differences between schools repeated measures ANOVA of generalized linear model was done controlling age and sex as covariates.
RESULTS
The blood cell counts of children showed differences between schools in accordance with the survey month. The total WBC, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts of children living in a suburban area decreased in July and increased in October again, but those of some children living near the petrochemical estate did not changed distinctly. The RBC counts of children living in a suburban area decreased in July and increased in October again, but those of some children living near the petrochemical estate decreased as time passed. The changes of the amount of hemoglobin of all study subjects were similar with those of RBC. The platelet counts of all study subjects decreased in July and increased in October again. In the generalized linear model, school was a significant independent variable for the total WBC, RBC, and platelet counts, and sex was a significant independent variable for the RBC counts. Age was a significant independent variable for the lymphocyte and platelet counts. P values of all blood cell were statistically significant in interaction variable between the survey month and school, and those of the total WBC, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts were statistically significant in interaction variable between the survey month and age. The immunological function showed no significant difference between study groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The total WBC and RBC counts which would be easily affected by volatile organic compounds(VOCs) in the atmosphere showed differences between schools in accordance with the survey month. This suggests that the amounts of exposure to VOCs are different among each school children in different months. To ascertain the hematological changes by VOCs, an additional study evaluating the concentrations of atmosphere of VOCs and biological monitoring of some VOCs is needed.

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Impact of Solvent Exposure on the Occupational Hearing Loss: Ji Ho Lee, Young Ju Go, Hun Lee, Jung Hak Kang, Cheol In Yoo, Choong Ryeol Lee, Yang Ho Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2000;12(4):537-546. Published online December 31, 2000; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2000.12.4.537

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was to evaluate the impacts of simultaneous exposure to noise and mixed solvents on workers'hearing threshold level (HTL) over five-year period.
METHODS
The study was conducted by interview and annual audiometric test on workers in ship building industry from 1994 to 1998. The cases(workers who exposed to noise and mixed solvent simultaneously) were 43 male workers and controls (workers who exposed to nolle) were selected by matching method with regard to age, sex, carrier, and noise exposure level. To assess the impacts of solvent exposure on hearing threshold level, with considering other factors, general liner model was used.
RESULTS
1. The audiogram of all subjects showed typical sensorineural hearing loss pattern. The mean HTLe were increased at high frequency (4000HB and 8000Hz) for study period. 2. The HTLs of cases were more increased than those of controls at high frequencies (4000Hz and 8000Hz), but there was not statlstical significance. 3. The impact of age on the HTL was statistically significant at 250Hz and 500Hz (p(0.05), and the impact of noise on the HTL was statistically significant at 250Hz, 2000Hz and 4000Hz (p(0.05), but the impact solvent exposure on the HTL was not significant. 4. The changes in HTLs of cases were higher than those of controls at high frequency, there were not statistical significance at 4000Hz, but only at 8000Hz (p=0.087). 5. Statistical analysis of the general linear model implicated that the changes in HTL was impacted by noise exposure bevel significantly (p=0.031) and Impacted by solvent exposure weakly (p=0.087) at 8000Hz.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that workers who simultaneously exposed to noise and mixed solvent were at risk for more affected HTL than those exposed to noise exposure only, but we could not find definitive evidence. Further detailed studies must be made in large number of workers.

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Occupational Hearing Loss in Korea
Kyoo Sang Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S62. CrossRef

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The Effect of Noise Exposure and Age on the Changes of Group Mean Hearing Threshold Level: Annual Follow-up Studies for Seven Years: Ji Ho Lee, Choong Ryeol Lee, Cheol In Yoo, Seung Rim Yaang, Ok Hyun Kim, Byung Mann Cho, Su Ill Lee, Don Kyoun Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1999;11(2):137-152. Published online June 30, 1999; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1999.11.2.137

Abstract PDF

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of noise exposure and age on the changes of group mean hearing threshold level(HTL) over 7-year period. For this purpose, consecutive annual audiometric tests were performed from 1991 to 1997. among 718 male employees of a metal product manufacturing factory. The subjects were divided four groups as follows according to noise level category(NLC). NLC-I officer, exposed noise level was under 60 dB(A) of time weighted average(TWA) NLC-JI technical assistant or engineer, they exposed to workplace noise occasionally NLC-IJJ worker, exposed noise level was below 85 dB(A) of TWA. wore hearing protection device(earmuff or earplug) NLC-IV worker, exposed noise level was over 85 dB(A) of TWA, wore hearing protection device(earmuff and earplug). The results were as follows 1. The improvement of group mean HTL was continued until the fifth year, showing the peak at the third year. The magnitudes of this learning effect were 1.5 - 4.6 dB. 2. The mean HTL of each age group tended to increase after the third year and the tendency was more prominent at 4000 Hz. 3. In noise exposed group(NLC-II, III, and IV), mean HTL increased from the third year after decreasing, meanwhile, in noise free group(NLC-I). it was few changed for the entire period. Among the noise exposure group, the mean HTL of NLC-IV was lower than that of NLC-III and NLC-IV. 4. After learning effect, the mean increase of HTL in noise free group(NLC-I) was 0.4-1.7 dB that suggests aging effect, and that in noise exposure group(NLC-ll, III, and IV) was 0.9 -4.1 dB that suggests noise effect. 5. Statistical analysis of the general linear model implicated that the effect of age was statistically significant at 500, 3000, 4000 and 6000Hz. and the effect of noise exposure was statistically significant at all frequencies except 6000Hz. However, the age * noise interaction was not significant at all frequencies. From these results, it was concluded that the effect of age and noise exposure seems to affect the mean HTL independently and these two factors contribute to an additive effect for the mean HTL change. Furthermore, more concerns should be needed for hearing conservation of low level exposures without any specific protection.

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For 5-years the Longitudinal Study on the Effect of Noise Exposure and Aging to the Changes of Hearing Threshold Level
Chang Ho Chae, Ja Hyun Kim, Jun Seok Son
Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.2015; 25(4): 573. CrossRef
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hearing Loss Using the Korean Working Conditions Survey
Kyoo Sang Kim, Oh Jun Kwon
Korean Journal of Audiology.2012; 16(2): 54. CrossRef
Cohort study for the effect of chronic noise exposure on blood pressure among male workers in Busan, Korea
Ji Ho Lee, Weechang Kang, Seung Rim Yaang, Nari Choy, Choong Ryeol Lee
American Journal of Industrial Medicine.2009; 52(6): 509. CrossRef

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