Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Dong Hee Koh

9 Articles

Relationship between Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Non-fatal Occupational Injuries in Construction Workers in Korea: Seung Won Yoo, Hye Eun Lee, Dong Hee Koh, Kyoo Sang Kim, Tae Woo Kim, Min Gi Kim, Kyeong Yeol Yu; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(1):9-17. Published online March 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.1.9

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to assess the relationship between musculoskeletal symptoms and non-fatal injuries in construction workers.
METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study involving 1,836 male construction workers in petrochemical plants in Korea. For this study, a structured self-reported questionnaire(KOSHA CODE H-30-2003) was used. Musculoskeletal symptoms were defined as symptoms that affect the operation of the musculoskeletal system, for longer than one week or a frequency of more than once per month. To evaluate the association between musculoskeletal symptoms and non-fatal occupatioanl injuries, multiple logistic-regressions were used after adjusting for age, exercise, smoking status, alcohol consumption, work time, work duration, and income.
RESULTS
A total of 140 workers were involved in non-fatal injuries cases, representing 7.6% prevalence. After adjusting for confounding variables, the logistic regression analyses indicated the group with musculoskeletal symptoms(OR 1.73 95% CI:1.21~2.47) and intensity criteria of musculoskeletal symptoms as related to 'moderate' criteria(OR 1.82 95% CI:1.18~2.81) or 'severe' criteria(OR 2.57 95% CI:1.43~4.63). This identified group was more likely to experience non-fatal occupational injuries. However, a 'mild' criteria(OR 1.00 95% CI:0.51~1.99) was not associated with non-fatal occupational injuries.
CONCLUSIONS
The results indicated a possible association between musculoskeletal symptoms and non-fatal injuries. Hence, strengthening of laws and regulations, effective ergonomic programs and training is necessary to prevent musculoskeletal symptoms.

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Analysis of Cost Benefit Related to Appointing a Health Care Manager in the Construction Industry
Hye-Sun Jung, Jee-Seon Yi, In-Jae Shin, Eun-Hi Choi
Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing.2016; 25(2): 130. CrossRef
Prevalence and Characteristics of Musculoskeletal Pain in Korean Farmers
David Min, Sora Baek, Hee-won Park, Sang-Ah Lee, Jiyoung Moon, Jae E. Yang, Ki Sung Kim, Jee Yong Kim, Eun Kyoung Kang
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine.2016; 40(1): 1. CrossRef
Cancer incidence and mortality among temporary maintenance workers in a refinery/petrochemical complex in Korea
Dong-Hee Koh, Eun-Kyo Chung, Jae-Kil Jang, Hye-Eun Lee, Hyang-Woo Ryu, Kye-Mook Yoo, Eun-A Kim, Kyoo-Sang Kim
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health.2014; 20(2): 141. CrossRef
Study on the Musculoskeletal Subjective Symptoms Disorders and Health Promotion Behavior of Daily Plant Construction Workers in One Area
Ja-Sook Kim, Ja-Ok Kim, Ji-Yong Seo, Hack-Sun Kim
Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing.2014; 23(1): 28. CrossRef

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A Case Study of a Foundry Worker with Localized Asbestosis: an Uncommon Occurrence in Korea: Tae Woo Kim, Dong Hee Koh, Min Gi Kim, Seung Won Yoo, Hyang Woo Ryu, Jeong Hee Han, Soon Hee Jung; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009;21(2):201-208. Published online June 30, 2009; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2009.21.2.201

Abstract PDF

BACKGROUND
Foundry workers are known to be exposed to silica and have an increased risk of silicosis. There are also reports that state these foundry workers were associated with asbestos-related change in the X-ray results of the lungs. This report discusses a case of localized asbestosis developed in a foundry worker who worked in 12 Korean foundries.
CASE
REPORT: A 49-year-old man who worked at molding and melting for 30 years, presented with sore throat, cough and yellow sputum for 1 month. From physical and clinical examination, pulmonary tuberculosis was highly suspicious; therefore, he was medicated for 6 months. After tuberculosis medication, the radiological finding was reactivation of tuberculosis, and an asbestos body was detected at a transbronchial lung biopsy. During an operation, operators found multiple palpable masses and bullae localized in the right upper lobe (RUL) and performed right upper lobectomy and right middle lobe wedge resection. Using hematoxylin-eosin stain and iron stain, we could detect asbestos bodies by light microscopy. We analyzed the asbestos fiber burden in dry lung tissue by transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (TEM-EDX). The fiber type was chrysotile and the fiber burden was 23.26x106 fiber/g dry lung.
DISCUSSION
This case study of a foundry worker with localized asbestosis is uncommon in Korea. We found an occupational relationship between the foundry worker and localized asbestosis through various investigative techniques such as measurements taken at his working environment, clinical, radiological and pathological examination of the foundry worker and mineralogical examination of the asbestos fiber.

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Sustainable management of hazardous asbestos-containing materials: Containment, stabilization and inertization
Shiv Bolan, Leela Kempton, Timothy McCarthy, Hasintha Wijesekara, Udara Piyathilake, Tahereh Jasemizad, Lokesh P. Padhye, Tao Zhang, Jörg Rinklebe, Hailong Wang, M.B. Kirkham, Kadambot H.M. Siddique, Nanthi Bolan
Science of The Total Environment.2023; 881: 163456. CrossRef

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Occupational Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Cases Evaluated by Workers' Compensation in Korea: Hwa Pyung Lee, Dong Hee Koh, Eui Cheol Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009;21(1):53-62. Published online March 31, 2009; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2009.21.1.53

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
To analyse the characteristics of occupational COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) cases that were evaluated by the Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute (OSHRI) of the Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency (KOSHA).
METHODS
Using the OSHRI database from KOSHA, we collected 13 cases of occupational COPD that had been evaluated from 1998 to 2007.
RESULTS
Four cases had been evaluated as occupational COPD: 1) a nonsmoking road sweeper exposed to automobile exhaust gases and trash dust; 2) an oxygen welding worker exposed to cadmium fumes; 3) a cotton mill air conditioner cleaning worker exposed to cotton dust; and 4) a foundry grinding worker exposed to dust, gases, vapors and fumes. Nine cases had been evaluated as non-occupational COPD: 1) 4 cases in which smoking was determined to be the main cause rather than occupational exposure; 2) 1 case that was evaluated as another respiratory disease (severe tuberculosis sequelae); 3) 1 case that had been misdiagnosed as COPD; 4) 2 cases in which the exposure levels in the workplace environments were too low; and 5) 1 case that had developed before the employment. Among these 13 cases, a shipyard grinding worker had been evaluated in 2006 as having had a low occupational hazard, but a similar case (a foundry grinding worker) was evaluated as having had a high hazard in 2007.
CONCLUSIONS
Proper evaluation of occupational COPD demands an accurate diagnosis of COPD itself and also the exclusion of other respiratory diseases that have similar symptoms; an investigation of the relevant occupatioonal hazards and the amount of the exposure; and a consideration of smoking history. The evaluation should also take into account any substantial loss of life due to occupational hazards as well as any disease-free periods.

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Characteristics of forklift accidents in korean industrial sites
Kwan Woo Kim
Work.2021; 68(3): 679. CrossRef
Factors Associated With Obstructive Pattern Spirometry In Shipyard Workers
Jahyun Kim, Young Wook Kim, Chang Ho Chae, Jun Seok Son, Chan Woo Kim, Jun Ho Lee, Hyung Wook Park, Byung Mann Cho
Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.2015; 25(4): 525. CrossRef
Work-related COPD after years of occupational exposure
YounMo Cho, JongIn Lee, Min Choi, WonSeon Choi, Jun-Pyo Myong, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jung-Wan Koo
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2015;[Epub] CrossRef

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Exposure Level of Trichloroethylene in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Due to Occupational Exposure: 3 Case Reports and a Review of Other Cases: Sun Wung Lee, Eun A Kim, Dae Sung Kim, Dong hee Koh, Seong Kyu Kang, Byung Kyu Kim, Min Ki Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2008;20(2):132-146. Published online June 30, 2008; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2008.20.2.132

Abstract PDF

BACKGROUND
Trichloroethylene (TCE) has been reported to be related to severe generalized exfoliative dermatitis frequently accompanied by toxic hepatitis. The measurements of environmental exposure were limited in the previous case reports and the reported exposure values were also diverse. We reviewed three cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome associated with TCE. The work environment was measured by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) after the cases occurred. From the study results, we intended to clarify the relationship between TCE exposure level and Stevens- Johnson syndrome.
CASE
REPORT: Case 1. A 24-year-old Filipino female worker developed a skin rash 35 days after starting to use TCE for degreasing. The skin rash developed into a bullous eruption and the liver function findings were abnormal. She was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic hepatitis. She died of hepatic failure 39 days after the onset of the first symptom. She had no previous history of taking medicine or viral infection. The work environment measured 22.0 to 32.3 ppm (personal exposure level) with TWA. Case 2. A 47-year-old Korean male worker developed a skin rash, 20 days after starting to use TCE for degreasing. The skin rash developed into a bullous eruption and the liver function findings were abnormal. He was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic hepatitis and sepsis. He died of hepatic failure and sepsis 42 days after the onset of the first symptom. He had no previous history of taking medicine or viral infection. The work environment measured 30.1 ppm (personal exposure level) and 116.5~229.7 ppm (area exposure level close to the degreasing machine) with TWA. Case 3. A 22-yearold Vietnamese female worker developed a skin rash 30 days after starting to use TCE for degreasing. The skin rash developed into a bullous eruption and the liver function findings were abnormal. She was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic hepatitis. Her symptoms improved and she was discharged 37 days after the onset of the first symptom. She had no previous history of taking medicine or viral infection. The work environment measured 107.2 ppm (personal exposure level) with TWA.
DISCUSSION
These three case reports and the previously reported cases indicated that the majority of people susceptible to TCE develops Stevens-Johnson syndrome after high-level TCE exposure (above the TWA occupational exposure limit of 50 ppm). Therefore, work environmental survey and improvements to the TCE degreasing process are essential to prevent high exposure. Furthermore, considering the consistency of the latency period in symptoms and the possibility of sensitization in low-level exposure, we recommend that the first specific health examination also should be conducted 1 month after workers have commenced working.

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Occupational Inhalation Health Risk Assessment of TCE Exposure in the Korean Manufacturing Industry
Sueji Seo, Saemi Shin, Sanghoon Byeon
Applied Sciences.2024; 14(13): 5510. CrossRef
A case report of toxic hepatitis caused by chloroform in automotive parts manufacturer coating process
Jong Hyun Hwang, Jung Il Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Trichloroethylene Hypersensitivity Syndrome: Should Be Considered When Diagnosing DRESS Syndrome
Young Joong Kang, Jihye Lee, Jungho Ahn, Soonwoo Park, Mu Young Shin, Hye Won Lee
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Acute Occupational Poisoning in Korea
Hyunjoo Kim, Jia Ryu
The Ewha Medical Journal.2016; 39(4): 99. CrossRef
Late-onset trichloroethylene-induced hypersensitivity syndrome after intermittent exposure to low-dose trichloroethylene
Seung Yun Lee, Se Hwan Oh, Hyuck Jae Choi, Woo Young Choi, Jee Young Han, Hong-Lyeol Lee, Cheol-Woo Kim
Allergy, Asthma & Respiratory Disease.2016; 4(2): 145. CrossRef
Compensation for Work-Related Hematologic, Liver, and Infectious Diseases
Jung-Won Kim, Dong-Mug Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2014; 29(Suppl): S66. CrossRef
Occupational Hepatic Disorders in Korea
Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Tae Woo Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S36. CrossRef
Extensive changes to occupational exposure limits in Korea
Jee Yeon Jeong, Sangjun Choi, Young Lim Kho, Pan Gyi Kim
Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology.2010; 58(2): 345. CrossRef
Occupational Diseases in Korea
Seong-Kyu Kang, Eun A Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S4. CrossRef
Current status of liver diseases in Korea: Toxic and alcoholic liver diseases
Kyung-Ah Kim
The Korean Journal of Hepatology.2009; 15(Suppl 6): S29. CrossRef

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A Case of Goodpasture's Syndrome in a Foundry Worker: Min Gi Kim, Dong Hee Koh, Sun Wong Lee, Min Heui Jo, Hee Yong Yoo, Bo Yeon Kim, June Hyuk Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2008;20(1):46-53. Published online March 31, 2008; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2008.20.1.46

Abstract PDF

BACKGROUND
Smoking, upper respiratory tract infection, genetic factors and hydrocarbons are known as risk factors of Goodpasture's syndrome. We studied a patient with Goodpasture's syndrome who had worked for 27 years in a foundry company. Based on a study on the work-relatedness of the syndrome, we describe and discuss our study results.
CASE
A 46-year-old man, who had worked as a foundry worker for 27 years and had a 12 1/2 packyear history of smoking cigarettes, was admitted into a hospital on 15th February 2006 with coughing, chest pain and dyspnea. On admission, he had hematuria, proteinuria, severe restrictive pulmonary function disorder and rapid elevation of blood urea nitrogen/creatinine. Immunological examination showed ANA (+), ANCA (-) and Anti-GBM Ab (+). Kidney biopsy showed pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis. Mild bleeding was revealed through bronchoscopy and no vasculitis and granuloma were present on at lung biopsy. Finally, we diagnosed the worker's illness as Goodpasture's syndrome and carried out hemodialysis and plasmapheresis. In the workplace survey, the exposure level of respirable crystalline silica exceeded the TLV-TWA (0.0106 mg/m3), which was calibrated for overtime.
CONCLUSION
Based on both the clinical test and industrial hygiene examination, we concluded that the Goodpasture's syndrome in this case was caused by long-term silica exposure.

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Cause-Specific Mortality Due to Malignant and Non-Malignant Disease in Korean Foundry Workers
Jin-Ha Yoon, Yeon-Soon Ahn, Suminori Akiba
PLoS ONE.2014; 9(2): e88264. CrossRef
Goodpasture’s Syndrome and p-ANCA Associated Vasculitis in a Patient of Silicosiderosis: An Unusual Association
Amanjit Bal, Ashim Das, Dheeraj Gupta, Mandeep Garg
Case Reports in Pulmonology.2014; 2014: 1. CrossRef
Goodpasture's Syndrome and Silica: A Case Report and Literature Review
James Dahlgren, Marla Wardenburg, Trevor Peckham
Case Reports in Medicine.2010; 2010: 1. CrossRef

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The Etiologic Fraction of Isocyanate-related Asthma in Isocyanate-exposed Workers: Yeon Soon Ahn, Dong Hee Koh, Ki Tae Moon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2007;19(4):276-284. Published online December 31, 2007; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2007.19.4.276

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Isocyanate-induced asthma is the most prevalent occupational asthma in Korea. The main purpose of this study was to estimate the etiologic fraction of isocyanate-related asthma in isocyanateexposed (EFe) workers and to measure the magnitude of preventable occupational asthma.
METHODS
Asthma admissions from 2000 to 2005 were analyzed in a cohort containing 10,861 isocyanate-exposed workers and 324,618 isocyanate non-exposed workers who underwent the specialized health examination from January, 2000 to December, 2004. The cohorts of Isocyanate and noise-exposed workers were established using the same data base of Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA). Asthma admissions were investigated by matching the National Health Insurance Claim Data (NHICD). The standardized rate ratio (SRR) of admission was estimated by Poisson regression method to allow unbiased comparisons across exposure and other variables such as age and sex. The etiologic fraction for the isocyanate-exposed (EFe) workers was calculated using this formula (Efe=SRR-1/SRR).
RESULTS
Twenty-eight asthma admissions among the isocyanate-exposed workers and 321 non-exposed workers were observed during 2000~2005. The crude admission rate was 57.2 per 100,000 person-years for the isocyanate-exposed workers and 25.0 for the noise-exposed workers. Compared to the noiseexposed workers, the isocyante-exposed workers had significantly higher asthma admission (SRR=2.80 95%CI=1.89~4.14). The etiologic fraction for the isocyanate-exposed (EFe) workers was 64%.
CONCLUSIONS
This study was limited by the restriction to admission cases and the short follow-up periods. Any difference of admission accessibility between the isocyanate-exposed and non-exposed workers will lead to either over- or under-estimation of the biased etiologic fraction for the isocyanateexposed workers. The etiologic fraction for the isocyanate-exposed workers was 64% indicated that 64% of the asthma cases occurred in the isocyanate-exposed workers are preventable through occupational health management.

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Association Study of NDFIP2 Genetic Polymorphism with Asthma in the Korean Population
Eun Hye Choi, Dahyun Hwang
The Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science.2021; 53(3): 249. CrossRef

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Analysis of the role of social support on job stress and psychosocial stress in automobile factory workers using Structural Equation Model: Dong Hee Koh, Sun Sil Han, Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Sei Jin Chang, Sun Haeng Choi, Jong Uk Won, Jae Hoon Roh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2005;17(2):79-84. Published online June 30, 2005; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2005.17.2.79

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Social support was previously regarded as acting only a stress modifier, but many recent studies have found a direct effect on stress. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of social support on job stress and psychosocial stress to determine whether it acts via direct effect or indirect effect.
METHODS
This study was performed in May 2003. The study population consisted of 425 male workers in an automobile factory in Korea. Data were collected with structured self-administered questionnaires. We used JCQ(Job Contents Questionnaires) to measure job stress and social support, and PWI-SF(Psychosocial Well-being Index-Short Form) to measure stress outcome. We analysed the relationships using Structural Equation Modeling software AMOS4.
RESULTS
It was found that social support acts both as a direct stressor and an indirect stressor via job stress. However the direct effect was double the indirect effect.
CONCLUSIONS
The direct effect of social support on stress was the more major. Therefore social support is an independent stressor rather than a stress modifier in automobile factory workers.

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Psychosocial stress accompanied by an unhealthy eating behavior is associated with abdominal obesity in Korean adults: A community-based prospective cohort study
Minji Kim, Yangha Kim
Frontiers in Nutrition.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Effect of Forest Users’ Stress on Perceived Restorativeness, Forest Recreation Motivation, and Mental Well-Being during COVID-19 Pandemic
Don-Gak Lee, Jin-Gun Kim, Bum-Jin Park, Won Sop Shin
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2022; 19(11): 6675. CrossRef
Effect of Psychosocial Distress on the Rate of Kidney Function Decline
Jae Young Kim, Young Su Joo, Jong Hyun Jhee, Seung Hyeok Han, Tae-Hyun Yoo, Shin-Wook Kang, Jung Tak Park
Journal of General Internal Medicine.2021; 36(10): 2966. CrossRef

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Analysis of the effect of job stress on occupational low back pain among shipyard workers using survival analysis: Dong Hee Koh, Hyung Ryoul Kim, Sei Jin Chang, Sang Baek Koh, Sung Kyu Kang, Jong Uk Won, Jae Hoon Roh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2005;17(2):95-103. Published online June 30, 2005; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2005.17.2.95

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Occupational low back pain is a major cause of morbidity and the increases of medical and industrial costs. Efforts to control occupational low back pain have been largely unsuccessful, and further understanding of the risks including the psychological factors is needed. This retrospective study was designed to identify the effect of job stress on occupational low back pain among shipyard workers.
METHODS
The study group consisted of 976 male workers who were working at a Korean shipyard. A structured self-reported questionnaire was used to assess the participants' physical work factors, job stress and general characteristics. Job stress was measured using Karasek's JCQ(Job Content Questionnaire). Occupational low back pain was identified according to the NIOSH symptom survey criteria. Physical work factors were assessed using the Quick Exposure Check. Since the work duration can affect the relationship of physical work factors and job stress to occupational low back pain, we analyzed this association by dividing workers into two groups by work duration: 1) all workers, and 2) less than 5 years. Cox's proportional hazard model was used to elucidate the relationship of job stress with occupational low back pain in these two groups. Data were analysed with SAS 8.1.
RESULTS
In the all workers group, job demand, bending or twisting of the back, and carrying heavy materials were associated with an increased the risk of occupational low back pain. In the workers with less than 5 years work experience, people with high job demand were more likely to experience occupational low back pain than those with low job demand.
CONCLUSIONS
These RESULTS suggest that job stress as well as physical work factors can raise the risk of occupational low back pain. Especially, in the workers with less than 5 years work duration, job stress played a more crucial effect on the occurrence of occupational low back pain than physical work factors did.

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Which Personal and Organizational Factors Influence the Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction of Shipyard Blue-Collar Workers?
Adela Reig-Botella, Miguel Clemente, Sarah Detaille, Annet H. de Lange, Jaime López-Golpe
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2022; 19(8): 4849. CrossRef
Relationships among Nursing Activities, the Use of Body Mechanics, and Job Stress in Nurses with Low Back Pain
Keunja Jung, Soonrim Suh
Journal of muscle and joint health.2013; 20(2): 141. CrossRef

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Prevalence of Occupational Asthma in TDI-Exposed Workers: Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Cheol Woo Kim, Yun Chul Hong, Hyung Joon Chun, Chi Nyon Kim, Hyun Soo Kim, Jee Na Lee, Joo Yeon Shin, Dong Hee Koh, Jaehoon Roh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(2):191-199. Published online June 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.2.191

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of isocyanate-induced occupational asthma in toluene diisocyanate (TDI) exposed workers.
METHODS
We examined 170 workers who had been directly exposed to TDI through a medical questionnaire, physical examination, and pulmonary function test. Based on screening examination, workers with suspected occupational asthma were selected for further evaluation such as methacholine and TDI challenge tests.
RESULTS
Eleven (6.9%) among 170 workers complained of symptoms of occupational asthma, and 7 among these 11 symptomatic workers showed positive responses to the methacholine challenge test (4.1%). One spray painter was confirmed as having the TDI induced occupational asthma following a positive response to TDI challenge test.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of TDI-induced asthma was at 0.58% was lower than that for former studies (2-20%). Improved workplace environment, lower level of TDI exposure compared to the past, and the healthy workers effect may have contributed to this low rate of asthma prevalence in workers with TDI exposure.

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