Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Dong Mug Kang

15 Articles

Detection of Cases and a Cause of Lead Exposure in Korean Steel Company: Bon Hak Koo, Young Ki Kim, Sang Gil Lee, Dong Mug Kang, Jong Eun Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(4):441-448. Published online December 31, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.4.441

BACKGROUND
We report cases of high lead exposure in a Korean steel manufacturing company and a likely cause for these cases.
CASE
REPORT: Neurological examinations, neurobehavioral tests, blood tests, and urine tests were performed to detect an association between high lead exposure and physical symptoms for workers in a steel manufacturing company. In order to determine the cause of high lead exposure, the work process and environment was assessed. The highest lead exposure was during the work process. We found that the interior of an oil storage tank was coated with lead-containing paint, leading to severe exposure during the cutting process. In two observations, 4 of 12 workers diagnosed with occupational disease were found to have high exposure to lead from the storage tank and three had increased beta-2 microglobulin levels in the blood (indicative of urinary tract damage).
CONCLUSIONS
Lead management, including routine measurements of the working environment and examinations of lead concentrations in workers, are needed in the korean scrap metal industry. In addition, rules requiring workers to wear personal protective equipment and receive education about lead exposure should be strictly enforced.

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Evaluation of Temporal Trends of Lead Exposure in Korean Workers Using Workplace Monitoring Data
Dong-Hee Koh, Sangjun Choi, Ju-Hyun Park, Sang-Gil Lee, Hwan-Cheol Kim, Inah Kim, Jong-Uk Won, Dae Sung Lim, Hoekyeong Seo, Dong-Uk Park
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Occupational Lead Exposure from Indoor Firing Ranges in Korea
Won-Ju Park, Suk-Ho Lee, Se-Ho Lee, Hye-Sik Yoon, Jai-Dong Moon
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2016; 31(4): 497. CrossRef

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Risk Factors for Absenteeism due to Work related Musculo-skeletal Disorders among Korean Employees: Sang Gil Lee, Jong Eun Kim, Young Ki Kim, Oh Jun Kwon, Dong Mug Kang; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(3):239-251. Published online September 30, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.3.239

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Absenteeism due to musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs) of workers is an important index of occupational health. Since research on its causes is rare in Korea, the risk factors for absenteeism due to MSDs should be studied.
METHODS
Using the 2nd Korean working condition survey data, we investigated the prevalence of absenteeism due to MSDs. We also analyzed the risk factors for absenteeism by multiple logistic regression analysis in Korean employees.
RESULTS
Prevalence of absenteeism due to MSDs was 0.7% in all employees, 0.5% in men, and 0.9% in women. In logistic regression analysis, gender, age, presence of a representative worker organization, working on tight deadlines, and pace of work dependent on automated equipment/machine were risk factors of absenteeism due to MSDs for both sexes. For males, working time, working at a very high speed were additional risk factors. For females, pace of work dependent on numerical production, performance, and targets were additional risk factors. Although not included in the multiple logistic regression analysis, handling heavy loads in both sexes and average monthly income for women were risk factors in the univariate analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
For absenteeism due to MSDs, the presence of a representative worker organization, along with work pace and its determinants were important risk factors.

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Effect of an Active Tailored Exercise Program on Pain and Oswestry Disability Index in Automobile Manufacturing Workers with Musculoskeletal Symptoms of the Low Back
Won-Ho Kim
Journal of The Korean Society of Physical Medicine.2019; 14(3): 109. CrossRef
Effect of Physical Therapy Based Tailored Exercise Program on Pain, Accident incidence Rates, and Lost Days of Work in Manufacturing Worker: Single Subject Design
Kwon-Woo Lee, Won-Ho Kim
Journal of The Korean Society of Physical Medicine.2017; 12(2): 113. CrossRef
Related Factors of Musculoskelectal Symptoms in University Hospital Workers
Kyoung-A Han
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2015; 16(3): 1928. CrossRef
Effects of Fire Fighters' Absence Ergonomics Risk Factor Exposer
Seo-Yeon Choi, Dong-Hyun Park
Journal of the Korea Safety Management and Science.2014; 16(3): 101. CrossRef

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Comparison of the Self-rated Health Status of Wage Workers in Korea according to Income Index by Gender: Dae Ho Kim, Dong Mug Kang, Jong Eun Kim, Young Ki Kim, Jin Kon Sul, Soon Choy; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(4):360-370. Published online December 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.4.360

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study aims to find differences that reflect the magnitude of health disparities in wage workers in Korea according to income index(personal income, household income, equivalized income) by gender.
METHODS
Data was obtained from the 11th wave of Korean Labor and Income Panel Survey in 2008. This study analyzed 4,205 subjects(2,570 males and 1,635 females) aged 19-65 years. To compare the health effects of each income index by gender, unconditional multiple logistic regression, health-related behaviors, and working conditions were used. The unconditional multiple logistic regression was adjusted by socio-demographic characteristics. All statistics were estimated using SAS survey procedures.
RESULTS
According to unconditional multiple logistic regression, significant differences in ORs between men and women were observed in this study for those wage workers who self-rated their health status to be poor. This was consistent between each income index. Men had an OR of 1.76 (95% CI, 1.28~2.43) by personal income, 1.70 (95%CI, 1.25~2.32) by household income and 1.69 (95% CI, 1.23~2.31) by equivalized income. Women had an 2.09 (95% CI, 1.47~2.97) by household income and OR of 1.95 (95% CI, 1.36~2.79) by equivalized income, but personal income did not have a significant effect on OR for women.
CONCLUSIONS
The study of occupational and environmental medicine should consider that each income index has different effects on the self-rated health status according to gender. Household income index and equivalized income index would represent a health status for women.

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Working Poverty and Health Disparities in Korean Workers
Jin-Hwa Lee, Bokim Lee
Journal of Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing.2020; 31(4): 514. CrossRef
Job Stress and Mental Health of Female Household Head Workers
Hyung Seon Kim, Min Kwon, Jinhwa Lee
Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing.2016; 25(4): 249. CrossRef

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The Relationship between Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Job Stress & Intensity of Labor among Shipbuilding Workers: Inah Kim, Sang Baek Koh, Jeong Soo Kim, Dong Mug Kang, Mia Son, Yongkyu Kim, Jaechul Song; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(4):401-412. Published online December 31, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.4.401

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to reveal the multiple factors that are related to the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) of shipbuilding workers, and to elucidate the relationship between musculoskeletal symptoms and factors such as the change of working conditions, job stress and physical workload.
METHODS
The study sample comprised 1,059 shipbuilding workers. A structured-questionnaire was used to assess the general characteristics, job stress, psychosocial well-being index (PWI), physical workload, change of working conditions and information concerning musculoskeletal symptoms. We estimated the relations of job stress, physical workload and intensity of labour to musculoskeletal symptoms using univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses.
RESULTS
The symptom prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in any part of the body was 89.5% by 'criteria 1'in the order of back (58.6%) and shoulder (56.3%). After adjustment for sociodemographic factors, posture factor (Odds ratio [OR]=1.06, 95% confidence interval [ C I ] = 1 . 0 0~1.12), non-posture factor (OR=1.17, CI=1.05~1.31), Borg scale (OR=1.15, C I = 1 . 0 0~1.32), relative work intensity increase (OR=1.92, CI=1.08~3.41), labor flexibility increase (OR=2.04, CI=1.04~4.01), high job demand (OR=2.68, CI=1.48~4.88), and high risk stress group (OR=13.50, CI=3.15~57.97) were all found to be significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorders.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that WMSDs have multiple risk factors such as stress, physical workload and change of working conditions. High job demand, increased relative intensification of work and increased flexibility, especially such as subcontract, outsourcing and importing of contingent work, were very important factors associated with increasing WMSDs.

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Wearables for Well-Being: A Longitudinal in Situ Study of Smartwatches to Understand and Enhance Line-Level Housekeeping Work
Aaron Necaise, Cynthia Mejia, Joseph T. Kider, Mindy Shoss, Mary Jean Amon
International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction.2024; : 1. CrossRef
Effects of Work Intensity and Physical Discomfort on Job Satisfaction in Clinical Nurses
Hyojin Kim, Soonjoo Park
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration.2016; 22(4): 362. CrossRef
Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms and Its Related Factors among Male Workers in Manufacturing Industries
Seung-Hyun Lee, Young-Chae Cho
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2015; 16(10): 6627. CrossRef
Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Korea Provoked by Workers’ Collective Compensation Claims against Work Intensification
Dongmug Kang, Youngki Kim, Young-Il Lee, Sangbaek Koh, Inah Kim, Hoonkoo Lee
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2014;[Epub] CrossRef
Job Stress at the Shipbuilding Industry
Kwan-Suk Lee, Da-Yeh Chung
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2012; 31(1): 177. CrossRef
Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms and Related Factors among Male Workers in Small-scale Manufacturing Industries
Seung-Hyun Lee, Ju-Yeon Lee, Young-Chae Cho
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2012; 13(9): 4025. CrossRef
Ergonomic Research Trends in the Shipbuilding Industry: Present and the Future
Yu-Chang Kim
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2012; 31(1): 131. CrossRef
Medical Managements of Musculoskeletal Diseases in Shipbuilding Industry
Jong-Eun Kim, Young-Ki Kim, Dong-Mug Kang
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2012; 31(1): 157. CrossRef
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Dairy Farmers in Gyeonggi Province, Korea
Ji-Hyuk Park, Hyun-Sul Lim, Kwan Lee
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2010; 43(3): 205. CrossRef
Characteristics of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Korea and Their Work-relatedness Evaluation
Kun Hyung Kim, Kyoo Sang Kim, Day Sung Kim, Sun Je Jang, Ki Hun Hong, Seung-Won Yoo
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S77. CrossRef

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Risk Factors of Work-related Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Motor Engine Assembly Plant Workers: Young Ki Kim, Dong Mug Kang, Sang Baek Koh, Byung Chul Son, Jung Won Kim, Dae Whan Kim, Gun Hyung Kim, Seong Ho Han; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(4):488-498. Published online December 31, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.4.488

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
To determine the synthetic risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders, and to examine effect on musculoskeletal symptoms of physical work intensity and change of work intensity.
METHODS
Self-administered questionnaraire survey was conducted on 588 motor engine assembly workers, in Chanwon, Kyungnam provance, Korea, from April 1 to May 31, 2003. The contents of the questionnaire investigation included general characteristic items, workrelated characteristic items, presence of musculoskeletal symptoms, ergonomic risk factors items, job stress items, current physical work intensity and changes of work intensity items. The results underwent statistical analysis with frequency test, t-test, and logistic regression. The statistical significance level was 0.05, and SAS(v8.1) was used.
RESULTS
Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between risk factors and musculoskeletal symptoms. From the results, significant variables were high Quick Exposure Check (QEC) score, high job demand control, physical work intensity, change of work intensity.
CONCLUSION
Among the known risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders, the outbreak of musculoskeletal symptoms was confirmed to be correlated with age, tenure, ergonomic risk factors, and job stress. Physical work intensity and the changes of work intensity were also related to musculoskeletal symptoms.

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Evaluation of the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, presumptive diagnosis, medical care use, and sick leave among female school meal service workers
Young Hoon Moon, Young Joon Yang, Sang Yoon Do, Jae Yoon Kim, Chul Gab Lee, Hong Jae Chae, Soo Hyeon Kim, Han Soo Song
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2019;[Epub] CrossRef
Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Korea Provoked by Workers’ Collective Compensation Claims against Work Intensification
Dongmug Kang, Youngki Kim, Young-Il Lee, Sangbaek Koh, Inah Kim, Hoonkoo Lee
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2014;[Epub] CrossRef
Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Its Related Factors among Male Workers in a Nonferrous Manufacturing Industry
Yeon-Ok Jeong, Young-Chae Cho
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2012; 13(8): 3552. CrossRef
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Dairy Farmers in Gyeonggi Province, Korea
Ji-Hyuk Park, Hyun-Sul Lim, Kwan Lee
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2010; 43(3): 205. CrossRef
Gender-related Factors Associated with Upper Extremity Function in Workers
Kyoo Sang Kim, Min Gi Kim
Safety and Health at Work.2010; 1(2): 158. CrossRef

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Validity of the Energy Expenditure Prediction Program to Evaluate Energy Expenditure During Work: Dong Mug Kang, Ji Hoon Woo, Jin Sook Jun, Yong Hwan Lee, Byung Mann Cho, Su Ill Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(3):303-315. Published online September 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.3.303

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The Energy Expenditure Prediction ProgramTM (EEPP) has been considered as a simple and quantitative method to evaluate physical work load. However, the adoption of EEPP directly to Korean workers is problematic because it was developed in a laboratory setting for Caucasians. Therefore, this study was conducted to validate EEPP for Korean workers.
METHODS
The study subjects consisted of 60 workers from two factories. Cycle ergometer test was conducted to calculate physical work capacity, and heart rate monitoring was conducted to check heart rate during work. After observing the task, energy expenditure was estimated by EEPP.
RESULTS
EEPP underestimated energy expenditure less than EEHR (energy expenditure checked by heart rate) did(p<0.0001). The factors effecting EEHR were EEPP and task type. After dividing the task into regular and irregular tasks, the irregular task had a larger difference between the values from the two methods. We provided task specific regression models between EEHR and EEPP.
CONCLUSIONS
Because EEPP underestimated energy expenditure, it needs to be adjusted before use with Korean workers. It is suggested that different adjusting equations are formulated for regular and irregular tasks. Further study to develop a specific energy estimation model appropriate for Koreans is needed to obtain more precise estimation.

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Estimation Model of Energy Expenditure of Working in a Clean Room for Manufacturing Embedded Needles by Ergonomic Programs
Tae-Eun Chung
Transactions of the Society of CAD/CAM Engineers.2016; 21(1): 69. CrossRef

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Effects of Physical Workload on Salivary Cortisol Level: Dong Mug Kang, Byung Min Son, Sang Baek Koh, Junho Jang, Mia Son, Jongwon Kim, Byung Mann Cho, Su Ill Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(1):57-69. Published online March 31, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.1.57

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVE: Workload is known to affect the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Although many studies had revealed that job stress related factors could affect the neuroendocrine system among blue-collar workers, these studies had limitations as they had not evaluated the workload by objective methods which took into consideration individual physiological differences. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of physical workload adjusted job stress on cortisol regulation by using objective tools for workers having various job tasks.
METHODS
Among 110 foundry workers, shipyard workers, and fine machine assemblers for whom saliva samples were obtained, 102 without any past history of conditions that could affect hormonal regulation such as diabetes, and hypertension were included in this study. Among the 102 study participants, 15 workers whose saliva for morning or afternoon or heart rate monitoring data was not attained were excluded from the final analysis. Workload was evaluated by RHR (relative heart rate) using a heart rate monitor, and job stress was evaluated by Karasek's Job Content Questionnaire. Saliva samples were gathered during 8 - 9 am and 5 - 6 pm, and salivary cortisol levels were analysed by radioimmunoassay.
RESULTS
After adjusting several variables which could effect cortisol secretion including job stress, among the higher RHR group morning salivary cortisol level was increased (beta=60.32, S.E.=26.35, p=0.0266), afternoon salivary cortisol level was decreased (beta=-7.43, S.E.=29.73, p=0.8044), and salivary cortisol level difference between morning and afternoon was increased (beta=72.10, SE=35.50, p=0.0509).
CONCLUSIONS
As physical workload increases morning cortisol level, which is caused by the effect of arousal, and decreases afternoon cortisol level, which is caused by exhaustion, physical workload enlarges the width of diurnal cortisol variance. Therefore, physical exhaustion due to excessive workload could have adverse effects on the neuroendocrine system.

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A Review on the Job Stress Measurements in Nuclear Power Plant Workers for Human Error Prevention
Seon Soo Kim, Meiling Luo, Yeon Ju Oh, Yong Hee Lee
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2013; 32(1): 47. CrossRef
Determination of Appropriate Sampling Time for Job Stress Assessment: the Salivary Chromogranin A and Cortisol in Adult Females
Ran-Hi Hong, Yun-Jung Yang, Sang-Yon Kim, Won-Young Lee, Yeon-Pyo Hong
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2009; 42(4): 231. CrossRef
Distribution and determinants of maximal physical work capacity of Korean male metal workers
D. Kang, J.-H. Woo, Y.-C. Shin
Ergonomics.2007; 50(12): 2137. CrossRef

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Risk Factors of Work-related Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Ship-yard Workers: Jong Eun Kim, Dong Mug Kang, Yong Chul Shin, Mi A Son, Jung Won Kim, Jin Hong Ahn, Young Ki Kim, Deog Hwan Moon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(4):401-410. Published online December 31, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.4.401

Abstract PDF

OBJECTS: This study was conducted to prepare the primitive data of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among ship-yard workers in order to set up management and prevention strategies by investigating the risk factors for WMSD symptoms.
METHODS
We carried out a self-administered questionnaire survey of 7,237 blue-collar workers during October 2001, in a ship-yard of Kyungsangnam Province. We collected 2,223 questionnaires and analysed 1,985. The questionnaires included demographic data, quick exposure check (QEC) for ergonomic risk factors, and Karasek's job content questionnaires (JCQ) for job stress. WMSDs were evaluated by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) surveillance criteria.
RESULTS
Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between risk factors and musculoskeletal symptoms. From the results, significant variables were age, maximum weight of manual handling material, frequency of the back movement during manual handling tasks, deviation or bending of the wrists/hands position, excessively bent or twisted head/neck, job dissatisfaction, and high job demand.
CONCLUSIONS
In order to reduce musculoskeletal disorders of ship-yard workers, it is recommended to reduce the frequency of back movement during manual handling tasks, wrists/hand deviation or bending, and neck bending or twisting. In addition, devoted effort is needed to increase job satisfaction and to reduce job demand.

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Validation of Types of Body Pain Areas and Related Factors in the Korean Aged Using Latent Class Analysis
Sang Ye Shin, Eun Suk Lee
Research in Community and Public Health Nursing.2023; 34: 22. CrossRef
Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms and Its Related Factors among Male Workers in Manufacturing Industries
Seung-Hyun Lee, Young-Chae Cho
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2015; 16(10): 6627. CrossRef
The Study of Muscle Fatigue and Risks of Musculoskeletal System Disorders from Text Inputting on a Smartphone
Kyung Ko, Hee-Soo Kim, Ji-Hea Woo
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2013; 32(3): 273. CrossRef
Medical Managements of Musculoskeletal Diseases in Shipbuilding Industry
Jong-Eun Kim, Young-Ki Kim, Dong-Mug Kang
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2012; 31(1): 157. CrossRef
Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms and Related Factors among Male Workers in Small-scale Manufacturing Industries
Seung-Hyun Lee, Ju-Yeon Lee, Young-Chae Cho
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2012; 13(9): 4025. CrossRef
Development and Evaluation of the Neck Supporter for Preventing Neck-related MSDs
Yong-Ku Kong, Jun-Goo Han
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2011; 30(2): 297. CrossRef

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Job instability of Labor Market and Preplacement Health Examination: the Case of Hearing Loss: Sang Baek Koh, Kyoo Sang Kim, Sei Jin Chang, Bong Suk Cha, Jong Ku Park, Dong Mug Kang, Jai Young Kim, Soo Keun Kim, Hong Ryul Choi; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(1):57-68. Published online March 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.1.57

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study examines the problem of the preplacement health examination in terms of hearing loss case, where workers have been experiencing job instability in the labor market.
METHODS
In order to measure the 2-year job retention rate of employees in 79 shipbuilding subcontracted companies in Kyongnam province, we utilized the same methods as those used by Neumark et al(1999), and Bernhardt et al(1999). We surveyed 79 heath and safety personnel from the companies with a questionnaire to evaluate the present status of the preplacement health examination. We reviewed the preplacement health certificates(result of audiometric hearing thresholds) of 1,818 recruits issued by Daewoo hospital from January 1 to June 30, 2001.
RESULTS
The job retention rate was 40.3 %(male 38.53 %, female 52.01 %). Of the 79 health and safety personnel of companies, 44(55.7 %) perceived the preplacement health examination as a tool for the selection of recruits, 3(3.8 %) as a procedure for job fitting and 31(39.2 %) as both. Most of them were against the acceptance of recruits with hearing loss, spinal disease and hepatitis. Among the 1,818 workers who underwent the preplacement health examination, 530(29.1 %) were examined after employment, but 1,096(60.3 %) were examined before employment. The number with previous job experience was 1,591(87.5 %). In the audiometric hearing threshold results, the prevalence of hearing loss was positively correlated with age. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of hearing loss depending on previous job and number of quitting at 4,000 Hz.
CONCLUSIONS
The comparison of 2-year job retention rates before and after the Korean economic crisis of 1997 suggests that job stability has been aggravated especially for cohorts of long tenure, irregular job, and old age. This evidence shows that previous job and age play a role in determining worker employment based on perceived results from the preplacement health examination. This result suggests that a pre-employment health examination be substituted for the preplacement health examination based on the essential job functions and reasonable accommodation. Because it has little relevance in a wide range of employment and minor health problems, the results of this examination should not debar applicants from employment.

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The Health Status Assessment of Subcontracted Workers: Hong Ryul Choi, Sang Baek Koh, Sei Jin Chang, Bong Suk Cha, Hyoung June Im, Sang Yun Lee, Jai Young Kim, Dong Mug Kang, Soo Hun Cho; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(1):18-30. Published online March 31, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.1.18

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The strategy for the labor flexibility through subcontracted labor have brought a negative effect on the lives of the workers, such as the increase of the unstable employment. This study was conducted to analyze the relationship between the employment of subcontracted firms and the health status of them, and to find out some problems which have been caused in the process of health evaluation and the characteristics of social exclusion.
METHODS
We reviewed the periodical health examination and preemployment health examination in order to compare health status of the subcontracted workers with those of the parent firm workers. The SF-36 questionnaire was administered to assess the self-perceived health status.
RESULTS
The result shows that compared to the working duration of the parent firm workers, those of the subcontracted workers were shorter, and the job transfer rate was higher. In the periodical health examination, the prevalence of occupational and general disease was higher in the parent firm(10%) than in the subcontracted firms(6%). Preemployment health examination plays an important role in worker's health management. Among 6,260 workers who received preemployment health examination, the prevalence of disease was 37.9%. Mean scores of health status measured by SF-36 were lower in the subcontracted firm than in the parent firm.
CONCLUSIONS
Due to social exclusion of the subcontracted workers from the periodical health examination, there is a possibility that the periodical health examination have the healthy worker effect. These results suggests that the preemployment health examination could be a more appropriate indicator which is able to assess the health status of the subcontracted workers than the periodical health examination.

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Manganese Exposure and its Health Hazards of Welders: Deog Hwan Moon, Byung Chul Son, Dong Mug Kang; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1999;11(4):476-491. Published online December 31, 1999; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1999.11.4.476

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
In order to evaluate the degree of manganese exposure and its health hazards effect on welders in manufacturing industry.
METHODS
The author measured airborne, blood and urine concentrations of manganese and blood chemistry, and also observed clinical symptoms and signs on 60 welders for case an.d 60 non-welders for control working in manufacturing industry by age maching method.
RESULTS
The geometric means of blood and urine concentrations of manganese were 1.13 +/- 1.38 microgram /dI and 2.52 +/- 1.37 microgram /I for Welders group, 1.09 +/- 1.68 microgram /dl and 1.86 +/- 1.34 microgram / I for Non-welders group. Airborne concentration of manganese was 0. 15 +/- 1.66 mg/m3 for exposured group, and the urinary mean concentration of manganese was statistically significant difference between exposured and non-welders group (P < 0.05). Clinical signs in welders group were palmomentle reflex (23.3%), tremor (20.0%) and grabellar sign (5.0%). Symptoms in welders group were fatigue (66.7%), amnesia (66.7%), excessive sweating (51.7%), nervousness (51.7%), general weakness (48. 3%) and arthralgia (46.7%) and so on, and there was statistically significant difference compared to non-welders group (P<0.05). Manganese exposure effects on blood chemistry were not observed. There were statistically significant correlation between manganese concent- ration in blood and urine (r=0. 269), airborne and urine (r=0. 601) and airborne and blood (r=0. 268).
CONCLUSION
The author suggest that further studies are followed to evaluate the health status of welders whose blood and urine manganese concentrations were below normal reference level, and to establish the questionnaire and the diagnostic tools for early detecting the chronic manganese poisioning on welders.

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Derivation of an occupational exposure level for manganese in welding fumes
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Associations between Airborne Manganese and Blood Manganese in the Korean General Population according to KNHANES 2008-2009
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Neurobehavioral Deficits and Parkinsonism in Occupations with Manganese Exposure: A Review of Methodological Issues in the Epidemiological Literature
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Exposure-Response Relationship and Risk Assessment for Cognitive Deficits in Early Welding-Induced Manganism
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Potential occupational risks for neurodegenerative diseases
Robert M. Park, Paul A. Schulte, Joseph D. Bowman, James T. Walker, Stephen C. Bondy, Michael G. Yost, Jennifer A. Touchstone, Mustafa Dosemeci
American Journal of Industrial Medicine.2005; 48(1): 63. CrossRef

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Prevalence on Dermatologic, Respiratory and Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Hairdressers: Dong Mug Kang, Jong Tae Lee, Min Suk Kang, Sung Hee Park, Sang Hwa Urm, Sung Jun Kim, Kui Won Jeong, Hae Suk Shon, Bong Jin Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1999;11(3):385-392. Published online September 30, 1999; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1999.11.3.385

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Present study was conducted to evaluate work-related symptom prevalence among hairdressers.
METHODS
Exposed group comprised 184 employee employed 73 hair salons in 6 districts of Pusan city, and non-exposed grouts comprised 119 people living recent apartments. A trained interviewer interviewed them with organized questionnaire which included dermatologic, respiratory and musculo-skeletal symptoms.
RESULTS
Prevalence of hand eczema wart 28.3 % in exposed group, and 5.9 % in non-exposed group. Adjusted odds ratio for age and atopy history was 4.30(2.34-7.93). Prevalence of respiratory symptom(coughing) in exported group was 22.1%, and 9.4% for non-exposed group. Adjusted odds ratio for coughing which was adjusted for age, smoking and atopy history was 2.76(1.32-5.78). Prevalences of musculo-skeletal symptoms among exposed group were neck(59.9%) shoulder(76.6%), upper back(41.2%), lower back (72.2%), arm and elbow(31.3%), wrist(44.2%), finger(35.0%), leg(71.1%). Adjusted Odds Ratios for musculo-skeletal symptoms which wag adjusted for age were neck 2.13(1.29-3.51), shoulder 2.52 (1.50-4.24), upper back 1.71(1.01~2.88), lower back 1.78(1.06~2.99), arm and elbow 3.10(1.62~5.94), wrists 2.09(1.23~3.57), finger 4.83(2.41~ 9.68), leg 3.46(2.07~5.79).
CONCLUSIONS
These results chow that employees in hair salon are likely to have high risk for work-related dermatologic, respiratory and musculo-skeletal symptoms and diseases. Hence, prevention methods from those work-related diseases are required to be developed. Also, the scope of occupational and environmental medicine should be expanded to service area including hairdressers.

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CYP2E1 Genetic Polymorphism relating to Styrene Metabolism of Korean Workers: Chang Hee Lee, Jin Ho Chun, Jun Han Park, Dong Mug Kang, Dae Hwan Kim, Deog Hwan Moon, Chae Un Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1999;11(2):161-173. Published online June 30, 1999; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1999.11.2.161

Abstract PDF: The goal of this study is to observe the associations between the metabolic phenotype by personal exposure and urinary metabolites and genetic polymorphism of CYP2E1 which is known to be related with styrene metabolism. To complete this study, the author executed a battery of tests on 46 workers who were working at laminating department of fiberglass- reinforced plastics (FRP) industry located in Pusan and Kyungnam area during April to June 1998. Those were - (1) personal exposure assessment with organic vapour monitor and gas chromatography. (2) measurement of urinary metabolites - mandelic acid (MA) and phenylglyoxylic acid (PGA) - with high performance liquid chromatography (HIPLC), (3) CYP2E1 genotying with PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using Dra I and Rsa I, and (4) questionnaire survey for some individual characteristics. Study subjects were composed of 32 men and 14 women, and whose average age was 39.4 years, average tenure was 7.7 years. Each concentration expressed by geometric mean(range) was as follows; air styrene 15.6(3.1-81.0) ppm, urinary MA 187.8(36.8-1007.2) mg/g creatinine, PGA 232.8(46.8-1075.7) mg/g creatinine. Correlation coefficients between air styrene were MA 0.54, PGA 0.37, MA+PGA 0.54 (p < 0.05). The relative frequency of CYP2E1 mutant allele was 45.7%(Dra I 43.5%, lIsa 1 37.0%), and homozygous mutant type (M/M) was not observed. The value of (geometric mean of (air styrene/urinary metabolites)) x 1000 according to genotype was significantly higher in mutant type than wild type (p<0.05), as in case of MA, mutant type 106.4 and wild type 84.4, and in case of MA+PGA, mutant type 84.4 and wild type 55.6. The value of air styeneTLV-TWA/urinary metabolitesBEI was used as a cut-off value of classifying phenotype. That is, the value of air styeneTLV-TWA/urinary MABEI >or= 0.063 and air styreneTLV-TWA/urinary MA+PGABEI >or= 0.048 was classified as poor metabolizer, and, the value of air styreneTLV-TWA/urinary MABEI~ < 0.063 and air styreneThV~A/urinary MA+PGABEI < 0.048 was classified as extensive metabolizer. As the result, the frequency of poor metabolizer was higher in mutant type than wild type with no statistical significance (p > 0.05), as in case of MA, mutant type 66.7% and wild type 48.0%, and in case of MA+PGA, mutant type 81.0% and wild type 56.0%. These results suggests that CYP2E1 mutant allele has a tendency toward the poor metabolizer. This study has several limitations as small sample size, and no considerations on work intensity, alcohol habit, obesity, etc which can affect styrene metabolism. However, this study is of value because this is first study to propose the fundamental data about associations between exposure level, biological monitoring, and CYP2E1 genetic polymorphism in Korean workers dealing with pure styrene. To improve accuracy of the study, that means, to applicate the result of this study on the personal risk assessment of styrene workers, larger sample size and consideration for confounders are needed.

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A Case of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Combined with Asbestosis in a Boilermaker and Plumber: Dong Mug Kang, Jung Won Kim, Byung Chul Son, Joo In Kim, Jae Chul Woo, Jong Tae Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1998;10(4):610-617. Published online December 31, 1998; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1998.10.4.610

Abstract PDF

Diffuse mesotheliomas of the pleura and peritoneum are considered "signal tumors" of asbestos exposure. Although asbestos use in Korea started before the national liberation, it rose abruptly with economic development in 1970's. Considering latent period of mesotheliomas as twenty years, occupational mesothelioma cases would increase rapidly. In Korea construction is a major industry which use asbestos. Because workers in construction industry are mostly composed of daily based workers, it is hard to calculate the number of workers involving asbestos related work, to manage them with organized method, to educate them about adverse effects of asbestos and protection methods, to check health status of them periodically, and to follow them up. Although a case of occupational mesothelioma which was found in a asbestos textile worker have been reported, no case related with construction workers have been reported so far in Korea. The authors experienced occupational malignant pleural mesothelioma combined with asbestosis in a boilermaker and plumber in a construction industry.

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Dong-Mug Kang, Jong-Eun Kim, Yong-Jin Lee, Hyun-Hee Lee, Chang-yeol Lee, Seong-Jae Moon, Min-Sung Kang
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Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S94. CrossRef
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The Significance of Increased Signal Intensity in MR Imaging among Male Welders: Dong Mug Kang, Ho Chu Park, Hye Sook Son, Jun Han Park, Young Joon Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1998;10(1):41-52. Published online February 28, 1998; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1998.10.1.41

Abstract PDF

A purpose of present study is to provide basic information evaluating the utility of Magnetic Resonance imaging as a biological marker estimating manganese effects to central nervous system among welders, which is conducted by comparing urinary and blood manganese concentrations and signal intensities of brain MR images between exposed group and non-exposed group, evaluating the objectivity of subjective grading estimated by correlations between Pallidal signal intensity index (P. I) and subjective grades among exposed group, and comparing the difference of signal intensities according to presence of neurologic symptoms, signs and exposure variables among the exposed group. The exposed group is composed of 11 welders complaining severe symptoms or showing neurological signs, and the non-exposed group is composed of 5 patients who admitted a hospital. Urinary manganese concentrations and signal intensities in T1-weighted MR images among exposed group were higher than those of the non-exposed group significantly, which exhibits that increased signal intensities in T1-weighted MR image represent the effect of manganese exposure. P. Is among the exposed group revealed relatively high correlations with subjective grades ( gamma =0.63, p=0.037) , which suggests the objectivity of subjective grade. Signal intensity in globus pallidus was a suitable single variable representing the effect of manganese accumulation in C.N.S system appropriately, which was verified as follows ; Increased signal intensities among the exposed group had the highest frequency and intensity in the globus pallidus, and the P.I. had a relatively high correlation coefficient ( gamma 0.62, p=0.044) with total score of subjective grades. Signal intensity with subjective grading in globus pallidus represented very high correlation gamma =0.97, p=0.00) with total score of subjective grades, and had a similar correlation coefficient with many variables. It is hard to argue that signal intensities are markers representing pathologic change in C.N.S system or can be used as a diagnostic tool for manganese intoxication, because signal intensities had no difference between the exposed group and the non-exposed group according to presence of neurological signs.

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Occupational Neurological Disorders in Korea
Eun-A Kim, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S26. CrossRef

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