Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Hae Joon Kim

15 Articles

PTSD and Related Factors among Dispatched Firefighters to Rescue Sites after the Great Japanese Earthquake (Running head: Dispatched Firefighters' PTSD): Mihyun Yang, Eunil Lee, Jae Wook Choi, Hae Joon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(2):167-179. Published online June 30, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.2.167

OBJECTIVES
This study aims to investigate the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its related factors among firefighters dispatched to the rescue sites after the Great Japanese Earthquake in 2011.
METHODS
Among 104 male firefighters dispatched to rescue sites after the Great Japanese Earthquake, 73 firefighters were assessed. The 73 firefighters completed questionnaires, which include general characteristics, an impact of event scale-revised Korean version (IES-R-K), a coping checklist, a scale of perceived social support, and a post-traumatic stress diagnostic scale (PDS). The data was analyzed to find factors related to PTSD risk.
RESULTS
The mean value of age and work tenure in this study were 38.6 years (SD=5.7) and 11.6 years (SD=6.0), respectively. The number and rate of the PTSD high-risk group in dispatched firefighters in this study was 7 cases and 9.6% using IES-R-K, with an over 25-point cutoff score. The mean rank of tenure, 53.5 in the PTSD high-risk group (n=7), was significantly higher than that of 32.2 in the PTSD low-risk group (n=66). The mean rank of assessable support, 20.2 in the PTSD high-risk group was significantly lower than that of 38.7 in the PTSD low-risk group. In logistic analysis of model 1 including PDS in independent variables, were associated with being a PTSD high-risk group as in the following: higher PDS score (OR 2.18, 95% CI: 1.07~4.46), longer tenure (OR 3.42, 95% CI: 1.01~11.89), more using coping method (OR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.00~1.81), and lower perceptions of social support (OR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72~0.97). In logistic analysis of model 2 without PDS in independent variables, more using coping method (OR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01~1.28) and lower perceptions of social support (OR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91~0.98) were associated with being a PTSD high-risk group.
CONCLUSION
The PTSD high-risk group in dispatched firefighters indicated that their odds ratios were increased when they used more coping methods under specific stress conditions and had lower perceptions of social support. Therefore, for those, who might be dispatched to overseas, the psychological support approach should be considered to produce effective coping methods against traumatic events and to be aware of abundant resources for social support regarding the problem.

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Changes in the Levels of Stress Perception, Experiencing Depressive Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life of Residents after the 2016 Gyeongju Earthquake
Young Ran Han, Yeo Won Jeong, Sang Kyu Kim, Han Seok Jeong
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2021; 18(2): 540. CrossRef
Medical litigation experience of the victim of medical accident: a qualitative case study
Jeehee Pyo, Minsu Ock, Young-Joo Han
International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being.2019;[Epub] CrossRef
Psychological Risk Factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Workers After Toxic Chemical Spill in Gumi, South Korea
Ji Young Song, Kyoung-Sook Jeong, Kyeong-sook Choi, Min-gi Kim, Yeon-Soon Ahn
Workplace Health & Safety.2018; 66(8): 393. CrossRef
Stressors of Korean Disaster Relief Team Members during the Nepal Earthquake Dispatch: a Consensual Qualitative Research Analysis
Kangeui Lee, So Hee Lee, Taejin Park, Ji-yeon Lee
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2017; 32(3): 507. CrossRef
Duty-related incidental stress and the coping method in new firefighters
Mi-Lye Baek
The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services.2014; 18(3): 53. CrossRef

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An Assessment of the Needs and the Affecting Factors for Small Scale Enterprise Worker's Health Centers: Ki Chul Nam, Ji Su Park, Jae Woo Koh, Jong Seo Kim, Jong Tae Park, Hae Joon Kim, Jin Joo Chung, Jeong Youn Kim, Dae Sung Kim, Jung Sun Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(4):407-419. Published online December 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.4.407

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this paper is to assess the needs and roles of the Worker's Health Centers employed by small scale enterprises by investigating the requested services made to this type of Worker's Health Center.
METHODS
The population of this research was taken from 1,145 business owners or managers of manufacturing companies employing less than fifty people in six industrial estates. Stratified sampling was used. Individual interviews were performed to assess the conditions and needs of these enterprises using a structured questionnaire and professional interviewers.
RESULTS
According to the questionnaire survey, 941(82.2%) of the enterprises wish to use a Worker's Health Center. 946(83.3%) of the enterprises preferred an 'Expert visit to the enterprise or mixed' for the Delivery type. 486(42.4%) of the enterprises preferred the 'in the center of industrial complex' for the location of the Worker's Health Center. 789(69.1%) of the enterprises preferred 6-10 PM for the available open hours. A multiple regression analysis revealed a significantly positive association regarding the intention of using a Worker's Health Center and the Gyeonggi-Banwol (OR 2.49) or Gwangju-Hanam(OR 4.24) for the region. Compared to enterprises employing 1-4 worker, 30-49 worker enterprises show a 3.33 fold preference (95% CI 1.80~6.12) for the use of a Worker's Health Center.
CONCLUSIONS
Generally, the intention regarding the use of a Worker's Health Center was high, Considering the time and spatial limits inherentin small scale enterprises, the 'expert visit to the enterprise' paradigm is important. It should be noted that when providing the service, a customized approach is necessary, determined by size, region, industry, and scale of the business, through the assessment of the small scale enterprises and the nature of the work environment when designing a Worker's Health Center operation.

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Use of video-based telehealth services using a mobile app for workers in underserved areas during the COVID-19 pandemic: A prospective observational study
Hyun Sang Park, Sungmoon Jeong, Ho-young Chung, Jae Young Soh, Young Ho Hyun, Seong Hwan Bang, Hwa Sun Kim
International Journal of Medical Informatics.2022; 166: 104844. CrossRef
Factors Influencing Acceptance of Personal Health Record Apps for Workplace Health Promotion: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study
Hyun Sang Park, Kwang Il Kim, Jae Young Soh, Young Ho Hyun, Sae Kyun Jang, Sol Lee, Ga Young Hwang, Hwa Sun Kim
JMIR mHealth and uHealth.2020; 8(6): e16723. CrossRef
Development and Operation of a Video Teleconsultation System Using Integrated Medical Equipment Gateway: a National Project for Workers in Underserved Areas
Hyun Sang Park, Kwang il Kim, Jae Young Soh, Young Ho Hyun, Bang Eun Lee, Jong Hwa Lee, Jung Gwon Jo, Han Chae Lee, Hwa Sun Kim
Journal of Medical Systems.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Effects of health and safety problem recognition on small business facility investment
Jisu Park, Harin Jeong, Sujin Hong, Jong-Tae Park, Dae-Sung Kim, Jongseo Kim, Hae-Joon Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2013;[Epub] CrossRef

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A Case of Trichloroethylene Intoxication with Neuropsychiatric Symptoms: Ja Hyun Kim, Seong Jin Ryu, Byoung Gwon Kim, Hyung Joon Jhun, Jong Tae Park, Hae Joon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2008;20(1):54-61. Published online March 31, 2008; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2008.20.1.54

Abstract PDF

BACKGROUND
Trichloroethylene (TCE) has been widely used as a typewriter correction fluid, paint remover, adhesive, spot removers and, particularly, as a degreasing agent in metal-fabricating operation. However, few studies have reported on the effects of TCE intoxication, in spite of numerous occupational accidents arising from TCE intoxication, even until quite recently used in small companies. TCE affects mainly the central nervous system (CNS) and is carcinogenic, even when carefully used and managed.
CASE
REPORT: A 48-year-old male worker visited our hospital complaining of decreased motivation and general weakness. In history taking, the patient had suffered insomnia, memory disturbance, stuttering, loss of interest and sexual desire, depressive mood for 4 years, dysesthesia with tingling sensation and pain in both extremities, and a nauseas feeling similar to a hangover which had been aggravated for 4 months before admission. The patient had been engaged in metal degreasing with TCE for 8 years. Electromyography indicated disturbance of autonomic function, but there was neither peripheral neuropathy nor cervical radiculopathy. Organic abnormalities including cerebellar atrophy and CNS infection were ruled out, while there was no indication of malignancy in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and metabolic disorders and electrolyte imbalances in laboratory test. The authors performed biological monitoring for the possible exposed chemicals. Urinary 2,5-hexanedione, a metabolite of n-hexane, was undetected but 3,331.1 mg/g creatinine of urinary trichloro-compounds, a metabolite of TCE, was detected. The patient was diagnosed as TCE intoxication due to a level of urinary trichloro-compounds in excess of the normal range (300 mg/g creatinine), in addition to an occupational history and clinical symptoms. TCE exposure was stopped in admission and the neuropsychiatric symptoms of the patient were improved as the urinary trichloro-compounds were decreased from 3,331.1 mg/g creatinine to 64.6 mg/g creatinine in 5 days.
CONCLUSION
Low-dose, chronic TCE intoxication shows neuropsychiatric symptoms, which are often misrecognized merely as a psychiatric disorder; its appropriate diagnosis, early treatment and exposure assessment are therefore difficult. The neuropsychiatric symptoms in workers who have been exposed to TCE should be monitored, detailed job history should be taken and biological monitoring should be conducted to gain early insight of chronic TCE exposure.

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Occupational Psychiatric Disorders in Korea
Kyeong-Sook Choi, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S87. 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
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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Pneumonitis by Methylene Chloride: Kyu jin Chang, Jong tae Park, Eun kyoung Kim, Byoung gwon Kim, Hae joon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2005;17(4):365-371. Published online December 31, 2005; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2005.17.4.365

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The authors report a case of pneumonitis caused by methylene chloride (MC).
METHODS
The patient was examined and diagnosed by clinical, radiologic, laboratorial and medical evaluation. The concentration of MC in the factory was measured to determine the exposure level.
RESULTS
The patient had an infiltration in chest X-ray, which underwent rapid relief of radiological finding, respiratory acidosis and hypoxemia in arterial blood gas analysis, and a ground-glass opacity in high resolution computerized tomography. MC was the only exposed chemical compound in this case. The concentration of MC was 39.9 ppm in the factory.
CONCLUSIONS
We diagnosed this to be a case of pneumonitis by MC based on clinical laboratory findings, exposure history to MC and MC concentration in the factory.

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The Relationship between psychosocial stress and Work-related Musculoskeletal Symptoms of Assembly Line Workers in the Automobile industry: Il Ryong Kim, Jae Young Kim, Jong Tae Park, Jae Wook Choi, Hae Joon Kim, Yong Tae Yeom; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(3):220-231. Published online September 30, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.3.220

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
To determine the relationship between stress Factors and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms of assembly line workers in the automobile industry.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted in two Factories of automobile manufacturing companies where inappropriate posture and repetitive motions were required. The total number of subjects was 636, and consisted entirely of men. The Age, length of work duration, marital status, education level, smoking status, drinking status, sleeping time and stress scores were investigated according to subgroups of general characteristics. We divided the subjects into a Reference group and a Stress risk group to compare the frequency of the variables between them. The stress scores of the Positive symptom group were compared with the Symptom free group by the t-test. To measure the stress level, the PWI(Psychosocial Well being Index) which consists of 4 Factors, totaling 45 items, was used. A standardized self-reported questionnaire was used to assess the symptoms in workers. The criteria for positive symptoms were based on Operational Definition of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders of the NIOSH.
RESULTS
1) The subgroups of Age, Work duration, Marital status, Education level, Smoking status, Drinking status and Sleeping time revealed no differences in frequencies in musculoskeletal symptoms. 2) Higher PWI(p<0.05), Factor 3(p<0.05) and Factor 4(p<0.01) scores were observed in younger workers compared with older workers. 3) The workers who had work durations between 11-15 years showed higher PWI(p<0.01), Factor 2(p<0.01), Factor 3(p<0.01), and Factor 4(p<0.01), compared with other work duration subgroups. 4) Singles had higher Factor 4 scores(p<0.01). 5) The sleeping time of less than 6 hours a day expressed a higher PWI(p<0.01), Factor 2(p<0.05), and Factor 3(p<0.01), Factor 4(p<0.05). 6) There was no difference in the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms between the Reference group and Stress risk group. 7) The subjects who had Positive musculoskeletal symptoms showed a significant difference in Factor 2 scores compared with the Symptom free groups. 8) According to a univariate logistic regression analysis, Factor 2(OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.04, p-value: 0.0291) expressed significant but mild effects on the musculoskeletal symptoms and a multivariate logistic regression showed a statistically significant effect on musculoskeletal symptoms(OR:1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07, p-value: 0.0170).
CONCLUSION
Psychosocial stress scores were not higher in symptomatic subjects compared with those who had no symptoms. Sleeping longer showed a protective effect on symptoms but this was not statistically significant. There was no relationship between the stress scores and musculoskeletal symptoms in social performance and self-confidence, general well-being and vitality. Factor 2(Depression) was statistically significant though its effect was mild. Limited to this study, We could find partial relationship between psychosocial stress(Depression) and musculoskeletal symptoms. So it could therefore be suspected that ergonomic or other unknown factors may be more significant causes of musculoskeletal symptoms but we did not investigate these.

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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
A Study on the Work Ability and the Job Stress of the Workers in Manufacturing Industry of Automobile Parts
Yun-Soo Mok, Dong Won Lee, Seong Rok Chang
Journal of the Korean Society of Safety.2013; 28(3): 100. 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
Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Agricultural Workers
Soo-Jin Lee, Hwan-Jin Park
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2011; 30(4): 525. CrossRef

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Olfactory Function in Chromium Exposed Workers Without Nasal Septum Perforation: Jae Wook Choi, Soung Hee Lee, Yeon Kuk Choi, Eun Il Lee, Hae Joon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2000;12(2):198-208. Published online June 30, 2000; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2000.12.2.198

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The chrome-induced olfactory alterations is caused by inhalation of chromic acid, a highly corrossive and toxic materials. And nasal septum perforation(NSP) has been suspected with possible causative factor of olfactory alterations. To our knowledge, there has been no report of the detailed findings of the olfactory alterations in chrome exposed subjects without nasal septum perforation(NSP). So we present the results of olfactory function test measured by T&T olfactometer and olfactometer perception test among chromium exposed workers without NSP.
METHODS
We performed this study in 25 study subjects and 25 control subjects matched with age, alcohol and smoking. All of subjects are man. We performed olfactory function test measured by T&T olfactometer and olfactometer perception test.
RESULTS
1) The age distribution of the subjects involved in this study was from 20 to 54 years old (average 33.3 years old) and the mean duration exposed to chromium was from 64. 9 months. 2) The olfactory function was checked by detection and recognition thresholds in five odorants. The detection thresholds of exposed group dealing with chromium were significantly increased in A and B ordorants than nonexposed group. The recognition thresholds of exposed group were significantly increased in D ordorants than nonexposed group. 3) The mean threshold of olfactometer perception test of exposed group were more increased than nonexposed group. But thresholds difference did not show statistical significance, 4) The detection thresholds of A and D ordorants, recognition threshold of C ordorants and thresholds of olfactometer perception test were increased in the relation with duration of chrome exposure.
CONCLUSIONS
There has been no remarkable alterations in olfactory sense (TkT olfactometer and Olfactometer Perception Test) in subjects without nasal septum perforation(NSP) exposed to chromic acid.

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Micronuclei in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Chromate Workers: Jung Ho Rah, Young Whan Kim, Jae Wook Choi, Hae Joon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1999;11(3):393-406. Published online September 30, 1999; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1999.11.3.393

Abstract PDF: No abstract available.

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Urinary 2-Ethoxyacetic Acid for Biological Monitoring of Workers Exposed to 2-Ethoxyethyl Acetate: Kwang Jong Kim, Sang Gyu Sung, Jung Chul Kim, Hae Joon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1999;11(2):276-286. Published online June 30, 1999; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1999.11.2.276

Abstract PDF: This study was carried out to evaluate the association between urinary 2-ethoxyacetic acid(EAA) as a new indicator of biological monitoring for the workers exposed to 2-etho xyethyl acetate(EEA) and independent variables such as the EEA exposure concentration, exposure dose, total EEA absorption amount, work duration, and alcohol consumption. In this study the subjects were the total of 160 drawn from 75 workers who were occupationally exposed to EEA and 85 workers who were not. The results were as follows: 1. In the electronic painting workplace, EEA exposure concentration in the breathing zone of the spray workers was the highest, as showed 2. 88ppm(0. 01-15.1 ppm) and cases of exceeded threshold limit value(TLV = 5ppm) were 12.0% among the total of 75 exposed workers. 2. Four workers(5. 4%) of exposed workers indicated more than 50.0 mg/g creatinine of urinary EAA, the geometric mean urinary EAA in exposed workers was 2.49 mg/g creatinine, and was higher than that of workers who were not exposed. 3. In the spray workers of auto products, the geometric mean of urinary BAA was the highest showing 5.76 mg/g creatinine. 4. The difference of urinary BAA by EEA exposure level was significant and the correlation coefficient between urinary BAA and EEA in air was the highest showing 0. 53O(p < 0.01). In conclusion, the amount of urianry EAA proved to be a good parameter for biological monitoring of workers exposed to EEA.

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A Study of Working Status and Industrial Accidents for Migrant Workers in Korea: Jeong Ah Kim, Jae Wook Choi, Hae Joon Kim, Jong Tae Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1999;11(1):66-79. Published online March 31, 1999; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1999.11.1.66

Abstract PDF

This study was conducted to evaluate and to recognize the status and the problems of working conditions, and industrial accidents for migrant workers in a group of 342 who lives in Ansan area, Kyunggi province. By the questionnaire written by 5 languages (English, Bangladesh, Indonesian, Chinese and Korean), the informations of socio-demographic factors, occupational conditions of engaged company and general & occupational health status were obtained from June, 1st to July 30th, 1998. We used the ANOVA to examine differences of working hours, days and average monthly wages between overseas industrial trainee and illegal migrant workers, and by using logistic regression, odds ratio of general risk factors for industrial accidents in migrant workers were calculated. The results obtained were as follows 1. The major distribution of nationals were from Philippine, Indonesia, Bangladesh and China(92.1%), and the most of subjects were man(78.9%) and over high school graduate(81.9%). 2. Most migrant workers worked at small scale companies under 50 employees, and engaged in dye, textile clothing, leather industry. The average working hours were 59.9 hours per week in overseas industrial trainee, 64.9 hours in illegal migrant worker respectively. 3. Trainees have transferred to another company for 1.89 times, and workers who have changed qualification from trainee to illegal status were 3.09 tims, and illegal workers moved 2.36 times. The major portion of reason to move to another company were low salary and overdue salary. 4. Trainees, workers who have changed position from trainee to illegal status, and illegal workers knows 62.27%, 42.31%, and 20.45% in each about legal documentation for foreign industrial trainees in Korea "Regulations for protecting and managing of foreign industrial trainees in Korea" published on March 1995. Additionally, trainees and illegal workers have experienced medical examination by 52.3% and 18.2% respectively. 5. Industrial accident condition from Jun. 1st, 1997 to Dec. 3lth, 1997 were as follows in case of frequent rate, trainees and illegal workers were 30.04, 23.78 each, and 8.6%, 7.4% for industrial accident rate respectively. 6. The most common causes and types of industrial accident were inappropriate motions of body and abrasion, and body sites most vulnerable to injury were the hands and fingers. The results suggest that working status and industrial accidents of migrant workers are very poor in Korea. Therefore, occupational safety and health policy aimed at migrant workers are needed to protect the migrant workers.

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Occupational Characteristics and Health Status of Vietnamese Male Migrant Workers in the Republic of Korea
Ohwi Kwon, Ji-Hun Song, Jeong-Ok Kong, Seong-Won Ma, Young Shin Lee, Joonho Ahn
Safety and Health at Work.2023; 14(3): 267. CrossRef
A Study on the Characteristics of Injured Workers Rate and Work Environment of Male Workers for over 40 years
Kil-Yong Choi, Kyung-Soo Yang
The Korean Journal of Health Service Management.2016; 10(1): 131. CrossRef

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Plasma Malondialdehyde, alpha-tocopherol and Erythrocyte Superoxide Dismutase Activity with Blood Level of Heavy Metals in Welders: Won Jin Lee, Cheon Hyun Hwang, Soung Hoon Chang, Byung Chul Chun, Hae Joon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1998;10(2):240-250. Published online May 31, 1998; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1998.10.2.240

Abstract PDF: We investigated the association between the oxidative stress and the concentration of heavy metals in blood among welders. The study subjects were male manual CO2 welders(N=127) exposed to several heavy metals. The age distribution was from 20 to 63 (GM=33.7) and the geometric mean(GM) of work duration was 4.2 years. We analyze the level of blood lead, cadmium, managese and chromium which was related with the oxidative stress in the animal studies. Blood selenuim, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma alpha-tocopheol and orythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analyzed as biological markers of the oxidative stress. The results of univariate analysis showed that the plasma MDA was significantly correlated with D-tocopherol (r=0.327) and blood selenium (r=0.313) concentration. But we could not find out any relationship between the erythrocyte SOD activities and those metal concentrations. Neither smoking nor alcohol consumption was related to the level of heavy metals and the oxidative stress biomarkers. As the results of multiple regression analysis with stepwise selection method, 1) the change of MDA level were dependant with the level of alpha-tocopherol and blood selenium concentration (R2=19.7), 2) the plasma alpha-tocopherol level was dependant with MDA and blood chromium concentration (R2=15.6), 3) in case of erythrocyte SOD activity, only the duration of work was significantly selected.

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Comparison of Blood Pre-treatment Methods for Determining Erythrocyte Pyrimidine 5'-Nucleotidase Activity: Byung Hean Kim, Hae Joon Kim, Jae Wook Choi, Eunil Lee, Yong Tae Yum; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1997;9(4):565-578. Published online December 31, 1997; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1997.9.4.565

Abstract PDF: Sakai's method has been known as the simplest one for determination of erythrocyte pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase (P5N) activity using high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). However the drawback of the method is that it is difficult to wash the erythrocyte for isolation. To search for the simpler method, we compared Sakai's method with other methods using whole blood treated with heparin and concanavalin A or whole blood treated with EDTA-2K instead of washing the erythrocyte. The mean concentrations of lead in blood samples collected from 44 male and 16 female workers who are healthy without any exposure to lead in their workplace were 4.30 +/- 1.31 microgram /dl (mean +/-standard deviation), which were measured by frameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Erythrocyte P5N activities were measured by 3 methods; Sakai's method(Method I), using whole blood treated with heparin and concanavalin A (Method II), and using whole blood treated with EDTA-2K (Method III). The results were obtained as follows ; 1. The mean of erythrocyte P5N activity by Sakai's method(Method I) were 12.7 +/-2.47 amole uridine/hr/gm of Hb. 2. The mean of erythrocyte P5N activity by the method using heparinized whole blood treated with concanavalin A(Method II) were 13.1 +/-2.41 micromole uridine/hr/gm of Hb. 3. The difference of mean erythrocyte P5N activity between Method I and Method was not significant. 4. The erythrocyte P5N activity by the method using whole blood treated with EDTA-2K (Method III) was significantly different from Method I. We thought that omission of incubation period which was required on Method III using EDTA-2K caused the difference between Method I and Method III. 5. Simple linear regression equation for erythrocyte P5N activity between Method I (Y) and Method II(X) was significant: Y = -0.012 + 0.9724 X. These results suggest that the method using whole blood treated with heparin and concanavalin A is simpler to examine the erythrocyte P5N activity as a biological indicator of lead intoxication than Sakai's method.

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Mutagenicity Assay of Indoor Air Pollutants by Ames Test (Microsuspension assay) and Micro-nuclei of Lymphocyte: Young Whan Kim, Young Chul Chang, In Jae Yoon, Young Ja Sung, Ji Young Ahn, Hae Joon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1996;8(3):499-508. Published online December 31, 1996; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1996.8.3.499

Abstract PDF: In order to evaluate the mutagenic effects of extractable indoor air pollutants (organic matters), we measured the mutagenic activities by sensitive microsuspension Ames test using new tester strains (YG 1024 and YG 1029). And additionally to evaluate the mutagenic effects on vital cell, we examined the frequencies of micronucleus appearing in lymphocytes from dye handling workers and controls. This study was conducted from Jan. toMay, 1995. The extractable indoor air pollutants were collected by low volume air sampler in a general office room and 3 of dye handling factories. And the environment of general office room divided into 3 different groups according to the type of room heaters. To determine the frequencies of micronucleus appearing in lymphocytes, we sampled peripheral venous blood from 20 of dye handling workers and 20 of controls, and cultured, and then examined the lymphocytes. The results obtained were as follows: 1. The indirect mutagenic activities of extractable organic matters from suspended particulates colleced in a general office room were higher than the direct one. 2. The strain YG 1024 was the most sensitive, and the increasing order of test strainsthat showed higher number of revertant were YG 1024, YG 1029, TA 100, and TA 98. 3. In the general office room, the room using kerosene heater showed the highest mutagenecity, and the next was buthan gas heater, and non-heating room in order. 4. The mutagenic effects of suspended particulates in::dye handling factories on the strain YG 1024 was 1.2 times higher than YG 1029. 5. The frequencies of micronucleus appearing in lymphocyte of the circulating blood of dye handling workers and the control were 5.65+/-2.97% and 4.65+/-0.97%, respectively. And the difference was statistically significant.

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Quantitative Sensory and Vascular Tests in the Assessment of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome: Seung Wan Kang, Eun Il Lee, Yong Tae Yum, Hae Joon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1996;8(2):210-222. Published online September 30, 1996; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1996.8.2.210

Abstract PDF

This study was conducted on 103 male workers exposed to local vibration (exposure workers) and 23 male clergical workers not exposed to local vibration (reference workers) to evaluate the effect of local vibration in a automobile industry workers who had used vibratory tools such as electric bolt impacter or grinder. The assessment methods of this study were some tests recommended by Wasserman and Taylor. None of reference workers complained sensorineural symptoms, but 43.7% of exposed workers complained over one of those symptoms. The proportion of non-recovery type, which means that there was no full recovery of temperature of finger tips, was from 0% to 31. 3% in reference workers and from 10.7% to 15.5% in exposure workers. There was statistically significant difference of recovery time of plethysmogram after cold provocation between mean recovery time of 0.44 minutes in reference workers and that of 3.05 minutes in exposure workers. The proportion of bad plethysmogram was from 0% to 4.4% in reference workers and from 3.9% to 7.8% in exposure workers. There was statistically significant difference of discrimination sense between mean length of 2.04 mm in reference workers and that of 2.9 mm in exposure workers. There were also statistically significant difference of pain sense between mean weights of from 5.02 g to 5.26 g in reference workers and those of from 6.81 g to 7.6 g in exposure workers. By the results of multiple stepwise regression analysis the statistically significant variable affecting discrimination and pain sense was exposure and those affecting vibration sense were exposure and age. We concluded that exposure of local vibration in automobile workers was significaritly associated with decrease of sensorineural sense regardless of age and other, possible related variables.

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Trans‐Cranial Doppler and Peripheral Sensory Threshold Tests for Carbon Disulfide Poisoning
Eunil Lee, Hun‐Jong Chung, Soon‐Duck Kim, Jong‐Tae Park, Donggeun Sul, Myung‐Hyun Kim
Journal of Occupational Health.2001; 43(6): 307. CrossRef

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A Study on the Reference Value of Erythrocyte Pyrimidine 5'-Nueleotidase Activity: Jong Yeon Kim, Hae Joon Kim, Soung Hoon Chang, Kwang Jong Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1995;7(1):63-81. Published online February 28, 1995; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1995.7.1.63

Abstract PDF: For the purpose of determining the reference value of erythrocyte pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase (P5N) activity as a biological indicator to lead exposure, this study was conducted on the total of 225 healthy men who had not been exposed to lead occupationally, in July, 1994. The parameters selected in this study were age, hemoglobin, hematocrit, number of red blood cell, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular herloglobin concentration (MCHC), blood lead, and erythrocyte P5N activity. The blood lead concentrations were measured using a flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and erythrocyte P5N activities by Sakai's simple method using a HPLC(1986). The results were obtaina as follows; 1. The distribution of blood lead concentrations revealed log-normal distribution, and geometric mean and standard deviation of blood lead were 4.09 microgram/dl and 1.55 microgram/dl, respectively. 2. The erythrocyte P5N activity showed normal distribution, and the mean and standard deviation of the erythroeyte P5N activity were 12.34 umole uridine/h/g Hb and 2.21 umole uridine/h/g Hb, respectively. 3. All of the selected variables including blood lead concentration did not affect the erythrocyte P5N activity. Although the erythrocyte P5N activities were negatively associated with blood lead level, the correlation coefficient was not statistically significant. 4. From the result of this study, 8.7 micromole uridine/h/g Hb was obtained as a reference value of erythrocyte pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase activity for the healthy adult male who had not been exposed to lead occupationally.

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163 Cases of Decompression Sickness Among Korean Divers: Kyu Yoon Hwang, Hae Joon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):364-376. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.364

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This study was performed to obtain an useful and basic information of the decompression sickness (DCS) among Korean divers. The medical records of 163 cases of Korean civilian diver, who were diagnosed as DES and received recompression therapy according to U.S. Navy Standard Recompression Treatment Table at Ocean & Underwater Medical Research & Training Center of ROK Navy, for 10 years from Jan. 1983 to Dec.1992. The total of 163 cases of DCS were catagorized into 2 groups as Type I DCS and Type II DGS group. The major results obtained were as follows: 1. 70.5% of total cases were classified as type II DCS, and the ratio of type I to type II DCS was 1'2.5 and the ratio of male to female of DCS cases was about 4:1. 2. About one third of cases occurred in May and June, and 38.7% of cases occurred at Chung-mu and Chin-hae in Kyung-nam province, the Southern Coast of Korean Peninsula. 3. Among the type II DGS group, 85.2% occured in diving for harpshell, and 85.2% with hookah diving gear. 4. There were no cases following the decompression procedure such as well known U.S. Navy's, and 86.7% of cases did not follow the any kinds of decompression procedure for preventing DCS and most of dives were conducted repetitively with 4.2 times on an average. 5. The mean depth between type I(27.3m) and type 11 DCS group(33.3m) showed significant difference statistically (p<0.01) , but both frequences of repetitive dives and bottom times between two groups were not statistically significant (p>0.05) . 6. The rate of symptoms appeared on surfacing and within 10 min. after surfacing of type I and type II DCS were 40.0% and 70.5%, respectively. And 80.9% of type I and 92.2% of type II DCS group were aware of dysbaric symptoms within the first hour after surfacing. 7. The most frequent symptoms and its percentages were "Both limb pain (37.6%) ",Joint pain(27.1%)., and "Scapular pain(22.9%)" in type I DCS group, and "Limb weakness or paralysis (68.7%)" , "Respiratory chokes(27.8%)" and "Bladder dysfunction(22.2%)"intypellDCSgroup. . 8. Among the type II DCS group, 54.8% attempted inwater recompression as a primary management, but 54.2% of type I DCS group did not take any kinds of therapeutic measure after onset of dysharic symptoms till commencing recompression treatment. 9. Recompression treatment was delayed 126.9 hours in type I and 89.7 hours in type II DCS group on an average, and the cases of DCS, who delayed more than two days till visiting the recompression facility, were occupied 52.1% in type I and 29.6% in type II DCS group. 10. Among the total cases, 32.6% were experienced one more of dysbaric symptoms in the past.

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Occupational Diseases in Korea
Seong-Kyu Kang, Eun A Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S4. CrossRef

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