Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Ho Jang Kwon

17 Articles

The Relationship Between Amalgam Tooth Fillings and Concentration of Blood Mercury in Elementary School Students in Korea: Kyu Hwa Lee, Man Joong Jeon, Yun Chul Hong, Jong Han Leem, Mi Na Ha, Ho Jang Kwon, Joon Sakong; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(4):420-427. Published online December 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.4.420

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The adverse health effects of mercury in dental amalgam have not yet been clarified. This study was conducted to examine the effects of dental amalgam on the concentration of blood mercury in Korean children.
METHODS
A total of 1,275 students were enrolled in the elementary school in Seoul, Incheon, and Daegu. The number and location of dental amalgam filling of teeth were ascertained by oral examination. Dietary habits-including frequency of seafood intake-and other demographic factors were obtained from the children's parents. The concentration of blood mercury was measured by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer to which a hydride generator was installed.
RESULTS
The geometric mean of blood mercury concentration was 1.91 microg/L. It was found that elementary school students in Seoul and the 4th grade elementary school students have the lowest concentration of blood mercury among the study groups. Both linear and secondary linear increase of the concentration of blood mercury, depending on the number of dental amalgam fillings, were statistically significant (p-trend < 0.01, p-quadratic < 0.01). As a result of multiple regression analysis on the blood mercury concentration of elementary school students, the regression coefficient (beta) of a dental amalgam filling was found to be 0.027 (standard error = 0.014, p = 0.048).
CONCLUSIONS
In children, the dental amalgam fillings were significantly contribute to the concentration of blood mercury. To accurately assess the effect of dental amalgam on the concentration of body mercury, further studies using the concentration of urine mercury are needed.

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Association Between Blood Lead Concentration and Computerized Neurobehavioral Performance in Korean Elementary School Students: Yeon Cheol Kim, Man Joong Jeon, Yun Chul Hong, Chul Gab Lee, Mi Na Ha, Ho Jang Kwon, Joon Sakong; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(2):183-191. Published online June 30, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.2.183

OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to evaluate association between computerized neurobehavioral performance and blood lead concentration in Korean elementary school students.
METHODS
The subjects were 1,077 elementary school students of Seoul, Busan, Daegu and Gwangju. Blood lead concentration was measured and computerized neurobehavioral performance tests were performed.
RESULTS
Blood lead concentration of the subjects was in the range of 0.20 and 7.39 microg/dl. The geometric mean of the subjects' blood lead concentration was 1.41 microg/dl. As blood lead concentration increased, reaction time to the symbol digit tended to increase significantly and linearly. As a result of LOWESS(locally weighted scatterplot smoothing), increasing reaction time to the symbol digit was observed.
CONCLUSIONS
As blood lead concentration under the CDC (center for disease control and prevention) reference value increased, reaction time to the symbol digit tended to increase. But, as the number of subjects over 3 microg/dl is small, it is difficult to make a definite conclusion. If confounding variables are controlled properly in a follow-up study, we can obtain a more definite conclusion.

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Association of heavy metal complex exposure and neurobehavioral function of children
Minkeun Kim, Chulyong Park, Joon Sakong, Shinhee Ye, So young Son, Kiook Baek
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Performance assessment on the Korean Computerized Neurobehavioral Test using a mobile device and a conventional computer: an experimental study
Young Seok Byun, Sung Kyu Park, Joon Sakong, Man Joong Jeon
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
The association between lead concentration in the blood and neurobehavioral performance of children
Dae-Seon Kim, Seungchul Ahn, Seungdo Yu, Eun-Hee Lee
Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences.2012; 4(2): 87. CrossRef
Evaluation of reliability of computerized neurobehavioral tests in Korean children
Kyeong-Soo Lee, Man-Joong Jeon, Tae-Yoon Hwang, Chang-Yoon Kim, Joon Sakong
NeuroToxicology.2012; 33(5): 1362. CrossRef

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Association of Blood Mercury Level and Neurobehavioral Performance in Korean Elementary School Students: Joon Sakong, Man Joong Jeon, Sung Ho Yun, Yun Chul Hong, Chul Gab Lee, Young Ki Kim, Mina Ha, Ho Jang Kwon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2010;22(4):324-330. Published online December 31, 2010; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2010.22.4.324

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to examine the effect of blood mercury on neurobehavioral performance in Korean elementary school students.
METHODS
We measured the blood mercury concentration in 1,077 elementary school students from Seoul, Busan, Daegu and Gwangju, then the students underwent computerized neurobehavioral test.
RESULTS
The mean concentration of blood mercury of study subjects was 2.10 microg/L. An increased blood mercury was associated with an increased reaction time in digit addition and symbol digit.
CONCLUSIONS
The blood mercury concentration of study subjects was very high compared to findings in a foreign country. We found several associations between blood mercury level and neurobehavioral performance.

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Performance assessment on the Korean Computerized Neurobehavioral Test using a mobile device and a conventional computer: an experimental study
Young Seok Byun, Sung Kyu Park, Joon Sakong, Man Joong Jeon
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Evaluation of reliability of computerized neurobehavioral tests in Korean children
Kyeong-Soo Lee, Man-Joong Jeon, Tae-Yoon Hwang, Chang-Yoon Kim, Joon Sakong
NeuroToxicology.2012; 33(5): 1362. CrossRef

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Effects of Cardiovascular Risk Factors on Hearing Loss: Jong Do Jeong, Hyunjoo Kim, Jae Yun Jung, Sangchul Roh, Ho Jang Kwon, Eun Jung Kim, Moo Yong Rhee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009;21(3):225-234. Published online September 30, 2009; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2009.21.3.225

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of cardiovascular risk factors on hearing loss by vascular damage, such as in atherosclerosis.
METHOD
This study was conducted as a part of a study for the health effects of air-craft noise from 13 July 2005 to 13 January 2006. In this study 810 residents were selected from 13 villages in Pyeongteck City. Participants in this study were stratified by gender. Individuals, who had conductive hearing loss, were excluded form this investigation. Cardiovascular risk factors were divided into medical risk factors (mean arterial pressure (MAP), blood glucose, triglyceride) and behavioral risk factors (smoking, alcohol). The degree of atherosclerosis was determined by aPWV. Pure tone air conduction hearing thresholds were obtained at frequencies of 1000 and 4000 Hz. As for statistic data analysis, multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between factors on hearing loss and aortic pulse wave velocity. Structural Equation Modeling was used to analyze the relationship between factors.
RESULTS
According to multiple linear regression models among males, age, aircraft noise, aPWV were associated with hearing loss. In females, age and aircraft noise were associated with hearing loss. Thus cardiovascular risk factors were not directly involved in hearing loss. However, cardiovascular risk factors such as alcohol, MAP in males and MAP, blood glucose in females were statistically significant (p<0.05) on aPWV according to multiple linear regression modeling. According to analysis of structural equation modeling, an indirect relationship was observed between cardiovascular risk factors and hearing loss by atherosclerosis, which was measured by aPWV. In males, medical risk factors were significantly associated with atherosclerosis (beta+/-SE: 0.07+/-0.03, p=0.03). Atherosclerosis was also associated with hearing loss (beta+/-SE: 2.01+/-0.89, p=0.03). In females, medial risk factors was significantly associated with atherosclerosis (beta+/-SE: 0.08+/-0.02, p=0.00), but atherosclerosis was not significantly associated with hearing loss.
CONCLUSION
Although noise exposure is a known major threat to hearing loss, understanding of cardiovascular risk factors associated with hearing loss also take a significant role in preventing hearing loss. Therefore, scrutinization of the etiologic factors for hearing disability may introduce a detailed strategy to abate the prevalence of hearing loss.

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Relationship of Aircraft-noise and the Result of Audiological Evaluation Among Residents Near U.S. Military Airbases in Pyeongtaek City: Jong Do Jeong, Hyunjoo Kim, Jae Yun Jung, Sangchul Roh, Ho Jang Kwon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009;21(2):154-164. Published online June 30, 2009; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2009.21.2.154

Abstract PDF

Objective: To investigate the relationship between aircraft noise and the results of audiological evaluation on tinnitus and hearing loss among residents near United States military air-bases in Pyeongtaek city.
METHODS
Residents (n=492) exposed to aircraft noise were selected from eight villages near U.S. military air-bases (K-55 and K-6) in Pyeongtaek city. Residents (n=200) from five villages located at least 10 km away from the air-base were selected for the control group. All participants completed a questionnaire on tinnitus and audiological evaluations included pure tone audiometry (PTA) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE). Statistical analyses involved a general linear model and multiple logistic regression stratified by gender and data was adjusted by age, educational level, stress response index and noise type (i.e. military, agricultural and occupational).
RESULTS
The equivalent noise levels (Leq) in the vicinity of the air-field were 73.4~81.5 dB (A). Tinnitus prevalence was 47.3% and odds ratio (OR) was 2.06 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09~3.88) among noise-exposed males. Tinnitus prevalence was 50.8% and OR was 1.97(95% CI: 1.17~3.30) among noise-exposed females. Tinnitus handicap scores among exposed group were significantly higher in functional, emotional, and catastrophic subclasses (p<0.001). PTA revealed hearing thresholds among the exposed group of 0.5 and 1 kHz (male right ear), 0.5 and 1 kHz (female left ear) and 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 kHz on female right ear that were significantly higher than those of the unexposed group. No significant difference in DPOAE was observed among noise-exposed males. However, significant differences were evident for noise-exposed females at 3175 and 4007 Hz. ORs of right female ears 3175 and 4007 Hz were 1.73(95% CI: 1.01~2.99) and 1.78(95% CI: 1.01~3.15). ORs of left female ears at 3175 Hz and 4007 Hz were 1.92(95% CI: 1.10~3.36) and 2.71(95% CI: 1.49~4.91) CONCLUSIONS: Aircraft noise may adversely affect hearing function and tinnitus.

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

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Surveillance of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome in Korea: Woo Chul Jeong, Ho Jang Kwon, Mina Ha, Sang Chul Roh, Beom Seon Kwon, Jeong Gun Hyun, Seong Jae Lee, Jong Min Lee, Jeong Yi Kwon, Jun Seong Kim, Nam Jong Baek, Ho Lee, Kyng Woo Lee, Sam Kyu Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(1):37-47. Published online March 31, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.1.37

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most important work related musculo-skeletal diseases in Korea. However, there are few epidemiologic studies on the work-related CTS (WR-CTS). This study aimed to investigate the epidemiologic characteristics of WR-CTS in Korea.
METHODS
Data obtained from the"CTS Surveillance System". Physician case-reports in the surveillance were used to document patterns of WR-CTS by age, gender, occupation, sign, symptom, working history.
RESULTS
Six hundred and seventy-two cases of WR-CTS were ascertained. of which 314 with complete information on occupational history were analyzed. It has been estimated that as many as 72% of all CTS cases are work-related. The highest proportion of WR-CTS was observed in 'elementary occupation workers', followed by 'skilled agricultural, forestry and fishery workers'. The distributions of WR-CTS cases were similar with respect to age, obesity, and past medical history. The proportion of WR-CTS was higher in females. There was no significant difference in physical examination findings between WR-CTS and non WR-CTS cases. Repetitive work and the inappropriate hand posture seemed to be the risks for WR-CTS.
CONCLUSION
WR-CTS is a significant public health problem. The CTS surveillance system is quite useful to elucidate the characteristics of WR-CTS, but it remains of limited use in targeting specific industries and occupations for intervention.

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Distribution of age, gender, and occupation among individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome based on the National Health Insurance data and National Employment Insurance data
Il-Ho Lee, Young-Ki Kim, Dong-Mug Kang, Se-Yeong Kim, In-Ah Kim, Eun-Mi Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2019;[Epub] CrossRef
Work-relatedness of lung cancer by smoking and histologic type in Korea
Young-Il Lee, Sang-Gil Lee, Dong-Mug Kang, Jong-Eun Kim, Young-Ki Kim, Jong-Han Leem, Hwan-Cheol Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2014;[Epub] CrossRef
Disease Prevalence and Mortality among Agricultural Workers in Korea
Won Jin Lee, Eun Shil Cha, Eun Kyeong Moon
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S112. CrossRef

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The Present Status and Perspective of Nationwide Occupational Diseases Surveillance System: Seong Kyu Kang, Young Koo Jee, Yeon Soon Ahn, Hyoung Ok Kim, Mi Na Ha, Ho Jang Kwon, Nam Jong Paik, Seong Ah Kim, Yun Chul Hong, Jai Yong Kim, Dae Hee Kang, Hye Sun Jung, Eun Hee Ha; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(2):116-126. Published online June 30, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.2.116

Abstract PDF

No abstract available.

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Cohort Profile: Gachon Regional Occupational Cohort Study (GROCS)
Wanhyung Lee, Yongho Lee, Junhyeong Lee, Uijin Kim, Eunsun Han, Seunghon Ham, Won-Jun Choi, Seong-Kyu Kang
Safety and Health at Work.2022; 13(1): 112. CrossRef
Occupational Skin Diseases in Korea
Yeon-Soon Ahn, Min-Gi Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S46. CrossRef
Occupational Diseases in Korea
Seong-Kyu Kang, Eun A Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S4. CrossRef
Asbestos-related Occupational Cancers Compensated under the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance in Korea
Yeon-Soon AHN, Seong-Kyu KANG
Industrial Health.2009; 47(2): 113. CrossRef
Occupational Infectious Diseases among Korean Health Care Workers Compensated with Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance from 1998 to 2004
Yeon-Soon AHN, Hyun-Sul LIM
Industrial Health.2008; 46(5): 448. CrossRef
Occupational hand–arm vibration syndrome in Korea
Cheolin Yoo, Ji-Ho Lee, Choong-Ryeol Lee, Yangho Kim, Hun Lee, Younghee Choi, Young Wook Kim, Chang Ho Chae, Hyokyoung Kim, Sang Baek Koh, Euna Kim, Lu Jin Lee, Kiyoung Lee
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health.2005; 78(5): 363. CrossRef

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Study on Perceived Occupational Psychosocial Stress and Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders among VDT Works: Yeong Su Ju, Ho Jang Kwon, Dong Gyu Kim, Jai Yong Kim, Nam Jong Baek, Hong Ryul Choi, In Keun Bae, Jong Man Park, Jong Du Kang, Soo Hun Cho; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1998;10(4):463-475. Published online December 31, 1998; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1998.10.4.463

Abstract PDF

It has been hypothesized that jobs that have both high psychological demands and low decision latitude ('job strain") can lead to musculoskeletal disorder. The objective of this study was to test whether job strain was correlated with the presence of work-related musculoskeletal disorder, especially myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Information on demographic factors, confounders such as household load and taking care of children or not, and scores for decision latitude, job demand, and social support was obtained by self-administered questionnaire, which had been developed in Korean language, by adopting NIOSH instrument and Extended Karasek Model (16 items). All subjects were also examined by rehabilitation medicine specialists for musculoskeletal disorders. Subjects (n=370) could be categorized into 4 groups, these were, housewives(n=89), shipyard CAD workers(n=89), general female workers(n=79; nurses, insurance counselors, public officials, clerks, etc), and telephone directory assistance operators(n=113). Results from univariate analyses indicated that all demographic factors, all confounders, scores for decision latitude and social support were not associated with the risk of musculoskeletal disorder. However, score for job demand was higher in musculoskeletal disorder cases than others. In subgroup analysis, this association was convinced again, in telephone directory assistance operators. Job strain model showed that the group of telephone directory assistance operators was high-strain group, and OR of musculoskeletal disorder was 2.446 (95% C.I. : 1.174, 5.096), when comparing this with the low strain group. In conclusion, job strain is a risk factor for work-related musculoskeletal disorder.

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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
Related Factors to Musculoskeletal Discomfort Symptoms on Some Middle·High school Teachers
Jae-Yoon Lee, Byeong-Yeon Moon, Youn-Hong Jeong, Hyun-Kyung Woo
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2012; 13(1): 264. 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

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The Effect of VDT Work on Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder: Dorn Q Kim, Soo Hun Cho, Tai Ryoon Han, Ho Jang Kwon, Mina Ha, Nam Jong Paik; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1998;10(4):524-533. Published online December 31, 1998; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1998.10.4.524

Abstract PDF

As use of the visual display terminal (VDT) is becoming more generalized as a result of office automation, the so-called 'VDT syndrome' which is often observed with the workers using VDT has emerged as a serious occupational health problem. However, few comparative study with control group using not only subjective symptom but also physical examination hag been conducted. We have conducted a study comparing prevalence rates of musculoskeletal disorder between 113 VDT operators of a telecommunication company and the control groups of housewives and office ladies through a review of subjective symptoms as well as physical examination by physiatrist to understand the magnitude of problem and relative risk of VDT worker. The symptom rates of upper extremity disability in VDT operators were higher than those of controls especially in neck and shoulder area. Fifty-four(47.8%) of 113 VDT operators met our case definition of upper extremity disorder by subjective symptom and physical examination. Myofascial pain syndrome of neck and shoulder muscles were the most common(46.9%). The odd ratio of using VDT operation for developing myofascial pain syndrome in the neck or shoulder area were 2.52(compared to controls of office ladies) and 2.64 (compared to controls of housewives). Other anatomical lesion such as elbow, hand and wrist shows slight higher prevalence rates of musculoskeletal disorder than control groups but not statistically significant.

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Effects of the Training of Non-Dominant on Hand Function
Chel Jang, Minok Song, Boa Kim, Sujung Han
Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine.2015; 3(4): 1. CrossRef
Change in Musculoskeletal Pain in Patients With Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder After Tailored Rehabilitation Education: A One-Year Follow-Up Survey
Dong Hun Lee, Boram Kang, Seungyoung Choi, Taikon Kim, Seong Ho Jang, Kyu Hoon Lee, Mi Jung Kim, Si-Bog Park, Seung Hoon Han
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine.2015; 39(5): 726. CrossRef
Radiologic Assessment of Forward Head Posture and Its Relation to Myofascial Pain Syndrome
An Sun, Han Gyeol Yeo, Tae Uk Kim, Jung Keun Hyun, Jung Yoon Kim
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine.2014; 38(6): 821. CrossRef
Causes of Hand Tingling in Visual Display Terminal Workers
Sein Oh, Hyung Kuk Kim, Jehwan Kwak, Taikon Kim, Seong Ho Jang, Kyu Hoon Lee, Mi Jung Kim, Si-Bog Park, Seung Hoon Han
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine.2013; 37(2): 221. CrossRef
Comparison of Muscular Endurance Limit of the Thumb with Repetitive Using Between Adults and Children
J.H. Park, G.H. Kim, K. Son
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The Effect of The Forward Head Posture on Postural Balance in Long Time Computer Based Worker
Jung-Ho Kang, Rae-Young Park, Su-Jin Lee, Ja-Young Kim, Seo-Ra Yoon, Kwang-Ik Jung
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine.2012; 36(1): 98. CrossRef
The Study on Computer Workstation, Rest and Musculoskeletal Symptoms in High School Students
Tae-Hyung Yoon, Tae-Hyun Cha, Sang-Hui Hwang
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2012; 13(7): 3037. CrossRef
Leg Length Inequality, Habitual Posture, and Pain in Women's College Students
Sung-Bok Kwon, Yeo-Jin Yi, Hye-Ja Han, Kyung-Sook Cho, Nan-Young Lim, Eun-Hee Lee, Haeng-Mi Son, Young-Sook Park, Joo-Hyun Kim, Hyun-Sook Kang
Journal of muscle and joint health.2012; 19(1): 27. CrossRef
A Comparative Evaluation about Force and Fatigue on Thumb according to Input Type for Repetitive Use of Mobile Phone
K.M Kim, J.H. Park, G.H. Kim, K. Son
Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research.2011; 32(4): 312. CrossRef

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Quality Assessment of Group Occupational Health Service for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Korea: Sunmean Kim, Soo Hun Cho, Chang Yup Kim, Eun Hee Ha, Yun Chul Hong, Ho Jang Kwon, Mi Na Ha, Sang Hwan Han, Young Su Ju; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1998;10(1):71-82. Published online February 28, 1998; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1998.10.1.71

Abstract PDF

Group occupational health service programme started in 1990 is one of the measures to cope with limited human and financial resources in occupational health. The programme has expanded rapidly to include 52 institutions, private as well as public, all over the country. In spite of its potential impact on health of employees and practice of occupational health in small and medium sized industries, comprehensive evaluation in terms of quality has not been tried. This study has aims to develop the criteria to assess the quality of newly developed group occupational health service programme, and to investigate the quality of institutions, and finally to develop policies for the quality improvement. 1) Criteria development : By defining occupational health services, in particular for small and medium sized industries, as one of the primary health care, followings are included as core elements of qualitative occupational health programme ; accessibility, continuity, comprehensiveness, technical quality, intersectoral collaboration, emphasis on preventive services, community participation, and adequacy. Again each element is divided into five major components of national health system infrastructure developed by the World Health Organization ; development of health resources, organized arrangement of resources, delivery of health care, economic support, and management. In turn, each component is categorized into three aspects of quality assessment, structure, process and outcome. Expert panel selected several criteria for each category to evaluate the programme. Criteria were modified according to each group of interviewees, to produce two sets of questionnaire, one for chief operating officer and another for nurses in the institutions, and the chief operating officer and workers in the workplace. 2) Subject : Of all 52 institutions, 25 voluntarily participated in the survey. At individual institution, chief operating officer and practicing nurses were interviewed in depth. After intensive education for interviewees, every interview was performed with standardized guideline and questionnaire. The quality of the 'Group occupational health service programme' was found to be lower than expected. Especially In continuity, comprehensiveness, technical quality, community participation and adequacy, lower quality in structural aspect was commonly identified throughout all the institutions. Quality in terms of accessibility and continuity highly varied among institutions. To improve quality of the programme, more comprehensive and systematic programme such as accreditation has to be introduced. In addition, human resources, governmental fund and information systems for individual workers are to be developed. As a long range plan, integration of occupational health services into the national health systems and pooling of financial resources and planned allocation should be considered.

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The roles of doctors, nurses, and industrial hygienists in the healthcare management services in Korea: a comparison of the opinions of specialized health management institutions and entrusted enterprises
Bo-Young Jang, Dong-Mug Kang, Young-Ki Kim, Se-Young Kim, Kyung-Sun Ko
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Relationship between occupational injuries and the provision of safety and health information: data from the 4th Korean working conditions survey
Ju-il Seo, Gab-Sik Shin, Min Gi Kim, Young-Sun Min
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Practice status of specialized agencies for occupational health management of small- to medium-size enterprises and the factors improving their performance: a cross-sectional survey study
Saerom Lee, Jun-Pyo Myong, Eun-A Kim, Huisu Eom, Bowha Choi, Young Joong Kang
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2017;[Epub] CrossRef
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Seung Hee Ho, Young Moon Chae
American Journal of Health Promotion.2015; 29(6): 402. CrossRef

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Induction of the c-fos in Rat Brain after Acute Carbon Monoxide Exposure: Soo Hoon Cho, Heon Kim, Ho Jang Kwon, Mi Na Ha; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1997;9(3):459-468. Published online October 31, 1997; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1997.9.3.459

Abstract PDF: No abstract available.

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Comparison of Diagnostic Criteria of Noise Induced Hearing Loss using Special Periodic Health Examination Data in Korea: Joohon Sung, Soo Hun Cho, Daehee Kang, Yeong Su Ju, Mi Na Ha, Ho Jang Kwon, Dork Ro Yun, Sangwhan Han; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1996;8(3):509-518. Published online December 31, 1996; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1996.8.3.509

Abstract PDF

Although noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the most prevalent occupational disease in Korea, only 10% of the diagnosed cases are compensated. Old (1989-94) and current diagnostic criteria, criteria for workers' compensation of NIHL in Korea, compensation formulas of American Medical Association/American association of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology (AMA/AAOO), the Committee on Hearing, Bio-Acoustics, Biomechanics (CHABA), American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) recommendation were compared. Each criterion was applied on the audiomety data of 4044 workers (8023 ears), who had received the second line screening test of Special Periodic Health Examination Program for noise-exposed workers during 1991-2. First, the resulting proportions of NIHL cases by employing each criterion were compared and strength of agreement was measured using kappa value. Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS) was corrected by noise free interval, and the reduction ratio of NIHL cases was calculated. Theoretical progression model of NIHL was reconstructed from previous studies on the natural course of NIHL to evaluate the change of diagnosis result of each criterion in the model. The kappa value between old and current criteria was 0.19, 0.55 for current criteria and workers' corn. criteria, ranging from 0.08 to 0.78, highest coincidence was observed between current criteria and CHABA formula. The current criteria produce most similar results with CHABA formula. If TTS is corrected for NFI, there is about 14 % reduction of NIHL cases. The results of applying on NIHL progression model divided the formulas roughly into 3 groups, of which compensation criteria was the most, old criteria and AAO the least conservative. In conclusion. The result of 4 KHZ audiometry should be excluded in evaluation of hearing level and a new hearing conservation program should be set out. Current diagnostic criteria has an ambiguity in that managerial concept for prevention arid! purpose of compensation is mixed up. The current diagnostic criteria and compensation criteria could be incorporated'into 'a new formula which is based on the state of the art test for estimating everyday hearing disability.

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Noise-induced hearing loss in Asia
Adrian Fuente, Louise Hickson
International Journal of Audiology.2011; 50(sup1): S3. CrossRef

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Perceived Occupational Psychosocial Stress and Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Workers Using Video Display Terminals: Ho Jang Kwon, Mi Na Ha, Dork Ro Yun, Soo Hun Cho, Daehee Rang, Yeong Su Ju, Do Myung Paek, Nam Jong Paek; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1996;8(3):570-577. Published online December 31, 1996; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1996.8.3.570

Abstract PDF

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the association between perceived occu-pational psychosocial stress at work and the work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) among employees using video display terminals. The study included 111 female telecommunication employees from three companies at ChungBuk province. Cases of WRMSD were defined using symptom questionnaire and physical examination conducted by rehabilitation specialist. Information on demographics, individual factors, and perceived psychosocial stress, were obtained by self-administered questionnaire. For assessing perceived psychosocial stress, we used variables from 'job strain model' proposed by Karasek. Associations between perceived psychosocial stress and WRMSD were assessed by multiple logistic regression models. Forty nine (44% to the total) subjects met our operational definition for WRMSD. Age, seniority, housing load were not associated with WRMSD. Perceived psychosocial stress was associated with WRMSD [odds ratio=3.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-10.19]. This study suggests that perceived occupational psychosocial stress is related to the prevalence of WRMSD.

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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
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The Development of Systemic Health Management Program in the Small Scale Industry using Organic Solvents: Application of Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery(NCTB): Soo Hun Cho, Sang Hwan Han, Mi Na Ha, Dork Ro Yun, Ho Jang Kwon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1995;7(2):258-268. Published online October 31, 1995; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1995.7.2.258

Abstract PDF: It is known that there appear some nonspecific and delicate changes in neuropsychiatric aspect on the workers when they are exposed for a long period to low concentrated organic solvents in the work places. Therefore, it give rise to the necessity of developing a program for the health supervisor stationed in the work place to supervise these neurobehavioral health affection. In addition to the questionnaire posed to the workers exposed to organic solvents, the study team conducted NCTB(Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery) respectively on an exposed group and a non-exposed group to organic solvents. The study team compared the results and decided whether or not to apply the results to the evaluation program of health affection. The study team divided 132 workers in 6 car repairing factories and 2 textile printing factories into exposed group and non-exposed group, pairing them off into 66 research objects according to their age, sex, and job. Neurobehavioral test was conducted on 6 items, except the POMS test, of NCTB developed by the World Health 0rganization (WHO) . The study team conducted examinations of working environment on the exposed and non-exposed groups of each work place. The analysis of the collected materials for examinations were conducted with GC-MS. The concentration of the mix-ture in the air, relative to their respective threshold limit values (TLV) was calculated according to the formula of the ACGIH and the Korean threshold limits. The results indicated that for two of eight factories samples the recommended concentration limits for mixtures was exceeded. Of the six tests, the'digit span forward','digit span backward'and'digit symbol' produced conspicuous statistical differences between the two groups (p<0.1) as a result of compairing the test values by means of paired t-test. The results of respective analysis of the car repairing factories and textile printing factories revealed that the textile printing factories had greater differences between the exposed and the non-exposed than in the car repairing factories. It is presumably because the textile printing workers are continuously exposed to the organic solvents during working hours, whereas the car repairing workers are exposed only when they are doing painting works. The NCTB is assessed very useful in examining the neurobehavioral health affection under the exposure to organic solvents, and, therefore, the study team expects that the NCTB will play an important part in the course of developing a health program for the workers exposed to organic solvents.

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Validity and Reliability of Data Derived from Questionnaire on Neurobehavioral Symptoms: Ho Jang Kwon, Soo Hun Cho, Hyun Sul Lim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1995;7(1):21-27. Published online February 28, 1995; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1995.7.1.21

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There are many studies on the neurobehavioral symptoms due to organic solvent exposure using questionnaire. However there is little published evidence on validity and reliability of the questionnaire on the neurobehavioral symptoms. In present study, the authors tested the validity and reliability of our questionnaire, which was designed for screening neurobehavioral disturbance in organic solvent exposer. Questionnaire was administered to the workers of one paint manufacturing plant and one coil manufacturing plant. In order to evaluate validity of the questionnaire, the average questionnaire scores of two plants were compared. The average score of paint manufacturing plant were higher than that of coil manufacturing plant and the difference was statistically significant. After adjustment of age, duration of employment, education, smoking history and alcohol consumption, significance was maintained. Test-retest reliability was evaluated by kappa statistics. More than 50% of question items showed values of kappa above 0.4, Cronbach coefficient alpha whoch reflects internal consistency of the questionnaire was 0.86. Overall the data showed that validity and reliability of the questionnaire were generally acceptable.

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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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Validation of New Derivatization Procedure for the Determination of Hippuric Acid in Urine Using Gas Chromatography: Soo Hun Cho, Yong Hyeon Yim, Sun Min Kim, Ho Jang Kwon, Mi na Ha, Sang Hwan Han; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1995;7(1):58-62. Published online February 28, 1995; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1995.7.1.58

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Urinary hippuric acid was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method. A simple and economical derivatization procedure using excessive methanol in acidic condition was adopted to esterify hippuric acid. Quantitative analysis was performed with two internal standards, heptadecanoic acid and hydrocinnamic acid, to evaluate the derivatization procedure as an analytical method. Using the standard addition method, linear and reproducible calibration curves were obtained for both internal standards. Calibration experiment showed that good quantitative result could also be obtained with the calibration curve obtained without urine matrix. Recovery rates for the urine samples were in the range of 95.6~111.4%. Using hydrocinnamic acid as internal standard, analysis time could be reduced.

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Relationships between airborne exposure and urinary metabolites of nail technicians
Jin Hee Yang, Ji Young Kim, Aeyong Eom, Hee Kyoung Hyoung, Sang Baek Koh
Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences.2010; 2(3): 175. CrossRef

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Assessment of Environmental Monitoring Items for Mixed Organic Solvents in Work Place: Soo Hun Cho, Ho Jang Kwon, Mi Na Ha, Sang Hwan Han, Yong Hyeon Yim, Sung Tae Oh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):259-269. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.259

Abstract PDF: Ambient air monitoring(environmental monitoring) and biological monitoring of mixed organic solvents exposure have been used in exposure assessment of these compounds in the work environment. Environmental monitoring is more useful when assessing low level exposure to these compounds. The specific objectives of this study were to measure air organic solvent levels in the work environment, to test the agreement of items measured in this study with items which have been reported to the administrative agency, and finally to evaluate the appropriateness of environmental monitoring items. The study subjects were 13 small companies in which less than 300 employees were working and presumably exposed to mixed organic solvents(e.g. automotive repair and painting, 6; textile dyeing, 2; printing, 2; electronics, etc, 3). Personal air samplings were performed by the flow-lite sampling pump(MSA) and the 600mg charcoal tube with air velocity of 100ml/min for qualitative analysis and 2l/min for quantitative analysis. Samples were analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry(Hewlett-Packard 5890/5970). High levels of toluene, n-hexane, and MIBK were detected in most study companies and low levels of ethylbenzene, xylene, n-butylacetate were also detected. When these measured items were compared with those of reported items, only 6 of 13 companies showed relatively good agreement between them. Two companies failed to report items exceeding the limit value. In conclusion, qualitative analysis of ambient air organic solvents seemed to be as important as quantitative analysis of these compounds and a periodic evaluation of monitoring items reported to the administrative agency should be required.

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