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A Study on Olfactory Function in Painters Exposed to Organic Solvent in a Shipyard
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Keong Bum Min, Jun Seok Son, Chang Ho Chae, Young Wook Kim, Cheol Ho Yi, Chan Woo Kim, Young Who Shin
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Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009;21(3):246-258. Published online September 30, 2009
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2009.21.3.246
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 Abstract
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- OBJECTIVES
To investigate the effect of the occupational exposure to organic solvent on the olfactory function of shipyard painters; we measured the prevalence of olfactory function impairment between the exposure group and the controls by using the Korean Version of the Sniffin'Stick (KVSS) test through smell, and by analyzing factors related to olfactory alteration.
METHODS
The olfactory function of 245 painters exposed to organic solvents was compared to that of 122 unexposed controls. A total of 367 shipyard subjects underwent questionnaire study and the olfactory function test was performed by KVSS test I from April to August 2007. Suspected subjects of abnormal findings were referred to an otorhinolaryngologist. In addition, the Biologic Exposure Index (BEI) and industrial hygiene laboratory data were collected as well as analyzed by job title in the exposure group.
RESULTS
The difference in the result of KVSS test I was significantly different from the exposure group and the controls (P<0.05). For the exposure group, reduced olfaction and exposure group were correlated with statistical significance when compared to the controls (P<0.01). Adjusting for work duration, smoking, rhinitis or sinusitis history, exposure of the organic solvent (OR 1.76, 95% CI=1.05-2.96) had a statistically meaningful relationship with decreased olfaction. The data on BEI for the exposure group were collected; the difference in methylhippuric acid was significant between spray workers and others, but did not correlate well with decreased olfaction.
CONCLUSION
Occupational exposure to organic solvents in shipyard painters may affect the olfactory function. Therefore, shipyard painters should be monitored on a periodic bases by the quantitative test such as KVSS test. There is no other quantitative testing method or standardized procedure that can objectively diagnose the neurotoxic effect, further enhanced quality research in this field is necessary.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by  - Overview of occupational cancer in painters in Korea
Jun-Pyo Myong, Younmo Cho, Min Choi, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] 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
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A case of Peripheral Neuropathy After High Electrical Injury
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Jun Seok Son, Chang Ho Chae, Young Wook Kim, Keong Bum Min, Cheol Ho Yi
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Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(4):345-351. Published online December 31, 2006
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.4.345
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Abstract
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- BACKGROUND
With increasing industrial development, opportunities are growing to contact electricity in the workplace or home. Therefore, the risk of electrical accident has been increased gradually. In general, electrical injuries involve the extremities and result in amputation or severe disability of limbs. Delayed spinal cord injury and peripheral neuropathies following electrical accidents are extremely rare.
CASE
REPORT: A 32-year-old man with 10 years working experience at a CRT-monitor manufacturer with repetitive exposures to high voltage current visited our hosipital. He complained of left leg weakness and atrophy, and intermittent pain. The symptoms were progressive. Other symptoms occurred such as nocturia, hesitancy, and weak urinary stream. We examined the patient and conducted EMG, L-spine MRI, neurometer test, isokinetic strength test, and physical examination. The results showed neural injuries due to anterior horn lesions or compression of the left femoral nerve pathway, with a consequent diagnosis of neurogenic bladder.
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