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A case of peripheral polyneuropathy occurring in a small enterprise processing mobile phone cases
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Joo Youn Shin, Jong Han Leem, Yong Kyu Kim, Shin Goo Park, Jee Na Lee, Hwan Chul Kim, Chang Hwan Kim, Kyong Up Cho, Mi Jang
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Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2005;17(2):138-143. Published online June 30, 2005
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2005.17.2.138
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 Abstract
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- OBJECTIVES
We report a case of n-hexane-induced occupational peripheral polyneuropathy. The patient had been cleaning mobile phone cases using n-hexane for 3 years without proper protection in the workplace.
Method
: Physical examinations, detailed history taking, laboratory studies and electrophysiological study were done. The n-hexane concentration in the ambient air of the workplace was analysed.
RESULTS
The findings of the electrophysiological study revealed that the worker's neurologic symptoms were due to peripheral polyneuropathy. The average n-hexane concentration in the ambient air sampled at the workplace for 59 minutes was 1411.24ppm, from which the 8 hour time-weighted-average(TWA) was estimated as 882ppm. Because other alternative causes for peripheral polyneuropathy were ruled out by laboratory findings and detailed history taking, this TWA level strongly suggested that the disease was caused by n-hexane exposure.
Conclusion
: Although the neuro-toxicity of n-hexane is relatively well known, many problems have been identified in the management of this toxic material in terms of preventing toxic diseases in the workplace. We expect that this case will help in the planning of health management strategies for using n-hexane in the workplace.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by  - Changes of 30 years in the recognized occupational diseases of Korea: Lessons from the system change perspective
Kyung Ehi Zoh, Mijin Park, Domyung Paek
Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health.2020; 75(3): 127. CrossRef - Study on the Chemical Management - 2. Comparison of Classification and Health Index of Chemicals Regulated by the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of the Employment and Labor
Sunju Kim, Chungsik Yoon, Seunghon Ham, Jihoon Park, Songha Kim, Yuna Kim, Jieun Lee, Sangah Lee, Donguk Park, Kwonseob Lee, Kwonchul Ha
Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.2015; 25(1): 58. CrossRef - Occupational Neurological Disorders in Korea
Eun-A Kim, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S26. CrossRef - Occupational Diseases in Korea
Seong-Kyu Kang, Eun A Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S4. 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
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