-
Work-related olfactory disorder: a case series and review
-
Soon Woo Park, Young Joong Kang, Huisu Eom, Hyun-Jin Cho, Jungho Ahn, Sang-Gil Lee
-
Ann Occup Environ Med 2018;30:18. Published online March 12, 2018
-
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-018-0230-3
-
-
Abstract
PDFPubReaderePub
- Background
The olfactory bulb is anatomically exposed and thus can be directly damaged by external stimulation. This can occur as an occupational injury owing to contact with organic solvents or other causes. We present cases of eight patients who sustained occupation-related exposure to potentially toxic substances and later presented with signs and symptoms of anosmia. We examined the occupational and medical characteristics of the patients and evaluated their work-relatedness. Case presentationCase 1: A 50-year-old man performed high-frequency heat treatments for approximately 11 years. He experienced decreased senses for olfaction and taste during the later years culminating in the diagnosis of anosmia after 3 years (high work-relatedness). Case 2: A 54-year-old man whose work involved exposure to various organic solvents, such as spray painting and application of paint and thinners for approximately 4 years, was subsequently diagnosed with anosmia based on rhinorrhea, headache, and loss of olfaction (high work-relatedness). Case 3: A 44-year-old-man who performed spray painting for approximately 17 years developed anosmia (high work-relatedness). Case 4: A 44-year-old man was involved in ship engine cleaning once a month, for approximately 7 h per cleaning session; he was diagnosed with anosmia based on loss of olfaction (low work-relatedness). Case 5: A 41-year-old man worked in ship building block construction for approximately 13 years; anosmia diagnosis was based on loss of olfaction (low work-relatedness). Case 6: A 47-year-old woman performed product inspection and labeling at a plant manufacturing automobile parts; anosmia diagnosis was based on decreased olfaction and taste (low work-relatedness). Case 7: A 50-year-old woman performed epoxy coating in a plant manufacturing automobile parts; anosmia diagnosis was based on diminishing olfaction (low work-relatedness). Case 8: A 57-year-old woman performed cleaning of the area where mobile phone parts were manufactured; anosmia diagnosis was based on diminishing olfaction (low work-relatedness). ConclusionThe study results confirmed work-relatedness when the subject was young, and the duration of exposure was long without any other cause of anosmia. Regarding compensation for occupational diseases, work-relatedness can be recognized as a relative concept.
-
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
- Predictors of Olfactory Decline in Aging: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study
Ingrid Ekström, Maria Larsson, Debora Rizzuto, Johan Fastbom, Lars Bäckman, Erika J Laukka, Anne B Newman The Journals of Gerontology: Series A.2020; 75(12): 2441. CrossRef
-
54
View
-
0
Download
-
1
Web of Science
-
1
Crossref
-
The work-relatedness at a case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a radiation oncologist
-
Bong Hyun Kim, Young-Jun Kwon, Young-Su Ju, Bong Kyu Kim, Hyun Seok Lee, Sang-gil Lee, Yun Kyung Chung
-
Ann Occup Environ Med 2017;29:28. Published online June 27, 2017
-
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-017-0186-8
-
-
Abstract
PDFPubReaderePub
- Background
Clinicians who perform radiation therapy (RT) are exposed to radiation, which may negatively affect their health. The present study reports a case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a healthcare provider who was exposed to radiation at work; we also present a literature review of this topic. Case presentationA 45-year-old patient, who had been a radiation oncologist and had been exposed to radiation while performing brachytherapy 10 years ago, complained of chest pain and was suspected of having leukemia based on the results of a blood test in an outpatient clinic. He was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and subsequently underwent chemotherapy. However, the case died during treatment. Through epidemiological investigation, it was found that the case’s cumulative exposure dose based on personal exposure and spatial dose measured during the work period was in the range of 6.08–12.15 mSv. ConclusionsBased on the following considerations, acute lymphoblastic leukemia was highly correlated with the level of radiation to which the case was exposed while performing brachytherapy on patients with cancer. Firstly, the latent period of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the case closely matched the latency time reported in previous published studies (5–10 years). In addition, numerous studies have reported significantly higher relative risks of cancer among clinicians who perform RT compared with the general population. The case was also atypically exposed to radiation through his hands, despite wearing protective equipment. Lastly, the case’s coworkers were also found to have been exposed to high levels of radiation. Investigation into the influence of radiation exposure through atypical routes during RT on the health of clinicians is recommended.
-
49
View
-
0
Download
-
2
Web of Science
-
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
-
Ann Occup Environ Med 2014;26:43. Published online December 1, 2014
-
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-014-0043-y
-
-
Abstract
PDFPubReaderePub
- Objectives
This study investigated the distribution of causative agents related to occupational lung cancer, their relationships with work, and associations between work-relatedness and the histologic type of lung cancer. MethodsWe used data from the occupational surveillance system in Korea in 2013. In addition, data from 1,404 participants diagnosed with lung cancer were collected through interviews. We included the patients’ longest-held job in the analysis. Work-relatedness was categorized as “definite,” “probable,” “possible,” “suspicious,” “none,” or “undetermined.” ResultsAmong the subjects, 69.3% were men and 30.7% were women. Regarding smoking status, current smokers were the most prevalent (35.5%), followed by non-smokers (32.3%), ex-smokers (32.2%). Regarding the causative agents of lung cancer, asbestos (1.0%) and crystalline silica (0.9%) were the most common in definite work-related cases, while non-arsenical insecticide (2.8%) was the most common in probable cases followed by diesel engine exhaust (1.9%) and asbestos (1.0%). Regarding histologic type, adenocarcinoma was the most common (41.7%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (21.2%). Among current smokers, squamous cell carcinoma was the most common among definite and probable cases (13.4%), while non-small cell lung cancer was the least common (7.1%). Among non-smokers, squamous cell carcinoma was the most common (21.4%), while the least common was adenocarcinoma (1.6%). ConclusionsApproximately, 9.5% of all lung cancer cases in Korea are occupational-related lung cancer. Well-known substances associated with lung cancer, such as crystalline silica, asbestos, and diesel engine exhaust, are of particular concern. However, the histologic types of lung cancer related to smoking were inconsistent with previous studies when work-relatedness was taken into account. Future studies are required to clarify the incidence of occupational lung cancer in agricultural workers exposed to non-arsenical insecticides and the associations between work-relatedness and the histologic type of lung cancer.
-
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
- KL-6 in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Potential Biomarker of Subclinical Lung Injury
Sei Won Kim, Hwan Hee Kim, Heayon Lee, In Kyoung Kim, Sang Haak Lee, Hyeon Hui Kang Chronobiology in Medicine.2021; 3(2): 64. CrossRef - Development of a Protein Biomarker Panel to Detect Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Korea
Young Ju Jung, Evaldas Katilius, Rachel M. Ostroff, Youndong Kim, Minkyoung Seok, Sujin Lee, Seongsoo Jang, Woo Sung Kim, Chang-Min Choi Clinical Lung Cancer.2017; 18(2): e99. CrossRef - Smoking habits and nicotine dependence of North Korean male defectors
Sei Won Kim, Jong Min Lee, Woo Ho Ban, Chan Kwon Park, Hyoung Kyu Yoon, Sang Haak Lee The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine.2016; 31(4): 685. CrossRef
-
46
View
-
0
Download
-
2
Web of Science
-
3
Crossref
-
Blood lead levels of Korean lead workers in 2003–2011
-
Ji-Hye Kim, Eun-A Kim, Dong-Hee Koh, Kiwhan Byun, Hyang-Woo Ryu, Sang-Gil Lee
-
Ann Occup Environ Med 2014;26:30-30. Published online October 1, 2014
-
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-014-0030-3
-
-
Abstract
PDFPubReaderePub
- Objectives
This study aimed to document the trend in blood lead levels in Korean lead workers from 2003 until 2011 and blood lead levels within each of the main industries. MethodsNine years (2003–2011) of blood lead level data measured during a special health examination of Korean lead workers and collected by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency were analyzed. Blood lead levels were determined by year, and a geometric mean (GM) was calculated for each industry division. ResultsThe overall GM blood lead level for all years combined (n = 365,331) was 4.35 μg/dL. The GM blood lead level decreased from 5.89 μg/dL in 2003 to 3.53 μg/dL in 2011. The proportion of the results ≥30 μg/dL decreased from 4.3% in 2003 to 0.8% in 2011. In the “Manufacture of Electrical Equipment” division, the GM blood lead level was 7.80 μg/dL, which was the highest among the industry divisions. The GM blood lead levels were 7.35 μg/dL and 6.77 μg/dL in the “Manufacturers of Rubber and Plastic Products” and the “Manufacture of Basic Metal Products” division, respectively. ConclusionsThe blood lead levels in Korean lead workers decreased from 2003 to 2011 and were similar to those in the US and UK. Moreover, workers in industries conventionally considered to have a high risk of lead exposure also tended to have relatively high blood lead levels compared to those in other industries.
-
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
- 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 - The lead burden of occupational lead-exposed workers in Guangzhou, China: 2006–2019
Jiabin Liang, Jieyan Cai, Jiaming Guo, Jianping Mai, Liping Zhou, Jinwei Zhang, Yimin Liu, Zhi Wang Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health.2022; 77(5): 403. CrossRef - Does Exposure of Lead and Cadmium Affect the Endometriosis?
Min-Gi Kim, Young-Sun Min, Yeon-Soon Ahn International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2021; 18(17): 9077. CrossRef - Chronic Stress and Cardiovascular Disease among Individuals Exposed to Lead: A Pilot Study
Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi, Barnabas Obeng-Gyasi Diseases.2020; 8(1): 7. CrossRef - Joint Toxicity of a Multi-Heavy Metal Mixture and Chemoprevention in Sprague Dawley Rats
Yafei Wang, Yuqing Tang, Zhou Li, Qihang Hua, Li Wang, Xin Song, Baobo Zou, Min Ding, Jinshun Zhao, Chunlan Tang International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2020; 17(4): 1451. CrossRef - Collective exposure to lead from an approved natural product-derived drug in Korea
Dae-Young Lim, Won-Yang Kang, Ji-Sung Ahn, Seunghyeon Cho, Suwhan Kim, Jai-Dong Moon, Byung-Chan Lee, Won-Ju Park Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2019;[Epub] CrossRef - Estimation of Lead Exposure Prevalence in Korean Population through Combining Multiple Experts’ Judgment based on Objective Data Sources
Dong-Hee Koh, Ju-Hyun Park, Sang-Gil Lee, Hwan-Cheol Kim, Sangjun Choi, Hyejung Jung, Jae-Oh Park, Dong-Uk Park Annals of Work Exposures and Health.2018; 62(2): 210. CrossRef - Mean Blood Lead Level in Iranian Workers: A Systematic and Meta-Analysis
Milad Azami, Zainab Tardeh, Akram Mansouri, Ali Soleymani, Kourosh Sayehmiri Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal.2018;[Epub] CrossRef - Lead Poisoning at an Indoor Firing Range
Kyung Wook Kang, Won-Ju Park Journal of Korean Medical Science.2017; 32(10): 1713. 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 - Blood Lead Levels and Cause-Specific Mortality of Inorganic Lead-Exposed Workers in South Korea
Min-Gi Kim, Jae-Hong Ryoo, Se-Jin Chang, Chun-Bae Kim, Jong-Ku Park, Sang-Baek Koh, Yeon-Soon Ahn, Max Costa PLOS ONE.2015; 10(10): e0140360. CrossRef
-
49
View
-
0
Download
-
12
Web of Science
-
11
Crossref
-
Long Working Hours and Emotional Well-Being in Korean Manufacturing Industry Employees
-
Kyoung-Hye Lee, Jong-Eun Kim, Young-Ki Kim, Dong-Mug Kang, Myeong-Ja Yun, Shin-Goo Park, Jae-Seok Song, Sang-Gil Lee
-
Ann Occup Environ Med 2013;25:38-38. Published online December 5, 2013
-
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2052-4374-25-38
-
-
Abstract
PDFPubReaderePub
- Objectives
Korea is well known for its long work hours amongst employees. Because workers of the manufacturing industry are constantly exposed to extended work hours, this study was based on how long work hours affect their emotional well-being. MethodsThe analysis was done using the secondary Korean Working Condition Survey (KWCS). Long work hours were defined to be more than 48 hours, and they were subcategorized into units of 52 hours and 60 hours. Based on the WHO (five) well-being index, emotional state was subdivided into three groups - reference group, low-mood group, and possible depression group- where 28 points and 50 points were division points, and two groups were compared at a time. Association between long work hours and emotional state was analyzed using binary and multinomial logistic regression analysis. ResultsWorking for extended working hours in the manufacturing industry showed a statistically significant increase (t test p < 0.001) in trend among the possible depression group when compared to the reference group and the low-mood group. When demographical characteristics, health behaviors, socioeconomic state, and work-related characteristics were fixed as controlled variables, as work hours increased the odds ratio of the possible depression group increased compared to the reference group, and especially the odds ratio was 2.73 times increased for work hours between 48–52 and 4.09 times increased for 60 hours or more and both were statistically significant. In comparing the low-mood group and possible depression group, as work hours increased the odds ratio increased to 1.73, 2.39, and 4.16 times, and all work hours from working 48–52 hours, 53–60 hours, and 60 hours or more were statistically significant. Multinomial logistic regression analysis also showed that among the reference group and possible group, the possible depression group was statistically significant as odds ratio increased to 2.94 times in working 53–60 hours, and 4.35 times in 60 hours or more. ConclusionsLong work hours have an adverse effect on emotional well-being. A more diversified research towards variables that affect long work hours and emotional well-being and how they interact with each other and their relationship to overall health is imperative.
-
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
- The Influence of Workplace Violence, Psychosocial Working Conditions on Depressive Symptoms Among Female Workers in South Korea
Jee-Seon Yi, Eun-Ok Im Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health.2024; 36(2-3): 232. CrossRef - Working hours and life satisfaction: finding blind spots from Korean panel data
Hayoung Lee International Review of Public Administration.2021; 26(1): 92. CrossRef - Impacts of heavy smoking and alcohol consumption on workplace presenteeism
So Young Lee, Jinhwa Lee, Min Kwon Medicine.2021; 100(47): e27751. CrossRef - The Relationship between Sweet Taste Perception and Obesity of Workers in Some Industrial Area
Sanghee Lee, Juhyung Lee, Seonhee Yang, Mi-Young Lee Keimyung Medical Journal.2020; 39(1): 43. CrossRef - The negative impact of long working hours on mental health in young Korean workers
Sungjin Park, Hyungdon Kook, Hongdeok Seok, Jae Hyoung Lee, Daeun Lim, Dong-Hyuk Cho, Suk-Kyu Oh, Sergio A. Useche PLOS ONE.2020; 15(8): e0236931. CrossRef - Associations among working hours, sleep duration, self-rated health, and health-related quality of life in Korean men
Darae Woo, Yeonjin Lee, Sangshin Park Health and Quality of Life Outcomes.2020;[Epub] CrossRef - Association Between Presenteeism/Absenteeism and Well-being Among Korean Workers
Wonjeong Jeong, Yun Kyung Kim, Sarah Soyeon Oh, Jin-Ha Yoon, Eun-Cheol Park Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine.2020; 62(8): 574. CrossRef - The Effect of Yoga on Quality of Life in Women with Metabolic Syndrome: An Exploratory Pilot Study
Ju-Youn An, Youngmi Eun, Ha-Na Kim, Sang-Wook Song, Yun-A Lee, Sung-Goo Kang Korean Journal of Clinical Geriatrics.2020; 21(1): 32. CrossRef - Effect of Long Working Hours on Depression and Mental Well-Being among Employees in Shanghai: The Role of Having Leisure Hobbies
Zan Li, Junming Dai, Ning Wu, Yingnan Jia, Junling Gao, Hua Fu International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2019; 16(24): 4980. CrossRef - Physical and mental health problems of self‐employed small business owners in South Korea
Hye‐Jin Kim, Jin‐Young Min, Kyoung‐Bok Min American Journal of Industrial Medicine.2019; 62(9): 783. CrossRef - Overwork-related disorders and recent improvement of national policy in South Korea
Inah Kim, Min Ji Koo, Hye-Eun Lee, Yong Lim Won, Jaechul Song Journal of Occupational Health.2019; 61(4): 288. CrossRef - Working hours and depressive symptoms over 7 years: evidence from a Korean panel study
Seoyeon Ahn International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health.2018; 91(3): 273. CrossRef - Associations between working environment and weight control efforts among workers with obesity in Korea
Hye Sun Hyun, Yunyoung Kim Journal of International Medical Research.2018; 46(6): 2307. CrossRef - Working hours and depressive symptoms: the role of job stress factors
Yeogyeong Yoon, Jia Ryu, Hyunjoo Kim, Chung won Kang, Kyunghee Jung-Choi Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef - Long working hours, job satisfaction, and depressive symptoms: a community-based cross-sectional study among Japanese employees in small- and medium-scale businesses
Akinori Nakata Oncotarget.2017; 8(32): 53041. CrossRef - Association between second-hand smoke and psychological well-being amongst non-smoking wageworkers in Republic of Korea
Seong-Jin Kim, Dirga Kumar Lamichhane, Shin-Goo Park, Bum-Joon Lee, So-Hyun Moon, Sung-Min Park, Hyun-Suk Jang, Hwan-Cheol Kim Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2016;[Epub] CrossRef - The Associations Between Long Working Hours, Physical Inactivity, and Burnout
Nien-Chih Hu, Jong-Dar Chen, Tsun-Jen Cheng Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine.2016; 58(5): 514. CrossRef - Effect of working hours and precarious employment on depressive symptoms in South Korean employees: a longitudinal study
Woorim Kim, Eun-Cheol Park, Tae-Hoon Lee, Tae Hyun Kim Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2016; : oemed-2016-103553. CrossRef - Public Employees’ Well-Being When Having Long Working Hours and Low-Salary Working Conditions
Geunpil Ryu Public Personnel Management.2016; 45(1): 70. CrossRef - Relationship Between Hiding Emotions and Health Outcomes Among South Korean Interactive Service Workers
Bokim Lee Workplace Health & Safety.2016; 64(5): 187. CrossRef
-
57
View
-
0
Download
-
27
Web of Science
-
20
Crossref
|