Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume 14 (1); March 2002

Case Report

Lung Cancer Occurring in a Worker Exposed to Coke Oven Emissions: Hyun Sul Lim, Jung Keun Choi, Eun Hye Kwon, Heon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(1):97-106. Published online March 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.1.97

OBJECTIVES
We report a case of lung cancer (small cell carcinoma) occurring in a worker exposed to coke oven emissions.
METHODS
We examined the chest CT and pathologic findings of the patient. We reviewed previous environmental measurements for coke oven emissions at the workers place of employment. Also we measured the airborne concentrations for coke oven emissions and total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the work area. Finally, we analyzed the 1-hydroxypyrene and 2-naphthol concentrations in the subjects urine and compared this with student controls.
RESULTS
This case was a 56-year-old male who had worked in a coke oven plant within a steel manufacturing factory for 21 years (1977-1998). The airborne concentrations of coke oven emissions at the worksite were above the permissible exposure level (0.2 mg/m3) in 45 cases (33.1%) among 136 workers. The concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene and 2-naphthol in the subjects urine were statistically significantly elevated as compared with those of controls (P<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
We confirmed that the lung cancer occurring in this patient was as an occupational disease due to exposure to coke oven emissions. To prevent occupational cancer in coke oven plant workers, we must remodel the engineering procedure, begin comprehensive medical surveillance, educate workers on risks and the benefits of smoking cessation, and increase awareness of safety regulations in the workplace.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Occupational Cancers with Chemical Exposure and their Prevention in Korea: A Literature Review
Kyung-Taek Rim
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention.2013; 14(6): 3379. CrossRef
Occupational Respiratory Cancer in Korea
Hye-Eun Lee, Hyoung Ryoul Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S94. CrossRef

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Original Articles

Effects of Sociodemographic Factors on the Stage of Behavior Change Among Employees of Small to Medium Sized Enterprises: Myung Hoi Koo, Hyeon Woo Yim, Chung Yill Park, Kang Sook Lee, Jung Wan Koo; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(1):85-96. Published online March 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.1.85

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This research attempts to investigate the relationship between health risk factors and workers'behavioral changes based on individual worker's characteristics to allow the development of more effective health promotion programs in businesses places.
METHODS
A questionnaire survey was conducted with 282 workers employed in small to medium sized enterprises in the Kyong-in area of Korea. The questionnaire was composed of general characteristics, a health risk assessment and an evaluation of the stage of behavior change for health promotion strategy in the workplace.
RESULTS
The health risk assessment revealed that 65.7 % of male workers smoke, 70.5% of male workers do not exercise on a regular basis, 86.1 % of female workers do not exercise at all, and 78.6 % of male workers and 50 % of female workers drink alcohol. In addition, the survey identified that 29.5% of male workers are addicted to excessive drinking, as are 11.1% of female workers. Based on the four stages of behavioral changes that lead to health, the pre-contemplation stage, contemplation stage, action stage, and maintenance stage, 40.5 %, 23.7 %, 12.1 % and 23.7 % of workers are in these stages, respectively, with regards to quitting smoking. As for regular exercises, 18.4 %, 37.6 %, 17.7 %, and 26.3 % of workers belong to each stage, respectively. As for moderation in drinking, 20.9 %, 15.4 %, 10.0 %, and 53.7 % are in each stage, respectively. The rate of health managers in the active stage of quitting smoking is significantly higher than that of general workers. Among the workers who do not exercise on a regular basis, workers over 50 years-old and blue color workers are more common in the precontemplation stage than any other worker groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that the stages of behavioral change vary with worker characteristics. An awareness of the effects of the high risk factors is essential for promoting workers'attendance in health promotion programs.

Citations

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Effects of a Tailored Health Promotion Program to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Among Middle-Aged and Advanced-Age Bus Drivers
Gyu-Seok Hwang, Jae-Wook Choi, Seoung-Hyung Choi, Seoung-Gil Lee, Kyung-Hee Kim, Yong-Min Cho, Chungsik Yoon
Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health.2012; 24(1): 117. CrossRef

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Aluminum Clearance by Hemodialysis in Chronic Renal Failure: Joon Youn Kim, Ki Hyun Kim, Won Suk An, Tae Won Jang, In Sik Kim, Young Seoub Hong, Jung Il Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(1):78-84. Published online March 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.1.78

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was carried out to investigate aluminum levels in blood and the factors affecting aluminum concentration; we also presented findings on aluminum clearance during hemodialysis in chronic renal failure patients.
METHODS
We selected 56 patients with case of chronic renal failure and 144 healthy examinees as a control group. We analysed aluminum concentrations in their blood, water and dialysis fluid.
RESULTS
The blood aluminum concentration in the 56 patients was 2.38+/-0.27 microgram/ dL , about 4 times higher than that of the control group (p < 0.01). Blood aluminum concentrations were not affected by factors such as creatinine, BUN, hemodialysis duration, iron, and drinking water. After hemodialysis, blood aluminum level were decreased by about 15% and the aluminum concentration in the dialysis fluid was increased.
CONCLUSIONS
Blood aluminum levels were significantly high in the chronic renal failure patients; and hemodialysis helped the patients to excrete aluminum. Authors suggest that a purified dialysis fluid containing a lower aluminum concentration would facilitate aluminum excretion in hemodialysis patients.

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Effects of Lycii fructus Water Extracts of Serum Enzymes Activities on Renin and Aldosterone Hormone in Aluminum Fed Rats
Sung Hee Han
Journal of The Korean Society of Food Culture.2015; 30(4): 468. CrossRef

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The Needle Stick Injuries of Interns and Residents Working in Hospitals in a City: Shin Goo Park, Jong Young Lee, Jung Hup Song, Jay Young Woo, Tae Sung Choi; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(1):69-77. Published online March 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.1.69

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted in order to assess the experience of needle stick injury among interns and residents working in hospitals during the previous 4 months.
METHODS
We conducted a questionnaire survey of 695 interns and residents working in two university hospitals and one general hospital in Tague city. Four hundred and forty three of those questioned(63.7 %) fully responded.
RESULTS
Two hundred of the respondents(45.1 %) suffered at least one injury. Respondents suffered an average of 1.8 injuries. 96.5 % of interns, 40.6 % of surgical residents and 34.4 % of non-surgical residents suffered at least one injury. According to multiple logistic regression, Intern status and an increased amount of working time is associated with high risk of needle stick injury.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that interns and residents suffer a high rate of needle stick injury.

Citations

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A Study on the Status of Injuries Experience and Prevention in Dental Office
Mi-Hyun Choi, Hyun-Sook Bae
Journal of dental hygiene science.2015; 15(6): 845. CrossRef
Work-related Musculoskeletal Diseases and Occupational Injuries in Health Care Workers
Jung-Yeon Hong, Jung-Wan Koo
Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2010; 53(6): 446. CrossRef

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Job instability of Labor Market and Preplacement Health Examination: the Case of Hearing Loss: Sang Baek Koh, Kyoo Sang Kim, Sei Jin Chang, Bong Suk Cha, Jong Ku Park, Dong Mug Kang, Jai Young Kim, Soo Keun Kim, Hong Ryul Choi; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(1):57-68. Published online March 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.1.57

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study examines the problem of the preplacement health examination in terms of hearing loss case, where workers have been experiencing job instability in the labor market.
METHODS
In order to measure the 2-year job retention rate of employees in 79 shipbuilding subcontracted companies in Kyongnam province, we utilized the same methods as those used by Neumark et al(1999), and Bernhardt et al(1999). We surveyed 79 heath and safety personnel from the companies with a questionnaire to evaluate the present status of the preplacement health examination. We reviewed the preplacement health certificates(result of audiometric hearing thresholds) of 1,818 recruits issued by Daewoo hospital from January 1 to June 30, 2001.
RESULTS
The job retention rate was 40.3 %(male 38.53 %, female 52.01 %). Of the 79 health and safety personnel of companies, 44(55.7 %) perceived the preplacement health examination as a tool for the selection of recruits, 3(3.8 %) as a procedure for job fitting and 31(39.2 %) as both. Most of them were against the acceptance of recruits with hearing loss, spinal disease and hepatitis. Among the 1,818 workers who underwent the preplacement health examination, 530(29.1 %) were examined after employment, but 1,096(60.3 %) were examined before employment. The number with previous job experience was 1,591(87.5 %). In the audiometric hearing threshold results, the prevalence of hearing loss was positively correlated with age. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of hearing loss depending on previous job and number of quitting at 4,000 Hz.
CONCLUSIONS
The comparison of 2-year job retention rates before and after the Korean economic crisis of 1997 suggests that job stability has been aggravated especially for cohorts of long tenure, irregular job, and old age. This evidence shows that previous job and age play a role in determining worker employment based on perceived results from the preplacement health examination. This result suggests that a pre-employment health examination be substituted for the preplacement health examination based on the essential job functions and reasonable accommodation. Because it has little relevance in a wide range of employment and minor health problems, the results of this examination should not debar applicants from employment.

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Relationship between the Use of Mobile Phones and Hearing Thresholds in Some White-collar Workers: Mi Young Lee, Choong Won Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(1):47-56. Published online March 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.1.47

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the use of mobile phones and the levels of hearing thresholds in some clerical workers.
METHODS
Questionnaires were administered to 450 clerical workers between May and August 2000. The questionnaire included items concerning socio-demographic profile and noise-exposure history as well as use of mobile phone. The number of workers used in the final analysis was 394(Response rate 87.6%). Males numbered 308 and females 86. Hearing thresholds were measured in both ears using a pure-tone audiometer.
RESULTS
In a univariate analysis, the duration and time of mobile phone use per day were significant in regards to hearing threshold at 1000Hz in males(p<0.05). In a linear regression analysis with adjustment for age, education, military service, use of earphone, the group that used mobile phones for more than 49 months was more likely to have low hearing threshold at 1000Hz and 4000Hz in males(p<0.05) as compared to the reference group (CONCLUSIONS
These results suggested that only certain elements of use of a mobile phone may be associated with hearing thresholds and there is a complex relationship between the use of mobile phone and hearing thresholds that may differ in terms of frequency (1000Hz and 4000Hz) and gender.

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Effects of VR Viewing on Binocular Vision and Eye Movement : Focusing on Undergraduates Having a Major Related to Physical Education
Hyun-Uk Park, Chang-Won Park
The Korean Journal of Vision Science.2023; 25(3): 209. CrossRef
Occupational Hearing Loss in Korea
Kyoo Sang Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S62. CrossRef

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A Study on Karoshi to Make Application for Industrial Accident Compensation in Busan: Yeon Nam, Cha Jae O, Jung Rae Park, Dong Jun Lee, Byung Mann Cho, Su Ill Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(1):34-46. Published online March 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.1.34

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Karoshi is a word meaning death from work-overload. Work-related diseases due to continuous overwork are primarily cerebro- and cardio-vascular in nature. In Korea, despite an increase in the incidence of Karoshi, it is not easy to recognise by workmen's compensation in Korea. This study intended to establish basic information concerning the incidence of Karoshi.
METHODS
219 cases were collected based on workers' compensation records of three Busan Regional Centers of Labor Welfare Corporation from 1991 to 1999. The size of workplace, occupation, daily working time, type of working schedule, job tenures, characters of work-overload and duration of work-overload were investigated according of subgroups of general characteristics. Both univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the relationship between risk factors and a recognition of Karoshi.
RESULTS
1. 61.6 % of total cases were recognized as Karoshi. 30.6 % occurred in a small workplace of less than 50 workers, 34.7 % were drivers or guards, and 48.8 % were more than 50 years old. Additionally, 29.6 % worked more than 12 hours, 37.5 % were irregular hours and shift workers and 21.5 % of the total had been on the job less than 6 months. 2. Of the causes of death, 49.8 % was cerebro-vascular diseases and it was more than cardio-vascular ones. And 80.4 % of total cases was belonged to the recognition-category of the Labour Ministry's Law. The previous disease history was found on 49.8 % of all cases. Of them, hypertension was most common as 21.9 %. 3. 53.9 % of patients were exposed to job hazards such as driving, monitoring, guarding, risky jobs and frequent long-term official trips. 64.7 % recorded a increased work-overload of job contents and working hours. Of the several types of work-overload, 42.5 % displayed long-term physical and psychotic work-overload and 22.2 % exhibited job characteristic work-overload. 4. In this study, work-overload was associated with the incidence of Karoshi in 76.3 % of cases. This rate was higher than the recognition of Workmen's compensation recorded by the Korea Labor Welfare Corporation. Of these, 43.6 % belonged to sufficient factors, 10.4 % partial factors, and 22.3 % were due to aggravating factors. 5. Logistic regression demonstrated that death due to cerebro- and cardio-vascular disease, shorttenure within 6 month was significantly associated with a recognition of Karoshi (p=0.034, OR=3.00, C I = 1 . 0 9~8.30/p=0.016, OR=6.76, CI=1.43~32.07 respectively) and that an increase of work-overload was also associated, but its statistical significance was slightly lower(p=0.081, OR=2.02, CI=0.91.~4.46 ) . However, no association was found between this recognition and overtime work, hazardous job, irregular work schedule, low-income, injury-onset place, or small size of workplace. The elderly group(>50years old) and those with a previous disease history were negatively associated with recognition although the statistical association was low.
CONCLUSIONS
Karoshi in Busan occurred frequently in a small workplace of less than 50 workers, especially drivers or guards. Additionally, these cases worked more than 12 hours, were irregular hours and shift workers. The death due to cerebro- and cardio-vascular disease, short-tenure within 6 month was significantly associated with a recognition of Karoshi. However Karoshi in this study occurred frequently in overtime work and high risk groups of work-overload. Therefore, for prevention of Karoshi, work-overload and overtime work need improved and controled.

Citations

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Work-related Cerebro-Cardiovascular Diseases in Korea
Dae-Seong Kim, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S105. CrossRef
Factors Affecting the Designation of Cerebrovascular Diseases as Work-Related in Administrative Litigation
Hyeongsu Kim, Jaewook Choi, Hwayoung Rim, Sounghoon Chang, Kunsei Lee
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2008; 23(2): 236. CrossRef

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Manganese-induced Oxidative Stress in the Corpus Striatum of the Rat Brain: Soo Jin Lee, Soon Oh Hong, Hyun Chul Koh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(1):23-33. Published online March 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.1.23

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study was undertaken to identify the effect of oxidative stress on the pathology of manganese intoxication through an analysis of manganese concentrations, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, and the compositional changes of fatty acids from the corpus striatum of the rat brain.
METHODS
Ten Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into two groups. Five rats in the experimental group were administered MnCl2 intraperitoneally for 4 weeks (4 mg/kg once daily, 5 days per week) and another five rats from the control group were given normal saline. Twenty-four hours after the last injection, the rats were decapitated and, the corpus striatum was isolated from the brain.
RESULTS
In the corpus striatums of the experimental group, manganese concentrations increased significantly by 139 % (p<0.01). The SOD activities decreased significantly by 81 % (p<0.01) and the MDA concentrations increased significantly by 138 % (p<0.01) as compared to the control group. Among fatty acids, total n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) increased significantly by 325 % (p<0.01) as compared with the control group. Arachidonic acids (AA) increased by 341 % (p<0.01), and these increases were composed mostly of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Among n-3 PUFAs, with the exception of linolenic acids, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) decreased significantly by 72 % (p<0.05) and docosahexanoic acids (DHA) decreased by 67 % (p<0.05) as compared with the control group.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that the oxygen free radicals produced by manganese may cause compositional changes of fatty acids in the corpus striatum of the rat brain. The characteristics of the fatty acids'compositional changes by manganese were a decrease of EPAs and DHAs (n-3 PUFAs), and an increase of AAs (n-6 PUFAs). These changes coupled with the decrease of SOD activity and the increase of MDA, suggest that manganese neurotoxicity is caused by lipid peroxidation mediated with oxygen free radicals, particularly superoxide radicals.

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Analysis of Influencing Factors on Female Hairdresser's Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Due to Chronic Organic Solvent Exposure: Sang A Kim, Eun Ju Kim, Woong Sub Park, Sang Hyuk Jung; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(1):13-22. Published online March 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.1.13

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was designed to examine the influencing factors on female hairdresser's neuropsychiatric symptoms due to chronic organic solvent exposure.
METHODS
We collected data from 143 female hairdressers employed in 75 hair salons selected by random sampling from the telephone directory of Gangnung City. Using multiple regression analysis we analyzed the influencing factors(i.e. ventilating fans, aircleaners, work duration, total time of exposure to solvents during hair-dyeing and permanent, etc.) on neuropsychiatric symptoms.
RESULTS
The neuropsychiatric symptom scores were significantly positively correlated with the total time of hair-dyeing work and work duration, and significantly negatively correlated with the glove wearing proportion. However, the total time of permanent work, ventilating fans and air-cleaners were not significantly correlated.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that for the prevention of neuropsychiatric symptoms due to chronic organic solvent exposure, more attention is required regarding hair-dyeing work than permanent work and to skin absorption rather than respiratory inhalation.

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Effect of Hairdresser's Depression and Job stress on Hairdresser’s Presenteeism
Mi-Jeung Ahn
Asian Journal of Beauty and Cosmetology.2020; 18(4): 493. CrossRef
Relationship between Occupational Stress and Depression in Hairdressers
Mi-Jeung Ahn, Sun-Ju Park
Asian Journal of Beauty and Cosmetology.2020; 18(4): 643. CrossRef
Physical and Psychosocial Risk Factors Affecting Mental Health and Presenteeism among South Korean Hairdressers
Jinhwa Lee, Bokim Lee
Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing.2016; 25(4): 290. CrossRef
The Effect of Work Characteristics on Dermatologic Symptoms in Hairdressers
Pil Kyun Jung, June-Hee Lee, Ji Hye Baek, Jungho Hwang, Jong-Uk Won, Inah Kim, Jaehoon Roh
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2014;[Epub] CrossRef
Occupational Psychiatric Disorders in Korea
Kyeong-Sook Choi, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S87. CrossRef

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Cadmium-induced Apoptosis in HL-60 Cells Via Signal Transduction: Nam Song Kim, Gyung Jae Oh, Kwang Ho Cho, Mee Sun Hyun, Yoo Chang Kim, Tae Ho Sung, Jung Ho Youm, Keun Sang Kwon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(1):1-12. Published online March 31, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.1.1

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Apoptosis is a process of active cell death, distinct from necrosis and characterized by specific morphological and biochemical features. Apoptosis induced by metals and metal-related deleterious conditions has only recently been studied. Although the toxic effects of heavy metals are well described, little is known about the mechanism of apoptosis via cadmium toxicity. Therefore, this study is designed to define the induction mechanism of apoptosis by which cadmium exerts its cytotoxic effect on human promyelocytic leukemic HL-60 cells. The cytotoxic effects of cadmium on HL-60 cells are studied in regards to apoptotic signal transduction pathways.
METHODS
The mode of cadmium-induced apoptosis was investigated in HL-60 cells. HL-60 cells were treated with various concentrations of cadmium and antioxidants after which the viability of the cells were measured by MTT assay. The morphological features of cadmium- induced apoptosis were evaluated by fluoromicroscopy and the DNA fragmentation was analyzed using 1.5% agarose gel electrophorosis. Kinase activity was assayed by autoradiography and activity of NF-kappaB and nuclear proteins were measured by EMSA.
RESULTS
Cadmium (125 microM) induces the characteristic morphological features of apoptosis, which are characterized by a shrinkage of the cytoplasm and a condensation of chromatin. In addition, cadmium induced the ladder pattern of DNA fragmentation. Antioxidants(Sodium nitroprusside, glutathione and N-acethylcysteine), which were not toxic to the cells, did not suppress apoptosis induced by cadmium. Cadmium enhances the expression of several classes of genes at elevated cytotoxic concentrations. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase(PARP) was predominantly in the fragmented form when doses of 125 microM were used. Since PARP is cleaved by CPP32 (caspase-3), we next determined if cadmium was capable of effecting changes in CPP32 activity. The results of these experiments showed that cadmium increased caspase-3 activity in a time dependent manner, corresponding to the time of appearance of fragmented PARP. Cadmium also increased the phosphotransferase activities of c-JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK). Furthermore, cadmium increased the activation of transcriptional factors including the activation of protein-1 (AP-1) and NF-kappaB .
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that cadmium induces the apoptotic death of HL-60 cells via the activation of a DEVD-specific caspase, JNK and transcriptional factors such as AP-1 and NF-kappaB .

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The association between blood cadmium level, frequency and amount of gejang (marinated crab) intake
Chang Yul Choi, Gun Il Park, Young Seok Byun, Man Joong Jeon, Kwang Hae Choi, Joon Sakong
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2016;[Epub] CrossRef

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