Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Cold Sensitization Occurring in a Worker of a Cold Storage Warehouse: Hyun Sul Lim, Kwan Lee, Jong Min Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(2):204-212. Published online June 30, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.2.204

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The following is a report on a case of cold sensitization in a worker who served as a forklift truck driver in a cold storage warehouse for 5 years from 1996.
METHODS
We examined the patient's blood chemistry and infrared computerized thermographic measurements. We also reviewed the environmental temperatures at his workplace and interviewed other workers.
RESULTS
The worker was a 32-year-old male who had worked in a cold storage warehouse for 5 years (1996-2000). He complained of headaches, arthralgia, and slight dyspnea after 2 years work serving as a forklift truck driver in a cold storage facility. In the laboratory record of his blood and those of others, the C-reactive protein, rheumatoid facror, anti-nuclear antibody, cryoglobulin and other blood chemistries were all negative except that the anti-streptolysin O titer was reactive and alkaline phosphatase was also increased. The radiologic findings were normal. Using infrared computerized thermographic measurements, the patient's hands were at around 30 degrees C and below in the first infrared image and around 27 degrees C in the third image. Accordingly, he was diagnosed as having cold sensitization, which occurs in persons exposed to cold for long time, especially below freezing point.
CONCLUSIONS
We confirmed that the cold sensitization occurred in this patient as an occupational disease due to an exposure to cold. To prevent cold injury, we must modify work procedures, begin comprehensive medical surveillances, educate workers on risks of cold, and increase workers awareness of safety regulations in the workplace.

19 View
0 Download

Three Cases of Skin Pigmentation Caused by 2,5-Hexanedione: Seong Ah Kim, Sang Jae Jung, Chae Yong Lee, Sang Man Lee, Sang Woo Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(2):199-203. Published online June 30, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.2.199

OBJECTIVES
To report on the skin discoloration experienced by three workers handling 2 , 5 -hexanedione METHODS: Three workers, who showed orange-brown discoloration of the palms during observation under the Kumi occupational disease surveillance system, had their history evaluated and underwent physical examination. A workplace survey was performed by an occupational physician and an industrial hygienist.
RESULTS
The three workers were determined to have been experiencing skin discoloration since the introduction of a new cleaning solvent. The new solvent contained 2,5-hexanedione, which is reported in the literature to be possibly capable of causing orangebrown discoloration of the skin. After discontinuation of solvent use, the workers recovered within a week.
CONCLUSIONS
These cases demonstrate that 2,5-hexanedione can produce skin pigmentation.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Occupational Diseases in Korea
Seong-Kyu Kang, Eun A Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S4. CrossRef

17 View
0 Download
1 Crossref

Quantitative Assessment of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Noninvasive Evaluation of Bone Marrow Cellularity in Workers with Long-term Exposure to Solvents: Hae Kwan Cheong, Dae Seob Choi, Keon Uk Park, Hwan Jung Yun, Jung Ran Kim, Kyung Im Ha, Seoung Oh Yang, Yang Ho Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(2):183-198. Published online June 30, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.2.183

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
To develop a quantitative and noninvasive method of bone marrow cellularity evaluation in solvent-exposed painters.
METHODS
Six painters (mean age 46.5 years, 5 males and one female) with hypocellular marrow, and 132 controls were examined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A full examination of the peripheral blood and a bone marrow biopsy was done on each patient. Signal intensities were measured at the vertebral bodies from T12 to S1 on both the T1- and the T2-weighted image (T1WI and T2WI). Signal indices were calculated by dividing the signal indices of the vertebral bodies by that of the paraspinal muscle and the subcutaneous fat in the same view.
RESULTS
The Bone marrow cellularities of the cases painters were between 20.3% and 33.6%. Signal indices based on the muscle at T1WI were greater in the cases of the painters compared to those of the controls (p<0.05, p<0.01). Signal indices based on the muscle at T1WI were significantly higher in older women compared with men (p< 0.05 ) . After adjusting for age and gender, the signal index of cases at S1 based on muscle of T1WI was higher than that of the controls by 0.364. Five of the six cases had a muscle signal index at S1 of T1WI higher than the mean + 1 standard deviation for the same age group and gender.
CONCLUSIONS
MR signal indices are influenced by constitutional factors such as fat content, bone density, and the presence of other pathology. However, after adequate adjustment, it can be used as a useful indicator of bone marrow cellularity in a high-risk population.

20 View
0 Download

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome and Neural Conduction Impairment in Swagging Workers Exposed to Hand-Arm Vibration: Seong Ah Kim, Sang Woo Kim, Sang Jae Jung, Chae Yong Lee, Kyu Sang Kim, Bo Woo Jung, Sang Kyu Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(2):169-182. Published online June 30, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.2.169

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
To investigate the hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) among symptomatic swagging workers exposed to hand-arm vibration, using medical evaluation and measurement of workplace vibration. Furthermore, to evaluate the neurophysiological METHODS: Four workers showing symptoms relevant to HAVS were evaluated. Medical evaluation consisted of medical interview, questionnaire, nail-bed compression test, and sensory perception tests for vibration and pain. Some other diseases were excluded by a medical interview, hematological assessment, and urinalysis. Cold provocation test was used to assess the peripheral vascular changes, and a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test was implemented to ascertain the peripheral neural changes. Pegboard, hole plate, and tapping board tests were performed to assess motor nerve function. The hand-arm vibration acceleration levels of the swagging machines were measured. Six months later, follow-up NCV tests were performed.
RESULTS
The actual exposure time to vibration was not longer than 15 minutes per day. The hand-arm vibration acceleration levels of the swagging machines, according to actual exposure time, were from 3.63 to 12.98 m/sec2, by ISO 5349. The vibratory perception thresholds and the recovery time of a nail color following finger cooling were significantly increased in all four workers. The perception of pain was mildly increased. The nerve conduction studies at first diagnosis and follow-up showed multifocal neural impairment caused by vibration. However, we could not rule out the concomitant presence of the carpal tunnel syndrome in one worker.
CONCLUSIONS
These results show that HAVS can be caused by hand-arm vibration in swagging workers. Interestingly, the NCV results suggested that vibration-induced neural conduction impairments could vary, and need to be interpreted cautiously.

23 View
0 Download

Analysis of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disease by Approved Korea Labor Welfare Corporation in 1999: Yeon Soon Ahn, Yong Hyu Choi, Seong Kyu Kang, Ho Keun Chung; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(2):154-168. Published online June 30, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.2.154

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of workrelated musculoskeletal diseases, as listed by the Korea Labor Welfare Corporation (KLWC).
METHODS
Using the database of the KLWC, we collected information from 410 approved occupational musculoskeletal disease cases, which occurred between 1 January and 31 December 1999 and were approved by 30 June in 2000. We investigated the characteristics of the disease using a mail survey and telephone interviews. The characteristics we investigated included : sex, age, disease-related working duration, process of disease occurrence, type of enterprises, etc.
RESULTS
Men accounted for 75.6 % (310 workers) of the approved cases. The most common age group was 30-39 years (n=143, 34.9 %). The mean disease-related working duration was 5.7 years, and the most commonly had a work-duration of 1-5 years (n=108, 36.0 %). The major industrial types of enterprise were manufacturing (235 workers, 57.3 %), transportation (46 workers, 11.2 %), and construction (25 workers, 6.1 %). Within the manufacturing industry, the most common was motor vehicles and trailers manufacturing. Within the group, the most common jobs were plant or machine operators and assemblers (129 workers, 36.5 %), elementary occupations (90 workers, 25.5 %), and craft and related trades workers (63 workers, 17.8 %). The majority of the diseases involved lumbar problems (232 cases, 54.7 %), neck and upper extremity diseases (183 cases, 43.2 %) and lower extremity diseases (9 cases, 2.1 %). In the cases of lumbar disease, the mean age and working duration was 36.5 years and 4.7 years, respectively. Fifty-four cases of lumbar diseases were due to repetitive work and 89 due to non-repetitive work. Bad posture at work was the most common cause for those doing repetitive work(23 cases), and lifting the most common cause of problems in the non-repetitive work cases (27).
CONCLUSIONS
We were able to elucidate the characteristics of workers with approved occupational musculoskeletal disease through this study. Many approved cases occurred in women, and workers performing repetitive work, of these herniated nucleus pulposus occurred in many workers performing simple repetitive works without serious external forces. This suggests that a prevention policy for occupational musculoskeletal disease must be established, to focusing on the above-mentioned high-risk groups.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Effects of Physical Burden and Musculoskeletal Symptoms on Job Stress in Hospital Workers
Dong-Hyun Kim, Yoo-Mi Chae, Hee-Kwang Kim
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2014; 15(11): 6782. CrossRef
Characteristics and Influencing Factors on Recuperators with Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Kyoo-Sang Kim, Hee-Gyeong Jeon, Day-Sung Kim
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2012; 31(5): 671. CrossRef

24 View
0 Download
2 Crossref

Effect of Toluene on Phenol and S-phenylmercapturic Acid Excretion as Urinary Metabolites of Benzene in Rats: Jong Kook Moon, Chi Nyon Kim, Jae Hoon Roh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(2):143-153. Published online June 30, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.2.143

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to provide accurate exposure evaluation of workers in a biologicallymonitored state who were simultaneously exposed to benzene and toluene. For the purpose of this study, an animal experiment was conducted.
METHODS
The following concentrations of solvents were administered orally to Sprague-Dawley rats : benzene at 2.26 mg/kg body weight (equivalent concentration to the 2.5 ppm, Threshold Limit Value-ShortTerm Exposure Limit, in the USA) and 9.02 mg/kg body weight (equivalent concentration to the 10 ppm, Threshold Limit Value-TimeWeighted Average in Korea), simultaneously with toluene at 106.42 mg/kg body weight (equivalent concentration to the 100 ppm, Threshold Limit Value-TimeWeighted RESULTS: The following results were obtained from the analysis of reading taken at 3hour intervals of S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) and phenol concentration in urine metabolites of benzene after oral administration for 30 hours. 1. The concentrations of phenol and SPMA in urine were markedly decreased in the initial phase of the mixed group (both benzene and toluene administered group) as compared with the benzeneonly administered group, and the concentrations were slightly elevated. 2. The total excreted amounts of phenol and SPMA in urine decreased in the mixed group compared with the benzene-only group, and these decreases were more remarkable at the benzene administration concentration of 9.02 mg/kg than at 2.26 mg/kg. 3. The urinary excretions of phenol and SPMA were delayed in the case of the mixed group, and the extent of the delay was dependent on the amount of benzene administrat CONCLUSIONS: Benzene metabolism was suppressed by toluene, and hence the excretion of phenol and SPMA as urinary metabolites of benzene was delayed. This result will have applications in the interpretation of results from future biological monitoring of workers exposed to mixed solvents. We should not underestimate the importance of carefully interpreting the results of biological monitoring data when workers are exposed to mixed solvents. We should not underestimate the importance of carefully interpreting the results of biological monitoring data when workers are exposed to mixed benzene and toluene.

19 View
0 Download

Effect of Human Immunoglobulin G in Pneumoconiotic Patients with Pneumonia: Je Hyuk Mun, Jin Suk Chung, Kyoung Ah Kim, Young Lim, Ho Woo Nam, Joong Soo Han; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(2):134-142. Published online June 30, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.2.134

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
It is well known that pneumoconiotic patients experience impairments of macrophage function, as well as poor penetration of drugs into the fibrotic nodules and the immune system. Resultantly, pneumonia is frequently involved in pneumoconiotic patients and its treatment is not easy. Therefore, we conducted a clinical evaluation of immunoglobulin G which is known to be effective in severe infectious diseases.
METHODS
We randomly selected 45 pneumoconiotic patients with pneumonia and classified them into 2 groups. The experimental group (IgG group) was scheduled to receive antibiotics and IgG (5 g I.V./day for 7 days). The control group was treated with antibiotics alone. Sputum gram stain (counts of WBCs and microorganisms), body temperature, arterial oxygen tension, and counts of peripheral venous blood leukocytes and band neutrophils were used as markers to assess the response effect therapy at time periods of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 days after completion of therapy. We compared the clinical scores between the two groups.
RESULTS
The experimental IgG treated group was composed of 27 patients, and the control group comprised 18 patients. There was no statistical differences between two groups in terms of age, pneumoconiotic profusion, impairment degree of pulmonary function, or frequency of pathogen isolation in the sputum before medication. The experimental IgG treated group showed lower clinical scores as compared with the control group (p=0.083).
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that IgG infusion with antibiotics will have an effect on pneumonia therapy in pneumoconiosis patients that are under 60 years and exhibit simple pneumoconiosis.

17 View
0 Download

Evaluation of Finger Skin Temperature by Cold Provocation Test for Diagnosis of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome: Cheol In Yoo, Ji Ho Lee, Choong Ryeol Lee, Hun Lee, Young Hee Choi, Yang Ho Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(2):124-133. Published online June 30, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.2.124

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Various objective tests have been widely used worldwide for diagnosing the hand-arm vibration syndrome. Among these, the cold provocation test has been frequently used to confirm the presence of Raynaud's phenomenon. This study was carried out in order to evaluate finger skin temperature by cold provocation test(10 degrees C for 10 minute) for the diagnosis of hand-arm vibration syndrome METHODS: Fifty-eight workers who had been exposed to local vibration were examined. Information concerning age, occupation, types of vibration tools used, presence of subjective symptoms such as vibration induced white finger(VWF), and numbness and tingling were collected. The subjects were classified into three groups according to their symptoms(Vascular, Neural, and No symptom group). In order to examine the applicability of the cold provocation test using water at 10 degrees C for 10 minute, we compared finger skin temperature between the groups.
RESULTS
The mean value of the finger skin temperature at 5 minutes and 10 minutes after cold provocation as well as the recovery rate in the vascular group were significantly lower than that seen in the other groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The evaluation of finger skin temperature by cold provocation test is very useful method for the diagnosis of hand-arm vibration syndrome. The test results will assist in confirming the diagnosis of the hand-arm vibration syndrome.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The Health Effects of Whole Body Vibration
Soo-Jin Lee, Soo-Yong Roh
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2013; 32(4): 297. CrossRef

26 View
0 Download
1 Crossref

The Role of TNFalpha Gene Promoter Polymorphism in the Development of Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis: Byoung Yong Ahn, Kyoung Ah Kim, Hae Yun Nam, Je Hyeok Mun, Jin Sook Jeoung, Young Lim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(2):117-123. Published online June 30, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.2.117

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study was performed in order to investigate the frequency of the TNF2 allele in patients with coal workers pneumoconiosis (CWP).
METHODS
We compared the genotype distribution of TNFalpha gene promoter polymorphism between 80 CWP patients and 54 healthy controls.
RESULTS
The results were as follows : 1. The rare allele TNF2 was significantly more frequent in CWP patients (20.6 %) than in controls (10.2 %). 2. The spontaneous or LPS-induced release of TNFalpha from the peripheral monocytes was slightly increased in the TNF2 group, but these values were not significantly different between groups. 3. In the CWP TNF2 group, the increase of LPS-induced TNFalpha release was significant in comparison with that of the controls.
CONCLUSIONS
From the above results, we suggest that the TNF2 allele is strongly associated with susceptibility to CWP development.

16 View
0 Download

Body Mass Index according to Working Processes in Some Workers: Daegu City: Sung Hee Kim, Choong Won Lee, Mi Young Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(2):107-116. Published online June 30, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.2.107

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study was carried to survey obesity and to screen high risk working processes related to obesity in the workplace.
METHODS
In 1999, a total of 12,518 workers (men 8,379, women 4,139) residing in Daegu underwent an annual health examination at the Dongsan Medical Center. Grade of obesity was classified using body mass index (BMI) according to the following criteria; underweight ( <18.5), normal (19-22.9), overweight (23.0-24.9), mild obesity (25-29.9), severe Obesity ( >30.0). One industrial hygienist classified the working processes.
RESULTS
The BMI mean and standard error was 22.63+/-0.03 in men and 22.18+/-0 . 0 4 in women. Age was a strong indicator of obesity, which peaked at 50-54 years old in men and over 60 years old in women. After adjustment for age by ANCOVA, the working process showing the highest BMI for men was 'Sales', at 23.93+/-0.18 while the lowest was 'Mill rolling', at 21.49+/-0.27. For Women 'Foundry Molding', at 22.84+/-0.49 was the highest while 'Office work', 21.78+/-0.12 was the lowest.
CONCLUSIONS
Physical activities at work were inversely related to BMI in men but, were directly related in women. Women, over 50 years old and working in the process demanding high physical activity were the group most susceptible to obesity.

20 View
0 Download

Previous issues