Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

A Case Report on Glass Fiber-induced Health Hazard due to Car interior Material: Hyun Sul Lim, Hae Kwan Cheong, Ji Yong Kim, Hoe Kyeong Cheong, Yeol Oh Sung, Nam Won Paik; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):439-446. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.439

Abstract PDF: Glass Fiber is manufactured from typical glass-making raw materials, silicon dioxide with various metals and other elements. There are three distinct types of commercial glass fiber products: glass wool, an entangled mass of interlocking fibers; continuous glass filament, a product with a more ordered arrangement of fibers; and special-purpose glass fiber, a small-diameter fiber (less than 3 um) . We report a case of glass fiber-induced health hazard due to continuous glass filament from fiber reinforced plastics (FRF) as car interior material. A 40 years old man complained a sudden onset of severe itching on whole body, especially neck and forearms while driving a new car. He also complained burning of eyes, sore throat and productive cough. We diagnosed the glass fiver-induced skin lesion by placing skin scraping on a slide glass and examining the specimen under a microscope. We found same fibers from the air samples in the car and from the material of the interior surface of the car by the microscopic examination. Therefore we confirmed that the patient's symptoms and signs were induced by glass fiber.

20 View
0 Download

Oceupational Chronic Low Baek Pain: A Case Report: Nam Jong Paik, Soo Hun Cho; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):429-438. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.429

Abstract PDF: Low back pain is the most costly occupational health problem and is in steadily increasing trend. Some occupational back problems often lead to persistent pain with medical, psychologic and occupational implications. Treatment is uncertain these chronic low back pain patients are responsible for most of medical expenses spent on occupational back pain. So, chronic low back pain prevention seems very important and is accomplished by a combination of measures. The authors experienced a case of chronic low back pain in compensation without definite evidence of organic causes and report the case with clinical reviews and measurements of the pain and pain behaviors using psychological tests and pain questionnaire.

16 View
0 Download

A Post-examination Health Care Status of Workers with Pneumoconiosis in Manufacturing Factories: Sung Goon Kim, Jaehoon Roh, Yeon Seon Ahn; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):421-428. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.421

Abstract PDF: Most of the pneumoconiosis, which is common occupational diseases, is found here in Korea can be Gategorized to coal miner's pneumoconiosis. However, recently pneumoconiosis has been found in tHe workers of manufacturing factories, Periodic Health examination is important not only detection of occupationsl disease but also post-examination Health care of occupational disease patient. Accordingly, to study post-examination Health GaTe statHs of workers with pneumoconiosis diagnosed from 1991 to 1993 in the perioaic Health examination, all 43 pneumoconiosis patients in 22 manufacturing factories in Incheon were reviewed. Chest radiologic findings of 43 workers were suspected pneumoconiosis (20 workers, 46.5%) , pneumoconiosis stage 1(20 workers, 45.5%) and pneumoconiosis stage II (3 workers, 7.0%) . Among the 1.espondents, 40 workers (93.0%) answered that they received their health examination results and 24 werkers (55.8%) Had reguest for compensation of occupationsl disease. Only 14 workers(32.6%) Had changed their workplace while 21 workers (48.8%) did not. Reasons for not taking the post-examination health care enough were worker's ignorance of adminstrative process for Compensation (28 workers,65.1%) , mild status of dlsease (6 workers, 14.0%) and financial problem (3 workers, 7.0%) . Post~examination health care of the workers diagnosed as pneumoconiosis had significant correlation with the presence of health care manager in workplace and the employer concerns for occupational disease of workers. The improvement of working environment is related witH the presence of labor union in workplace. These results suggested that the presence of health care manager in the workplace and concerns for workers health by employer were important in performing appropriate post-examination health care for workers with pneumoconiosis in manufacturing factories.

18 View
0 Download

Perception, Attitude and Praetical Behavioral Change of Industrial Health Care Manager toward Group Health Care System: Kyoo Sang Kim, Jaehoon Roh, Yeon Soon Ahn; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):411-420. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.411

Abstract PDF

To evaluate the change of perception, attitude and practice toward Group Health Care Systerl for small and medium industries, a survey using self-administered questionnaire was conducted to a part of industries in Inchon area, in year 1992 and 1993. major dependent variables were perception, attitude, and practical behavioral change related with Croup Health Care System ; these variables were measured by 3-point Likert like scale. 47 industries were used in analysis. Psrception of year 1993 was higher (1.25) than that (1 34) of 1992. Attitude of yeal. 1993 was also slightly higher (1.46) than that (1.43) of 1992. Both data indicated positive attitude. Practice of year 1993 was slightly lewer (0.86) tHan that (0.90) of 1992, but its change didn't have any statistical significance. In year 1992, major determinants of perception, attitude and behaviral change were sex and age of industrial health care manager ; they had positive efffct upon perception and practice. In yeal. 1993, it was sex of health care manager; it had influenced upon practice. Both year 1992 and 1993, perception was higher and attitude was more positive. In the case of higher perception or positive attitude, practice was active accordingly. To accelerate the behavioral change of health care manager, it is necessary to eaucate them continuously.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Practice status of specialized agencies for occupational health management of small- to medium-size enterprises and the factors improving their performance: a cross-sectional survey study
Saerom Lee, Jun-Pyo Myong, Eun-A Kim, Huisu Eom, Bowha Choi, Young Joong Kang
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2017;[Epub] CrossRef

25 View
0 Download
1 Crossref

Cholinesterase activity and Pestieide Compounds in Blood of Pestieide Sprayers: Dong Chun Shin, Soon Young Lee, Sang Hyuk Chung, Jong Uk Won, Jong Sei Park, Song Ja Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):402-410. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.402

Abstract PDF

In order to ascertain the status of health damage among Korean farmers who spray pesticides regularly in summer, blood and urine samples were collected for 88 volunteers during July to Septembei in 1990. Serum cholinesterase activity, parent compounds of pesticides in blood and urine, SGOT, SGPT, blood pressure, pulse rate were measured. The results were as follows ; 1. Mean cholinesterase activity after spraying pesticides was significantly lower than that before splaying. While proportion of abnormal cholinesterase activity (<1900U/L) group was 2.3% before spraying pesticides, tHe proportion of the group after spraying was 22.8% 2. Cholinesterase activity were decreased over 50% in 14.7% of the suhjects who can be classified into poisoning group 3. While pulse rate and blood pressure were slightly increased in poisoning group, those were significantly decreased in non-poisoning group. 4. Consecutive splaying of pesticide caused further reduction of cholinesterase activity, 5. Five parent compounds of pesticides frequently used during summer farming were analyzed using 106 blood samples. IBP in one sample and Isoprothiolane in four samples were detected. No parent compounds were detected in urine samples.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Overview of Pesticide Poisoning in South Korea
Won Jin Lee, Eun Shil Cha
Journal of Rural Medicine.2009; 4(2): 53. CrossRef

19 View
0 Download
1 Crossref

The Therapeutic Effect with Various Drug Combinations for Experimental Pneumoconiosis: Ira Goung Yun, Kyoung Ah Kim, Chang Young Jung, Jee Won Kirn, Young Man Roh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):384-401. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.384

Abstract PDF: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of various drug combination in experimental pneumoconiosis, a total of 240 Spraque-Dawley was instilled intratracheally by 50 mg free silica or coal dust with 0.8 ml normal saline. In the control group, it was intratracheally instilled only dust at once, while from l1th week experimental groups were administered drug. Experimental groups were divided into 8 groups according to drug combination such as group treated with piperazine and aspirin, piperazine and allopurinol, piperazine and azathioprine, aspirin and allopurinol, aspirin and azathioprine, allopurinol and azathioprine, solumedrol, and solumedrol and cyclophosphamide. The duration of treatment was 10 weeks. All animals were killed at 20th week after dust instillation. We observed body weight at 20th week after dust instillation, the dry lung weight of left lung, total and differential cell count in bronchoalveolaT lavage (BAL) fluid. Leukotriene B4, tumor necrosis factor, and superoxide anion production from alveolar macrophage, amount of hydroxyproline in left lung, and the histopathologic examination in the right lung stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome. The results were as follows 1. The dry weight of the left lung in groups of treated with piperazine combined with aspirin and piperazine combined with azathloprlne was significantly decreased compared to the control group in silica instilled group. 2. The total number of cells in BAL in all experimental groups of silica instilled group and group of pjperafine/azathioprine and aspirin/allopurinol of coal dust instilled group were significantly decreasea compared to each control group. 3. The silica instilled group, the percentage of macrophage in experimental group tended to be increased in comparison with the control group but neutrophil tended to be decreased. Among experimental group, in the group treated with solumedrol and solumedrol/cyclophosphamide, the percentage and number of Iymphocyte markedly increased compared to each control group 4. The amounts of Hydroxyproline in the group piperazine/allopurinol and piperazine/azathioprine of silica instilled group were markedly lower than in the control group. 5. The preduction of TNF from alveolar macrophage in experimental group tended to be decreased compared to each control group. 6. The pathologic score that quantified the pathologic finding in the right lung, in all exporimental groups except the treated with regimen contained solumedrol of silica instilled group was significantly decreased compared to control group. In coal dust instilled group, the pathologic score of the group treated with piperazine and allopurinol, aspirin and azathioprine, and allopurinol and azathioprine was markedly lower than control group. 7. We analyzed the indices for alveolitis and fibTosis. The most effective drug combination was treated with piperazine combined with azathioprine and piperazine combined with allopurinol.

23 View
0 Download

A Study on the Sleep Itisorder of a Part of Manufacturing Plant Workers: Jeoung Kyun Rho, Ki Ha Yoo, Young Soo Lee, Young Chae Gho; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):377-383. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.377

Abstract PDF

This study was conducted to investigate sleep qualifies of manufacturing workers. The data were collected from the 479 manufacturing factory workers who were most 3 shift workers. The results obtained were as follows. The prevalence rate of sleep disorder was 32.8%, rate of difficulty in initiating sleep was 11.9%, that of difficulty in maintaining sleep was 6.1%, and that of early morning awakening was 6.9%. DisoTdeTs of difficulty in maintaining sleep was low in the age group of twenties and high in thirties. The gloup of sedative or alcohol use before sleep induction shewed high Prevalence Tate of sleep disorder. The group of satisfying for job or family had the lower rate of sleep disorder than the unsatisfying group. The rate of sleep disorder were low in the group of day sleeping, no physical pain. The variables such as day sleep, physical pain and job tenure showed statistical significance in the logistic regression of sleep disorder.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

A Study on the Characteristics of Injured Workers Rate and Work Environment of Male Workers for over 40 years
Kil-Yong Choi, Kyung-Soo Yang
The Korean Journal of Health Service Management.2016; 10(1): 131. CrossRef
Association Night-Shift and Long Working-Hours Effects on Subjective Insomnia in Korean Workers: The Third Korean Working Conditions Survey
Chae-Bong Kim, Tae-Young Jung, Seoung-Min Han
The Korean Journal of Health Service Management.2015; 9(1): 41. CrossRef

28 View
0 Download
2 Crossref

163 Cases of Decompression Sickness Among Korean Divers: Kyu Yoon Hwang, Hae Joon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):364-376. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.364

Abstract PDF

This study was performed to obtain an useful and basic information of the decompression sickness (DCS) among Korean divers. The medical records of 163 cases of Korean civilian diver, who were diagnosed as DES and received recompression therapy according to U.S. Navy Standard Recompression Treatment Table at Ocean & Underwater Medical Research & Training Center of ROK Navy, for 10 years from Jan. 1983 to Dec.1992. The total of 163 cases of DCS were catagorized into 2 groups as Type I DCS and Type II DGS group. The major results obtained were as follows: 1. 70.5% of total cases were classified as type II DCS, and the ratio of type I to type II DCS was 1'2.5 and the ratio of male to female of DCS cases was about 4:1. 2. About one third of cases occurred in May and June, and 38.7% of cases occurred at Chung-mu and Chin-hae in Kyung-nam province, the Southern Coast of Korean Peninsula. 3. Among the type II DGS group, 85.2% occured in diving for harpshell, and 85.2% with hookah diving gear. 4. There were no cases following the decompression procedure such as well known U.S. Navy's, and 86.7% of cases did not follow the any kinds of decompression procedure for preventing DCS and most of dives were conducted repetitively with 4.2 times on an average. 5. The mean depth between type I(27.3m) and type 11 DCS group(33.3m) showed significant difference statistically (p<0.01) , but both frequences of repetitive dives and bottom times between two groups were not statistically significant (p>0.05) . 6. The rate of symptoms appeared on surfacing and within 10 min. after surfacing of type I and type II DCS were 40.0% and 70.5%, respectively. And 80.9% of type I and 92.2% of type II DCS group were aware of dysbaric symptoms within the first hour after surfacing. 7. The most frequent symptoms and its percentages were "Both limb pain (37.6%) ",Joint pain(27.1%)., and "Scapular pain(22.9%)" in type I DCS group, and "Limb weakness or paralysis (68.7%)" , "Respiratory chokes(27.8%)" and "Bladder dysfunction(22.2%)"intypellDCSgroup. . 8. Among the type II DCS group, 54.8% attempted inwater recompression as a primary management, but 54.2% of type I DCS group did not take any kinds of therapeutic measure after onset of dysharic symptoms till commencing recompression treatment. 9. Recompression treatment was delayed 126.9 hours in type I and 89.7 hours in type II DCS group on an average, and the cases of DCS, who delayed more than two days till visiting the recompression facility, were occupied 52.1% in type I and 29.6% in type II DCS group. 10. Among the total cases, 32.6% were experienced one more of dysbaric symptoms in the past.

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

23 View
0 Download
1 Crossref

Study on the Progression of Biological Effects of Workers Following Termination of CS2 Exposure: In Cases of Peripheral Polyneuritis and Retinal Change: Y T Yum, K J Kim, S D Kim, E I Lee, H K Park, H R Jung, H K Kwon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):348-363. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.348

Abstract PDF

The object of this study was to evaluate the possibility of new development of polyneuropathy and microaneurysm in dundus in workers who did not have polyneuropathy and microaneurysm in dundus in the electromyogram(EMG) and ophthalmoscopic examination. The total number of subjects was 144 workers who had the EMG and funduscopic examination done at leat twice. There were two kinds of subjects. The one of subjects was a total of 120 workers who were examined at least twice in their annual health examination for carbon disulfide poisoning. The other subjects were 3 total of 24 volunteer workers who worked in the rayon manufacturing factory. The results were as follows; 1. There was no cases of polyneuropathy or microaneurysm in volunteers. 2. The new cases of polyneuropathy were detected in 12 (14.3%) out of 84 subjects, and those of microaneurysm in fundus were detected in 30 (26.5%) out of 113 subjects. 3. We investigated the variables showing difference between the new cases and other cases who had no polyneuropathy or microaneurysm in fundus in repeated examinations. The both of polyneuropathy and microaneurysm cases had higher commulative exposure index, and most of them were workers in the department of spinning where the concentration of CS0 in air was highest in the rayon manufacturing company. 4. There were no statistically significant variables by logistic regression analysis in the polyneuropathy cases, The cummulative index and the department were the statistically significant variable in the development of microaneurysms. ' 5. Above findings showed that workers who had high exposure history of CS2 as the workers in spinning department, had greater chance to develop the polyneuropathy or microaneurysm. But tHere were some limitations to conclude the association between the CS2 exposure and development of polyneuropatHy or microaneurysm. Limitations are follows short follow-up period, small number of cases, and possibility of measurement error including imperfect sensitivity or specificity of electrodiagnostic test and examiner's difference of ophthalmoscopic examination. Therefore more cases and longer follow-up period are needed to study the progression of polyneuropathy or microaneurysm.

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
Carbon Disulfide Poisoning in Korea with Social and Historical Background
Eunil Lee, Soonduck Kim, Haejoon Kim, Kwangjong Kim, Yongtae Yum
Journal of Occupational Health.1996; 38(4): 155. CrossRef

24 View
0 Download
2 Crossref

Weighted Needle Pinprick Sensory Threshold (WPT) and Arthropornetric Parameters: Jong Young Lee, Ji Yeon Son, Soon Woo Park, Eung Chun Lee, Doohie Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):342-347. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.342

Abstract PDF: To assess the relationship of pinprick sensory threshold with height and weight, Ninety seven healthy young (age 19 to 28) males were tested on their anatomical snuff box of both Hands. Their WPT was measured by device holding and moving weighted needle sensory threshold apparatus. Mean of the WPT was 0.43(+/-0.24) g in left and, 0.53( 0.30) g in right hand. Difference of WPT between the right and left hand appeared statistically significant (p<0.01) . Correlation coefficient of WPT with height was 0.26461 (p<0.01) in left and, 0.31856 (p<0.01) in right hand. Weight was statistically significantly correlated with WPT in left hand (r=0.24932, p<0.01) The study shows that the left-right difference and influence of height in pinprick sense may exist in normal healthy male adults.

15 View
0 Download

A study on the Frequency of Sister Chromatid Exchanges in Peripheral Lymphocytes among Painters: Seung Rim Yang; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):332-341. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.332

Abstract PDF: The author studied the frequencies of sister chromatid exchanges of cultured peripheral Iymphocytes from 51 chromium exposed workers and 29 controls in order to examine the inductivity of sister chromatid exchanges of cultured peripheral lymphocytes of chromium exposed workers, from June 1989 to March 1990. The results obtained were as follows; 1. Mean frequencies of sister chromatid exchanges of cultured peripheral lymphocytes were 9.33+/-2.57 from chromium exposed workers and 7.59+/-0.81 from control, respectively, and the former was significantly higher than the latter (p<0.01) . 2. The frequencies of sister chromatid exchanges of cultured peripheral lymphocytes by duration of employment from chromium exposed workers was increased in proportion to that, but there was no statistical significance. 3. The frequencies of sister chromatid exchanges of cultured peripheral lymphocytes by chromium concentration in blood and urine of chromium exposed workers were not significantly increased. 4. The frequencies of sister chromatid exchanges of cultured peripheral lymphocytes by levels of alcohol consumption in chromium exposed workers was inclined to increase in proportion to that. 5. The frequencies of sister chromatid exchanges of cultured peripheral lymphocytes by number of cigarettes smoked was significantly increased in proportion to that in both chromium exposed workers and controls (p<0.05) . 6. In drinkers of chromium exposed workers, the frequencies of sister chromatid exchanges of cultured peripheral lymphocytes in smokers was higher than non-smokers, but there was no statistical significance.

23 View
0 Download

Studies on Activities of Xenobiotic Metabolic Enzymes in Rats treated with Trichloroethylene: Ki Woong Kim, Seong Kyu Kang, Byung Soon Choi, Jong Seong Lee, Jong Sung Kim, Young Hahn Moon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):323-331. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.323

Abstract PDF: Trichloroethylene (TRI) is one of the most widely used organic solvent in many industries. It is used a degreasing agent, extract and dillution solvents. TRI is metabolized by liver microsomal cytochrome P4SO to reactive intermediates, which are considered responsible for its hepatotoxicity. Cytochrome P450 is a key enzyme in the first step of TRI metabolism resulting in chloral hydrate (CH) formation, which is a rate-limiting step in TRI metabolism. This study was perfomed to find out the change of hepatic cytochrome P450 levels and of electron transport system for P-450 dependent reaction. Intraperitoneal injections of TRI were done to the male Sprague Dawley rats(mean body wights,170+/-10g) in corn oil at the dosage of 150,300,600 mg/kg for 2 days. The results of experiments are following : 1. The contents of microsomal protein, cytochrome P450 and b(5) are tended to be decreased with increasing amount of TRI, but not significantly (p>0.05) . 2. The activity of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase is slowly decreased by increasing amount of TRI, but not slgnificantly (p>0.05) . On the other hand, the activity of NADH-b(5) reductase is increased with increasing amount of TRI (p<0.05) 3. The activity of 7-ethoxyresolufin 0-deethylase did not show any critical changes (P>0.05) . This result suggests that the inductive pattern of TRI may not be related to P 450IAl and P450IIB.

17 View
0 Download

Changes of Cadmium in Blood and Urine of Cadmium Exposed Rats: Jung Duck Park, Mee Jung Kim, Byung Sun Choi, Yeon Pyo Hong, Im Won Chang; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):316-322. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.316

Abstract PDF: The changes of Cadmium(Cd) in plasma, whole blood, erythrocyte and urine in Sprague-Dawley male rates exposed to intravenous single injection of 0.8 mg CdCl2/kg of body weight were investigated. Blood sample was taken at 0.5 to 672 hours, and 24 hour-urine was collected by using metabolic cage for the same period. The plasma level of Cd was reached to peak at 0.5 hour after injection and reduced rapidly in 1 hour. The Cd level in blood was the highest in plasma and the lowest in erythrocyte at 0.5 hour after injection. However, in one hour postinjection, the levels of Cd were higher in order of erythrocyte, whole blood and plasma, up to 4 weeks. The changes of urinary volume and creatinine were not significant between Cd-treated and saline-treated groups. However, urinary protein was slightly increased with time in Cd-treated group. Urinary Cd level was higher in Cd treated group than control. These results suggest that the measurement of Cd in erythrocyte and urine is valuable for the biological index to estimate recent Cd exposure.

24 View
0 Download

Respiratory Symptoms, Cognitions about Working Environments and Pulmonary Functions in Coal Mine Workers: Dong Hyun Yoon, Hae Sung Nain, Jun Ho Shin, Myung Ho Son, Myung Ha]f Lee, Seok Joon Sohn, Byong Woo Kirn; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):302-315. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.302

Abstract PDF: To assess the adverse effects of dust on pulmonary function and to determine the association between subjective respiratory symptoms, cognitions about working environments and pulmonary functions, the study was conducted on 719 coal mine workers (395 workers on direct part, 324 workers on indirect part) being employed in a coal mine industry located in Hwa-Soon area. Questionnaires on respiratory symptoms and cognitions about working environments were filled out by themselves, and pulmonary function test was given by trained doctors. The results obtained were as follows ; 1. Significantly increased subjective respiratory symptoms prevalence were found in the workers on direct part comparing to workers on indirect part, and symptoms prevalence rate was higher in sputum, coughing, respiratory difficulty, palpitation and chest pain in order. 2. Significantly increased cognitions degree about working environments were found in workers on direct part comparing to workers on indirect part, and the degree was higher in dust concentration, temperature, working density and humidity in order. 3. FVC, FEV(0.5), FEF(200-1200ml) and FEF(25-75%) were lower for workers on direct part than that for workers on indirect part. 4. In workers on direct and indirect part, lung functions except FEF(200-l200ml) for the high subjective symptom group was smaller than that for the low group. There was not significane statistically, but the significane was found in FVC and FEVt in total coal workers. 5. In workers on direct part, FEVt and FEF(25-75%) for high cognition group about working environmental conditions was smaller than that for the low group but other lung functions were reversed. But in workers on indirect part, similar results was found and the significance was found in FEV(0.5) FEF(25-75%) and FEF(200-1200ml) in total coal workers. 6. Lung functions had negative correlation between sputum and FEF(200-1200ml).

17 View
0 Download

Health Classification of Workers in Special Medical Examinations: Seung Han Lee, Won Chul Lee, Hyoung Ah Kim, Seung Sil Chang; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):289-301. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.289

Abstract PDF: The findings of special medical examinations are not infrequently summarized in the form of health classification. This procedure seems valuable for the protection of workers'health from personal health as well as public health point of view, because health classification of workers provides occupations health workers with birds eye view informations in terms of medical, placement and educational procedures, which are to be followed after medical examinations. In this study, the authors have reviewed the existing systems of special medical examinations and Health classifications in different countries and those recommended by international organizations for the purpose of improving the current system in Korea. The important issues covered in this review in relation to health classification of workers included the categories of diseases, the examination and laboratory tests, the criteria for health level classification and the health instructions to be given at each health levels. It was found that the current health classification system in Korea could be featurea as follows : 1. Special medical examinations are always carried out in combination with general medical examinations, contributing to the detection of risk factors of occupational diseases. 2. The selection of examinees is always made on the basis of work environment monitoring, often resulting in the underdetection of exposed workers. 3. Even if the test items are properly selected according to the principles of occupational medicine, further review is required in the light of recent advances in the pathogenesis as well as early changes of occupational diseases and epidemiologic principles. 4. The criteria for the classfication of health levels are to be reviewed on the basis of clinical epidemiology. 5. The health instructions covered only medical and placement aspects, failing to introduce the concept of health promotion.

15 View
0 Download

Current Medical Exantination Practiees for the Determination of Occupational Noise Induced Hearing Losses: Hyunurook Kim, Chee Kyung Chung, Hyoung Ah Kim, Young Man Roh, Seong Sil Chang; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):276-288. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.276

Abstract PDF: Occupational hearing loss became the leading occupational disease by constituting 56% of all work-related diseases in Korea. However, the prevalence rates showed wide variations among the specific medical examination providers (SHFEPs) and were very low (0.8-1.4%) compared with those of 8.4% in Japan. This study was designed to identify sources of these variations by inyestigating current audiometric testing methods and the diagnostic criteria utilized by the ShfEPs. A questionnaire was distributed to each of 27 SMEPS selected from total 70 SMEPS. Among them, 20 ShfEPs were interviewed and the rest of them were given the questionnaire from by mail. Included in the survey from were questions concerning audiometric testing methods and procedure equipment, facility personnel and the diagnostic criteria utilized, The results were as follows: 1. Employee audiometric testings were primaTily conducted by nurses and nurse-aids who had formal training for audiometry because no training program had been established. No requirement about the quality of audiometric testing personnel was specified in the regulation. 2. Although audiometric testing equipment used by the SDfEPs should be periodically calibrated, a significant number of them were not properly calibrated. Most of the calibration services were provided by the outside contractors and were done with no uniformly established periods. No SMEPS conducted the daily functional calibration. Most of the ShfEPs did not keep their calibration records. 3. Initial audiometric testings were conducted at any available spaces in the workplace or at the testing room without considering noise level in that place. Follow-up audiometric testings were also provided without considering the worker's noise exposure. Although audiometric booths were used during tHe follow-up testinga most of them did not meet the ANSI noise reauirement for audiometric booths. 4. AltHough a standard diagnostic criterion was promulgated in the law, the criterion was not used uniffrmly by the SMEPs. In addition, some SMEPS were applying age corrections which were not incorporated into the regulation yet. Therefore wide range of prevalence in NIHU among SMEPS could have possibly been caused by variable audiometric testing procedures and methods. In conclusion, it was recommended that systematical and general measures, such as formal and regular training program for testers, quality control regulation of instnlment calibration, and establishment of standard diagnostic criteria, be established for solving current problems and assuring equity among SMEPs in diagnosing occupational hearing losses.

27 View
0 Download

A Study of the Utility of Mahalanobis Distance for Decision of the Results of Health Examination: Byung Mann Cho, Don Kyoun Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):270-275. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.270

Abstract PDF: In the field of industrial health, it is important to establish the efficient system for health management of workers. The management of health information of workers using data base will contribute to such a system. In this context, the utility of method using Mahalanobis distance(D(2)), the general probability distance in multivariate analysis, for decision of the results of health examination was evaluated. Six items of test among the health examination data of 278 prospective employee was used to calculate D(2). Sensitively and specificity of decision method using D(2) with 99% normal range was 95.8% and 90.2% respectively as compared with decision by doctor. This finding suggests the utility of method using D2 for decision of the results of mass screening for industrial workers.

20 View
0 Download

Assessment of Environmental Monitoring Items for Mixed Organic Solvents in Work Place: Soo Hun Cho, Ho Jang Kwon, Mi Na Ha, Sang Hwan Han, Yong Hyeon Yim, Sung Tae Oh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):259-269. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.259

Abstract PDF: Ambient air monitoring(environmental monitoring) and biological monitoring of mixed organic solvents exposure have been used in exposure assessment of these compounds in the work environment. Environmental monitoring is more useful when assessing low level exposure to these compounds. The specific objectives of this study were to measure air organic solvent levels in the work environment, to test the agreement of items measured in this study with items which have been reported to the administrative agency, and finally to evaluate the appropriateness of environmental monitoring items. The study subjects were 13 small companies in which less than 300 employees were working and presumably exposed to mixed organic solvents(e.g. automotive repair and painting, 6; textile dyeing, 2; printing, 2; electronics, etc, 3). Personal air samplings were performed by the flow-lite sampling pump(MSA) and the 600mg charcoal tube with air velocity of 100ml/min for qualitative analysis and 2l/min for quantitative analysis. Samples were analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry(Hewlett-Packard 5890/5970). High levels of toluene, n-hexane, and MIBK were detected in most study companies and low levels of ethylbenzene, xylene, n-butylacetate were also detected. When these measured items were compared with those of reported items, only 6 of 13 companies showed relatively good agreement between them. Two companies failed to report items exceeding the limit value. In conclusion, qualitative analysis of ambient air organic solvents seemed to be as important as quantitative analysis of these compounds and a periodic evaluation of monitoring items reported to the administrative agency should be required.

20 View
0 Download

Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Cadmium in Korea: Seong Kyu Kang, Jeong Pyo Hong, Ki Woong Kim, Jae Yeon Jang, Ho Keun Chung, Kyou Chull Chung; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):252-258. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.252

Abstract PDF

Twenty-four factories registered at the Ministry of Labor as factories using or producing cadmium in 1991 were investigated to know the present state of occupational exposure to cadmium in 1992. Nine factories among 24 stopped using or changed to other substances and 1 factory didn't produce any more, but delivered it to other factories through imports. Therefore, only 14 factories were producing or using cadmium. But, alloying materials were uspplied to about 20 and more factories, however, they couldn't be investigated because of limited information. Three factories had less than 50 workers were 3, 6 had 50-300 and 5 had more than 300. About 167 workers were exposed to cadmium. According to the classification by process, there were 4 alloy processes, 2 refinary, 2 elctroplating, 2 dry cell making, 1 industrial battery and 1 copper refinary. 8 factories used metal cadmium, 3 cadmium oxide, 2 cadmium sulfide, and 1 cadmium hyroxide. One factory was importing cadmium stearates only and supplying them to the PVC making factories. The amount of metal cadmium producing in 2 refinary factories was about 50-65 ton per month. The other cadmium compounds were imported. According to exposure level of cadmium in air of the 10 factories examined, each factory could be divided into high, moderate and low exposure groups. 1 battery recycling factory and 3 alloy factories were in the high exposure group and their mean air concentrations were 0.06679, 0.05481, 0.02492, and 0.003mg/m3, respectively. Refinary and industrial battery making factories were in the middle exposure group and their mean air concentrations were 0.00773 and 0.00613 mg/m3, respectively. Finally, low exposure group were copper smelting, dry cell case making, duplicator drum making and electroplating factory and their mean air concentrations were 0.00096, 0.00071, 0.00057 and 0.00054 mg/m3 respectively.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Chronic Cadmium Intoxication and Renal Injury Among Workers of a Small-scale Silver Soldering Company
Won-Jun Choi, Seong-Kyu Kang, Seunghon Ham, Wookyung Chung, Ae Jin Kim, Myunghee Kang
Safety and Health at Work.2020; 11(2): 235. CrossRef
The association between cadmium and lead exposure and blood pressure among workers of a smelting industry: a cross-sectional study
Hyun Chan An, Joo Hyun Sung, Jiho Lee, Chang Sun Sim, Sang Hoon Kim, Yangho Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2017;[Epub] CrossRef

28 View
0 Download
2 Crossref

The Effect of Smoking on the Serum Lipid Levels of Male White Collar Workers: Jung Ho Kim, Chung Yill Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):242-251. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.242

Abstract PDF

This study was carried out to evaluate the relations between smoking and serum lipid levels in a group of 1,138 male white collar workers, ages 20 to 69 years. Smoking history on daily smoking amount, duration of smoking and duration of smoking cessation was obtained by questionnaire and was pack year. The levels of seurm lipid such as total cholesterol(TC), high density lipoprotein cholestoerol(HDL), triglyceride(TG), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL) were measured by enzyme method. We also observed the effects of various variables such as age, education, income, exercise, fasting blood suger, body mass index and alcohol. The correlation, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis were performed using SAS pakege programme. The results obtained were as follows; 1. Age was positively related to TC, TG and LDL; income was positively related to TC and LDL; exercise was positively related to HDL; body mass index was positively related to HC, TG and LDL and was inversely related to HDL; alcohol intake was positively related to HDL and TG. 2. TC, TG and LDL increased and HDL decreased significantly with increasing daily smoking amount, duration of smoking or pack year. 3. The differences found among the various groups by duration of smoking cessation were not significant for the adjust means of TC, HDL, TG and LDL. 4. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that smoking contributed independently to all serum lipid levels of other variables such as age, education, income, exercise, body mass index, alcohol and fasting blood sugar. However, the contribution rate of smoking to the serum lipid levels was only 1-2%.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Effect of Pork Consumption on Renal and Hematochemical Indices in Workers Occupationally Exposed to Unclean Environments
Chan-Kyu Han, Jeong-Hae Rho, Bog-Hieu Lee
Korean Journal for Food Science of Animal Resources.2008; 28(1): 91. CrossRef

22 View
0 Download
1 Crossref

A Computer-Administered Neurobehavioral Evaluation of Workers Exposed to Organic Solvents: Jong Hak Chung, Chang Yoon Kim, Joon Sakong; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):219-241. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.219

Abstract PDF

A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the effects of chronic exposure to solvent on neurobehavioral performance of solvent exposed 89 workers engaged in a video tape manufacturing fatory. A control group of 43 workers was selected fro different sections of the factory. The mean age and the mean duration of employment were 29 years and 5.4 years. Each workers completed a medical and occupational questionnaire. Adverse effects on the central nervous system were assessed by self reported Scandinavian questionnaire 16, New Anxiety-Depression Scale and seven test of Swedish Performance Evaluation System. These included simple reaction time, choice reaction time, digit classification, finger tapping speed, additions, symbol digit and digit span. Several potential confounding factors were included as indepedent variables in all analysis of neurobehavioral tests and symptoms. These included age, sex, educational level, familiarity with computer, alcohol drinking and amount of smoking. No significant associations were found between solvent exposure and total symptom score and mood score, Although the mean duration of employment was 5.4 years, comparison of mean performance scores adjusted for confounding factors showed a significantly poorer performance on choice reaction time(p<0.05), digit classification (p<0.01), additions (p<0.01) and symbol digit(p<0.01) in exposed group. Factor matrix of neurobehavioral tests produced by varimax rotation showed three distinct factors, which correspond to assessments of "memory", "coordination" and "response speed". These factors accounted for 62.6% of the total variance of the sample. Familiarity with computer was found to be associated with performance of symbol digit and amount of smoking appeared to slow finger tapping speed. Male and college graduate workers have less errors than others. There were no significant correlation between neurotoxic symptom score and performance of neurobehavioral tests.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Association of heavy metal complex exposure and neurobehavioral function of children
Minkeun Kim, Chulyong Park, Joon Sakong, Shinhee Ye, So young Son, Kiook Baek
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Effects of computer familiarity and computer type on the performance of Korean computerized neurobehavioral test
Nak Joon Baek, Gun Il Park, Young Seok Byun, Man Joong Jeon, Joon Sakong
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2016;[Epub] CrossRef
Test/re-test Reliability of the CANTAB Batteries to Evaluate the Neuropsychological Function for Korean Adult
Eui-Young kim, 조은형
The Korean Journal of Measurement and Evaluation in Physical Education and Sports Science.2012; 14(1): 11. CrossRef
Occupational Neurological Disorders in Korea
Eun-A Kim, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S26. CrossRef
Neurobehavioral Changes of Shipyard Painters Exposed to Mixed Organic Solvents
Choong Ryeol LEE, Kyoung Sook JEONG, Yangho KIM, Cheol In YOO, Ji Ho LEE, Young Hee CHOI
INDUSTRIAL HEALTH.2005; 43(2): 320. CrossRef

25 View
0 Download
5 Crossref

Development of Methods to Estimate Exposure Levels to Vinyl Chloride Monomer and Multiphasic Screening Tests for Workers of Polyvinyl Chloride Manufacturing Factories: Heon Kim, Youn Jeong Nam, Sung Taek Kim, Dae Young Kim, Sul Hui Han, Kuck Tae Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):201-218. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.201

Abstract PDF: In order to develop questionnaire estimating vinyl chloride monomer(VCM) exposure levels, to reset selection criteria for detailed tests, to measure current VCM exposure levels, to evaluate the mutagenic effects of VCM exposures and to develop multiphasic screening method of PVC- or VCM-handling workers, VCM concentrations of work environments were measured and tentative self-administrative questionnaire, physical examination, sister chromatid exchange(SCE) test and some clinical chemical test were applied to 195 men who had been handling VCM or PVC(Exposed Group) and 37, in the same factories without exposure to VCM or in polyethylene- or polypropylene-related factories(Control Group). Mean VCM concentrations of work environments were 0.268+/-0.183 ppm under PVC synthesis processes, 0.160+/-0.200 ppm under VCM synthesis process, 0.076+/-0.111 ppm under PVC pipe producing processes, 0.090+/-0.108 ppm under PVC wall paper, sheet, or film producing processes, 0.071+/-0.051 ppm under PVC floor producing processes, 0.243+/-0.250 ppm under PVC sash producing processes, and 0.020+/-0.031 ppm under triming process. VCM levels of work environments under manual resin mixing processes (0.209+/-0.168 ppm)were higher than those of the others (0.209+/-0.168 ppm) (p-value<0.05). There was no VCM-related symptoms, the positive response rates of which were higher in the Exposed Group. Overall abnormal rate in clinical chemistry test of the Exposed Group was higher than that of the Control Group, but due to extermely low exposure level of exposure group and to small sample size of the Control Group, no statistical significance was found(p-value>0.05). SCE frequencies of the Exposed Group were significantly higher than those of Contorl Group(p-value<0.05) and those of test-abnormal persons were higher than those of test-normal persons. SCE frequencies linearly increased with not only current but also cumulative VCM exposure levels(p-value<0.05). These results suggest that adverse health effect may ensue from VCM exposure to as low as 1 ppm. But SCE frequencies had no statistically significant correlation with drinking amounts, smoking amoutns, or radiation dose equivalents. Questionnaire was revised by referring to these results and formula estimating cumulative VCM exposure levels based on occupational history in questionnaire were made. In addition, were presented methods evaluating work environments and multiphasic screening test for PVC workers.

19 View
0 Download

Lung Function Test for Workers and its Quality Control Program: Jung Keun Choi, Mi A Son, Hyun Kyung Kim, Domyung Paek, Byung Soon Choi; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):187-200. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.187

Abstract PDF: Lung function test can be influenced by technical as well as biological variables, and the quality control of test has been stressed as an important part of lung function test program. This study was done to survey the current status of lung function test program in workers' health examination, and examine the variablity of test results when quality control is not achieved. Forty nine Workers' Health Examination Institutes and 7 Pneumoconiosis Referal Centers were surveyed for their current lung function tests, types of spirometers, and performance of technicians. To examine the effect of quality control program of lung function tests on the variablity of test results, 118 miners were tested under a quality control guideline and the results were compared to those obtained ignoring 4 major areas of the guideline-spirometer calibration, minimum number of tests per session, suitable prediction equations, and selection process of final results for each tested subjects. Among surveyed Institutes and Centers, only 38%(20/53) are performing any calibration of spirometers, and most of those calibrations are done automatically by the machine. All the surveyed Institutes and Centers obtain acceptable test no more than 2 times. The background of technicians include office workers and nurse aids without an adequate training in pulmonary physiology, and the testing posture and formats vary among Institutes and Centers. When the types of pulmonary dysfunction under the definition of the Ministry of Labor were compared between those obtained with and without quality control guidelines, spirometer calibration affected the test results in 6(5.1%) out of 118 subjects. The change in the minimum number of adequate tests from 1 to 3 and more brought changes in 19(16.1%) subjects. The test results of 9(7.6%) subjects differed between two different prediction equations, and the results of 7(5.9%) subjects differed between two different selection process of final results. The current practice of lung function tests of workers needs quality control programs, and the results of this study indicate that the first remedy should be to bring the minimum number of acceptable test to more than 3.

19 View
0 Download

Normal Predictive Values of FVC and FEV1 for Healthy Korean Male Workers: Domyung Paek, Jung Keun Choi, Byung Soon Choi, Kyou Chull Chung; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):175-186. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.175

Abstract PDF

Lung Function test results can be influenced by race, socioeconomic status, and physical fitness. The choice of the most appropriate predictive equations should be based upon these considerations as well as age, sex, and body size. About 70% of Korean males smoke, and non-smokers can be a selective group in Korea. In this study, lung function test results of 683 healthy Korean male workers were analyzed to get the predictive equations of Forced Vital Capacity(FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second(FEV(1)), and FEV(1)/FVC (FEV(1)%). The age of studied workers ranged from 18to 60, and most of those finished high school or less. Healthy smokers without any respiratory symptoms or disease history were included in the study, while the effect of smoking on the test results were examined in the analysis. FVC, FEV(1), and FEV(1)% were regressed against age, height, weight and smoking status or smoking amount. Age and height explained FVC and FVC(1) most efficiently and the contribution of other variables were not significant. Whereas, smoking was significantly associated with a decrease in FEV(1)% even among healthy un-symptomatic workers. For FEV(1)%, age, height, and smoking amount were significant variables, constituting the most efficient prediction model. The lower limit of normal for percent predicted values was calculated from lower 95 percentile as well as 95% confidence interval. When the results of this study was compared to those from studies of white Caucasians, the predicted FVC and FEV(1) were lower for the given age and height but the differences were less than 10%. The slopes of regression equation for height and age were, however, not significantly different when the social backgrounds of the studied subjects were similar.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Factors Associated With Obstructive Pattern Spirometry In Shipyard Workers
Jahyun Kim, Young Wook Kim, Chang Ho Chae, Jun Seok Son, Chan Woo Kim, Jun Ho Lee, Hyung Wook Park, Byung Mann Cho
Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.2015; 25(4): 525. CrossRef
Reference Values for the Pulmonary Function of Korean Adults Using the Data of Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV (2007-2009)
Sang-Yong Eom, Heon Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2013; 28(3): 424. CrossRef
Changes of Pulmonary Disability Grades according to the Spirometry Reference Equations
Joung Oh Lee, Byung-Soon Choi
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases.2010; 69(2): 108. CrossRef

24 View
0 Download
3 Crossref

Pohang Iron and Steel Company(POSCO) Computerized Occupational Health Surveillance System(PCOHESS): Myung Wha Ha, Song Kwon Lee, Soo Whan Lee, Doo Hie Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):166-174. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.166

Abstract PDF: POSCO Health Care Center has collected health and environmental data using computerized system since 1987. One of the important roles of Industrial Health Care Center is to provide a comprehensive occupational health care, including therapeutic medical care, periodic medical examination and industrial hygiene control for the prevention of work-related illness. To strengthen the functions of an occupational health surveillance system since May, 1992, and it is scheduled to be completed by March, 1994. The modified POSCO Computerized Occupational Health Surveillance System (PCOHESS) contains three major area: health care, environmental monitoring, and personal information. The linkage among three area, lacking in the previous system, was emphasized in PCOHESS. The area of health care assists the management of preplacement examination data as well as the diseased and disabled data, and it will facilitate the preplacement for new employees and will enable an efficient care for the diseased and disabled. Environmental and personal sampling data, and personal information data, such as age, education and jobcode etc, that are linked to each employees, can assist the health care professionals to decide the type and time of medical examination and to periodically supply proper protectors. Data collected from the time of one's employment until his/her retirement can be used for the epidemiologic surveillance which will enable to evaluate the employee's health status related to his/her work environments, and to indentify the places that are necessary to be improved.

14 View
0 Download

Comparison of Renal Function Indices Between Occupationally lead Exposed Females and Healthy Non-exposed Females: Du Shin Jeong, Joo Hee Park, Kyu Dong Ahn, Byung Kook Lee, Joung Soon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1994;6(2):153-165. Published online September 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1994.6.2.153

Abstract PDF

This study was to investigate the effect of lead on the selected clinical renal function in female lead workers. The 123 female lead workers from 9 lead industry and 177 females who were not occupationally exposed were examined. Females who had history of renal disease or oral medication were excluded. Blood lead, zinc protoporhphyrin in blood, delta-aminolevulinic acid and haemoglobin were examined as of lead exposure indices and blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, serum uric acid and urine protein were examined as of renal function indices. Mean concentration of lead were 40.7(+/-13.02)ug/dl for lead workers and 10.7(+/-3.56)ug/dl for non-lead workers. Differences between lead workers and non-lead workers in blood lead, zinc protoporhphyrin in blood and delta-aminoleuvulinic acid were statistically significant. There were significant differences between lead workers and non-lead workers in blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, serum uric acid except urine protein but their mean concentrations were all within normal limits. Serum creatinine and urine protein were not increasing according to the increasing blood lead. When cut off points of 20mg/dl in blood urea nitrogen, 1.2mg/dl in serum creatine, 7.0mg/dl in serum uric acid, 8.0mg/dl in urine protein and 40ug/dl in blood lead, 100ug/dl in zinc-protoporhphyrin in blood, 7.0mg/l in delta-aminoleuvulinic acid were accepted, comparison between frequencies of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatine, serum uric acid, urin protein by the level of blood lead, zinc-protoporhphyrin in blood and delta-aminoleuvulinic acid respectively was not statistically different. There were no dose-repsonse relationships in risk ratios by the level of blood lead and zinc-protoporphyrin in blood respectively. In summary, there were no significant effect of lead on the selected clinical renal function among the female lead workers at level of blood lead 40ug/dl that is the permissible level of lead poisoning in Korea.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Pollutant levels in ambient air and blood in Korea
Chan-Seok Moon, Masayuki Ikeda
Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine.1996; 1(1): 33. CrossRef

27 View
0 Download
1 Crossref

Previous issues