Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume 13 (4); December 2001

Original Articles

Effects of Respirator Use Evaluated by Urinary Hippuric Acid Concentration in Toluene-Exposed Workers: Bum Seok Kim, Chung Yill Park, Hyeon Woo Yim, Hyoung Ah Kim, Sang Yong Oh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(4):461-469. Published online December 31, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.4.461

OBJECTIVES
This study was carried out in order to raise workers'recognition of the effects of respirator use by providing concrete and practical data.
METHODS
Twenty-six workers who dealt with toluene based ink and diluents at a gravure printing office in Seoul were investigated. The toluene exposure level and urinary hippuric acid level were monitored under respirator non-wearing(RNW) and under respiratory wearing(RW) conditions.
RESULTS
The mean concentrations of toluene exposed to each worker through the air of gravure printing office were 147.52+/-57.34 and 134.55+/-52.44 ppm on respirator non-wearing day and respirator wearing day, respectively. There was no significant difference in toluene exposure concentration for the two days. The mean concentration of urinary hippuric acid in RNW and RW groups were 1.51 (0.53) g/L and 0.49 (0.14) g/L, respectively, as measured at the end of the workday. There was a significant difference seen in urinary hippuric acid concentration between the two days. The urinary hippuric acid concentration began to increase at 4 hours after the start of the workday(13:00) in RNW. However, there was no significant increase until the end of the workday in the case of RW. The urinary hippuric acid concentration in RW reduced 89.3% as compared with the concentration seen in RNW. There was a significant correlation between the toluene concentration and the urinary hippuric acid concentration in RNW. The regression equation was Y (urinary hippuric acid concentration, g/L) = 0.007 X x(toluene concentration in the air, ppm) + 0.665.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that the respirator intercepted most toluene that may have been absorbed into the respiratory organs, and suggested that properly wearing a respiratory such as wearing the respirator during the entire workday and performing a proper fit test played an important role in the protection from toluene exposure

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Effects of Factors Associated with Urine Hippuric Acid Correction Values in Urinary Creatinine by HPLC and Jaffe Method and Specific Gravity HPLC Jaffe Method
Key-Young Kim, Jong-Gyu Kim, Ki-Nam Yoon, Wha-Me Park, Hun-Hee Park
Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.2015; 25(4): 493. CrossRef

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Analysis of Occupational Disease by Approved Korea Labor Welfare Corporation in 1999: Yeon Soon Ahn, Seong Kyu Kang, Hyun Gil Kwon, Ho Keun Chung; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(4):449-460. Published online December 31, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.4.449

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of occupational diseases listed by Korea Labor Welfare Corporation(KLWC).
METHODS
Using the database of the KLWC, we collected 575 approved occupational disease cases occurring between 1 January and 31 December 1999 and approved by the thirtieth June in 2000. We investigated the characteristics(sex, age, occupational history, kinds of occupational disease, exposure material, type of enterprises, etc.) of occupational disease using a mail survey and telephone interviews.
RESULTS
Men accounted for 88.9 %(511 workers) of the approved cases. 56 cases(9.7%) died of occupational disease. The most common age group was 50~59 years of age(n=217, 37.7 %). The proportion of workers with grater than ten years disease related working condition exposure were 195(49.0 %). The majority of diseases were respiratory problems(211 workers, 22.4 %), occupational hearing loss(149 workers, 25.9 %), infectious disease(69 workers, 12.0 %), intoxication(60 workers, 10.4 %), skin disease(29 workers, 5.0 %) and cancer(17 workers, 3.0 %). The causal hazardous agents were dusts(209 cases, 36.3 %), physical agents(157 cases, 27.3 %), chemical agents(89 cases, 16.3 %), biological agents(82 cases, 14.3 %) and workrelated agents(34 cases, 5.9 %). The major types of enterprise were manufacturing(262 workers, 45.6 %), mining and quarrying(174 workers, 30.3 %), public administration(42 workers, 7.3 %) and the health care industry(28 workers, 4.9 %). The kinds of job included craft and related trades workers(285 workers, 49.6 %), plant or machine operators and assemblers(139 workers, 24.2 %), elementary occupations(72 workers, 12.5 %) and professionals(28 workers, 4.9 %).
CONCLUSIONS
We were able to elucidate the kinds of occupational disease and the characteristics of workers through this study. Many approved cases occurred among nonmanufacturing and non-mining workers and the kinds of disease were varied. This suggests that management policy must be established to prevent occupational disease occurring among workers in the above type of industries.

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Work-related burn injuries and claims for post-traumatic stress disorder in Korea
Kang Soo Lee, So Young Joo, Cheong Hoon Seo, Joo-Eon Park, Boung Chul Lee
Burns.2019; 45(2): 461. CrossRef
(A)Study on the relationship between back pain experiences of Japanese employees with spinal disorder and body Musculoskeletal disorder
Han-Suk Jung, Hajime Tanabe, Toshifumi Kuwaoka, Minae Amano, Yasushi Onodera, Takashi Inouchi, Yuichi Imoto, Keiichi Tanabe
Journal of the Korea Safety Management and Science.2015; 17(2): 107. CrossRef
Work-related infectious diseases among Korean workers compensated under the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Law, 2006–2011
Jun-Pyo Myong, Yeon-Soon Ahn, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Youn Jeong Kim, Chung Yill Park, Jung-Wan Koo
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health.2013; 19(4): 344. 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
Occupational Hepatic Disorders in Korea
Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Tae Woo Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S36. CrossRef
Work-related Cerebro-Cardiovascular Diseases in Korea
Dae-Seong Kim, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S105. CrossRef
Occupational Psychiatric Disorders in Korea
Kyeong-Sook Choi, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S87. CrossRef
Occupational Lymphohematopoietic Cancer in Korea
Eun-A Kim, Won Jin Lee, Mia Son, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S99. 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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Change of Visual Function and Lacrimation Among Male Near-Work Inspectors in a TV Manufacturing Plant: Seong Ah Kim, Byung Yeol Chun, Sang Woo Kim, Sang Jae Jung, Gwang Ja Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(4):436-448. Published online December 31, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.4.436

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this field-based longitudinal study was to investigate the effects of near-work on lacrimation and visual function, particularly refractive power.
METHODS
Our study tracked sixty five male workers for about three years by means of ophthalmologic examinations and questionnaires, to collect data including eye symptoms and subjective work environmental factors. Ophthalmic examinations included visual acuity, Shirmer I test, and autorefractometry. In the first year, the inclusion criteria were ages less than 40 years, no history of ophthalmic diseases, emmetropia(-1.0 RESULTS
Over a period of 32 months, spherical equivalents were decreased as much as 0.18D(diopter) for LE(left eye) and 0.18D for RE(right eye). Lacrimation by Shirmer's I test during 20 months were decreased as much as 6.57 mm/5min for LE, and 6.40 mm/5min for RE. Although more myopic-changed workers demonstrated young age(<30 years) and short work duration(<2 years), there was no significance to this correlation. Additionaly, subjective work environmental factors such as poor illumination, noise, uncomfortable air and daily use of VDT and/or TV were shown to have no significant effect. However, as for eye discomfort, which was reconstructed from several dry eye symptoms, the daily use of VDT and/or TV was a significant variable. According to a logistic regression analysis concerning the effects of refractive power, lacrimation, work duration, poor illumination, and daily use of VDT and/or TV on eye discomfort, only daily use of VDT and/or TV greater than 4 hours displayed OR of 10.5.
CONCLUSIONS
Myopic changes due to near work were not observed, however lacrimal function was changed in workers. These results suggest that we should consider various factors such as lacrimation, tear film and refraction as well as visual acuity in order to establish an eye care program among near-work performing employees.

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An automatic defect-inspection method for optical isolators using image analysis
Tian Qiu, Zhiquan Lin, Chen Jung Tsai, Chi Shing Wong, Xin Zhang, Shuaiqi Liu, Honglong Ning
at - Automatisierungstechnik.2022; 70(7): 662. CrossRef
Relationship between occupational injuries and the provision of safety and health information: data from the 4th Korean working conditions survey
Ju-il Seo, Gab-Sik Shin, Min Gi Kim, Young-Sun Min
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef

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Ocular, Respiratory and Skin Symptoms Among Solderers Employed in Printed Circuit Board Assembly Units: Jay Young Yu, Kuck Hyeun Woo, Jin Seok Kim, Jung Oh Ham, Tae Sung Choi, Bong Goo Ha, Sang Je Jung, Shin Goo Park, Il Ryong Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(4):423-435. Published online December 31, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.4.423

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of ocular, respiratory and skin symptoms among solderers and to investigate the relationship between symptom prevalence and exposure intensity.
METHODS
We analyzed 126 eligible participants out of a population of 146 male solderers who completed the symptom questionnaires. Fourteen symptoms including 'itchy and red eyes', 'itchy or prickly nose', 'sneezing', 'rhinorrhea', 'blocked nose', 'pricklythroat', 'foreign body sensation in throat', 'sudden bouts of coughing', 'exertional breathlessness ', 'wheezing', 'sputum production', 'itchy face or hands', 'acneiform eruptions on the face'and 'red spots on the face or hands'were contained. Blood lead levels of all the 126 participants were tested and the participants'own assessments of the health risk of soldering were collected.
RESULTS
Of the 14 investigated symptoms, 'sudden bouts of coughing'was significantly more prevalent in solderers who worked 4 hours or more a day than those who worked less than 4 hours a day, as for the other symptoms, there were no significant differences in the preva1ences related to daily soldering hours. 2.8% of the solderers considered the risk of flux exposure to be serious. The mean blood lead level was 6.05 microgram/dL (maximum 15.50 microgram /dL).
CONCLUSIONS
Soldering may increase the risk of respiratory symptoms. Further investigations on the hazards of soldering processes are warranted and solderers should be educated on these hazards.

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Skin Disease Among Staff in a Large Korean Nursing Home.
DEREK RICHARD SMITH, JAE-WOOK CHOI, DONG-SOO YU, MYUNG KI, CHUN-HWA OH, ZENTARO YAMAGATA
The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine.2002; 198(3): 175. CrossRef

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The Similar Exposure Group and Exposure Variation in Ship-Building Painters: Focused on Xylene Exposure: Sang Baek Koh, Young Man Roh, Hyeon Woo Yim, Yong Chul Shin, Soo Keun Kim, Hong Ryul Choi, Jai Young Kim, Soung Hoon Chang; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(4):413-422. Published online December 31, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.4.413

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to assess the concentration of xylene exposure and exposure variability of a similar exposure group(SEG) in accordance with job title and confined space.
METHOD
The study subjects included 28 workers working in the painting process in the ship-building industry. Measurement of subjects were repeated three times. Within and between-worker exposure variance components were estimated from log-transformed exposure concentrations employing a one-way nested random effects analysis of variance model. A uniformly exposed group was defined as one where the between-worker variance(sigmaB2) was less than or equal to 0.031 or bwR95 RESULT
The results indicated that, contrary to popular belief, similar exposed groups based on job title were heterogeneous. The between-worker variance(sigmaB 2) is large(>or=0.031) and the ratios of the 97.5th and 2.5th percentile workers of the log normally distributed exposures of each group of workers was more than 2. However dividing job title into confined space(in-block, out-block, in/out-block) decreased the between-worker exposure variability.
CONCLUSION
This study focused on the quantitative aspects of exposure in painters in the ship-building industry. We cannot accept the assumption that SEG are uniformly exposed, as a major component of variation in exposure relates to differences in tasks or other factors. Therefore, the observational schemes can be improved by investigating jobspecific task and practice.

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Overview of occupational cancer in painters in Korea
Jun-Pyo Myong, Younmo Cho, Min Choi, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
The Work Environment and Wearing Conditions of Industrial Protective Clothing in Shipbuilding Workshops
Hyun-Sook Bae, Min-Young Kim
Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles.2012; 36(5): 512. CrossRef

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The Relationship between Alcohol Use and Job Stress among Firemen: Kyung Hwa Kang, Kang Sook Lee, Suk Il Kim, Kwang Ho Meng, Hyun Sook Hong, Chun Hwa Jeong; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(4):401-412. Published online December 31, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.4.401

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
To establish the relationship between alcohol use and job stress among firemen, and to develop a comprehensive health promotion program including stress management and the prevention of problem drinking.
METHODS
Data was collected from July to August, 2000. Study subjects included 97 rescue workers, 97 emergency medical personnel, 179 fire extinguishers, 116 administrators and 49 others.
RESULTS
The firemen displayed higher scores of stress due to promotion-related pressures and salary. We found significant differences in job internal factors, job role, interpersonal relationship, organizational norm, work environment and stress outcome among the various jobs. Job internal factors, job stress factors, personal characteristics, coping skills, and stress outcome were higher in heavy drinkers compared with the light and moderate drinkers. Job internal factors and smoking habit showed a positive correlation with the amount of drinking, although coping skill, exercise frequency and monthly income showed a negative relation with the amount consumed.
CONCLUSION
This study suggested that alcohol drinking is associated with job stress. This suggests that a comprehensive health promotion program including stress management and problem drinking prevention and control should be developed.

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The Effects of Job stress on Suicidal Thoughts among Firefighters: Alcohol Use and Cognitive Emotion Regulation as a Moderator
Seung-Kyun Park, Gi-Bong Ko, Sung-Pil Yook
Fire Science and Engineering.2022; 36(1): 90. CrossRef
Changes in intrinsic functional brain connectivity related to occupational stress of firefighters
Deokjong Lee, Woojin Kim, Jung Eun Lee, Junghan Lee, Yun Tae Kim, Seung Koo Lee, Sung Soo Oh, Ki Soo Park, Sang Baek Koh, Changsoo Kim, Young-Chul Jung
Psychiatry Research.2022; 314: 114688. CrossRef
Association between work stress and health behaviours in Korean and Japanese ageing studies: a cross-sectional study
Taozhu Cheng, Bo Zhang, Jing Guo, Hynek Pikhart
BMJ Open.2022; 12(8): e063538. CrossRef
Regional Gray Matter Volume Related to High Occupational Stress in Firefighters
Deokjong Lee, Woojin Kim, Jung Eun Lee, Junghan Lee, Seung-Koo Lee, Sei-Jin Chang, Da Yee Jeung, Dae-Sung Hyun, Hye-Yoon Ryu, Changsoo Kim, Young-Chul Jung
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
Changes of depression and job stress in workers after merger without downsizing
Jun Ick Jung, Jun Seok Son, Young Ouk Kim, Chang Ho Chae, Chan Woo Kim, Hyoung Ouk Park, Jun Ho Lee, Young Hoo Shin, Jea Chul Ha
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Nationwide firefighter survey: the prevalence of lower back pain and its related psychological factors among Korean firefighters
Min Gi Kim, Ju-il Seo, KyooSang Kim, Yeon-Soon Ahn
International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics.2017; 23(4): 447. CrossRef
Duty-Dependent Changes in Stress Hormones of Firefighters
Kyoo-Sang Kim, Seung-Won Yoo, Yong-Lim Won, Mi-Young Lee
Korean Journal of Environmental Health Sciences.2012; 38(3): 195. CrossRef
The effects of occupational stress on oral health impact profile (OHIP) in local government workers
Min-Hee Hong
Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene.2012; 12(3): 471. CrossRef
Health Hazards in Firefighters
Kyoo Sang Kim
Hanyang Medical Reviews.2010; 30(4): 296. CrossRef

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Changes of Superoxide Dismutase Activity in Cadmium-induced Acute Nephrotoxicity of Rats: Soo Jin Lee, Hyun Chul Koh, Chung Yill Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(4):393-400. Published online December 31, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.4.393

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
To investigate the role of superoxide dismutase(SOD) in the pathogenesis of cadmium-induced acute nephrotoxicity.
METHODS
Rats treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of cadmium(as CdCl2, 1 mg/kg) were included in the cadmium-treated group; the control group comprised untreated rats. 24-hour urine samples were obtained prior to sacrifice on days 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16(N = 10 per group), respectively. The activity of SOD and concentration of cadmium were measured in the homogenates of the renal cortex. Nephrotoxicity indices such as N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase(NAG) activity, total protein, and 24-hour urine volume, and the cadmium concentrations in the urine were measured.
RESULTS
The cadmium injection caused a significant increase of cadmium concentration in the renal cortex on days 1 and 2, and in the urine on days 1, 2 and 4. The NAG activities and total protein concentrations in urine were significantly increased on days 1, 2 and 4, and on days 1, 4 and 8, respectively. The peak values of NAG activity and total protein in urine were observed on days 1 and 4, respectively. A significant decrease of 24- hour urinary volume was induced on day 1. Renal SOD activity was significantly inhibited on day 1. Finally, on day 8, SOD activity was significantly increased and all nephrotoxicity indices except urinary total protein returned to the control level.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that cadmium induces initial depression of SOD enzyme activities in the renal cortex followed by a later activation, and that the initial depression of this enzyme plays an important role in mediating the proteinuric injury of cadmium-induced acute nephrotoxicity.

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Autoregulation of Quartz-induced iNOS by iNOS-derived Hydrogen Peroxide in Rat2 Fibroblast: Kyoung Ah Kim, Hae Yun Nam, Je Hyeok Mun, Jin Sook Jeong, Young Lim, Chee Kyung Chung; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(4):385-392. Published online December 31, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.4.385

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study was performed in order to investigate the molecular mechanism regulating nitric oxide synthase(NOS) induced by alpha-quartz in Rat2 fibroblast.
METHODS
alpha-quartz-induced nitric oxide(NO) and H2O2 formation and alpha- quartz-induced iNOS protein expression in Rat2 fibroblast were monitored. With iNOS inhibitor(L-N6- (1-iminoethyl)lysine hydrochloride, L-NIL) or antioxidant(catalase), we observed NO and H2O2 formation and iNOS protein expression in Rat2 fibroblast stimulated with alpha-quartz.
RESULTS
alpha-quartz stimulated iNOS-induced NO and H2O2 formation in Rat2 fibroblast. L-NIL inhibited H2O2 formation and iNOS protein expression by alpha-quartz in Rat2 fibroblast. Pretreatment with catalase blocked the autoinhibitory pathway of iNOS by iNOSinduced H2O2, therefore H2O2 and NO production and iNOS protein expression were increased in Rat2 fibrobalst stimulated with alpha-quartz CONCLUSIONS: alpha-quartz-induced iNOS stimulated H2O2 formation in Rat2 fibroblast. INOS-induced H2O2 by alpha-quartz plays an important role in the autoinhibition pathway for regulating the iNOS function in Rat2 fibroblast

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The Relationship between Cold-Exposure and Hypertension: Tae Won Jang, Yoon Gyu Kim, Dong Young Yoon, Chang Hee Lee, Young Seoub Hong, Hae Rim Shin, Kab Yeul Jung, Joon Youn Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(4):376-384. Published online December 31, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.4.376

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was carried out to suggest preventive methods for hypertension in cold-exposed workers.
METHODS
In 11 refrigeration industries, 68 workers working in refrigerated areas more than one time per day were selected as the exposed group, and 68 workers not exposed to cold were selected as the control group. We interviewed the subjects with a questionnaire covering occupational history, and conducted clinical and laboratory tests including measurements of blood pressure and core temperature.
RESULTS
The systolic blood pressure in the exposed group(130.0+/-13.3 mmHg) was significantly higher than that recorded in the control group(118.3+/-12.1 mmHg), as was the diastolic blood pressure in the exposed group(82.7+/-8.5 mmHg) versus the control group(77.4 +/-8.7 mmHg). The core temperature in the exposed group(36.1+/-0 . 7degrees C) was significantly lower than that experienced in the control group(36.4+/-0 . 5degrees C). In logistic regression analysis, age, cold exposure severity and milk intake were significant variables, with odds ratios of 5.204(95 % CI 1.440~18.812), 2.674(95 % CI 1.080~6.618), and 0.364(95 % CI 0.141~0.942), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggests that cold-exposed workers have higher a higher risk of hypertension, and that their core temperature is lower. Risk factors affecting hypertension of cold-exposed workers include age, cold exposure severity and milk intake. For the prevention of hypertension, cold-exposed workers should minimize cold-exposure time as much as possible.

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Comparison of Changes in Physiological and Perceptual Indices of Cold Stress under Normal Clothing and Thermal Insulation Clothing among Automotive Service Workers in Isfahan
Fatemeh Naghdi, Zohreh Mohebian, Habibollah Dehghan
International Journal of Environmental Health Engineering.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

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Associations between Lead Exposure and Dose and Protein Kinase C Activation in Erythrocytes Among Lead Workers: Kyu Yoon Hwang, Young Hwangbo, Hyun Cheol Ahn, Yong Bae Kim, Gap Soo Lee, Sung Soo Lee, Kyu Dong Ahn, Byung Kook Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(4):369-375. Published online December 31, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.4.369

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
Protein kinase C(PKC), a calcium and phospholipid dependent enzyme, is activated by lead in vitro at picomolar concentrations. However, the effect of lead on PKC has never been studied in a human population. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether lead exposure was associated with PKC mediated-phosphorylation in erythrocytes among lead workers.
METHODS
Two hundred and twelve lead workers were studied. To determine the levels of phosphorylation in vivo, an in vitro back phosphorylation technique was used by adding PKC and gamma-32P to preparations of erythrocyte membranes. We measured back phosphorylations of erythrocyte membrane proteins, spectrin, and 52 kDa and 48 kDa, as an indirect measure of PKC activation in vivo.
RESULTS
The mean(SD) age and exposure duration was 39.1(10.0) years and 8.1(6.5) years, respectively. Tibial lead ranged from 0.8 to 290.8 microgram Pb/g bone mineral with a mean(SD) of 34.4(35.2) microgram Pb/g bone mineral. The means(SD) of back phosphorylation levels of the three proteins were 540.7(304.1), 198.6(78.2), and 247.7(83.3) photostimulated luminescence units(PSL), respectively, by phosphoimager. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, tibial lead and exposure duration were significantly and inversely associated with back phosphorylation levels. One unit of increase in tibial lead(1 microgram Pb/g bone mineral) is associated with a decline in spectrin, band 4.9 52 kDa, and band 4.9 48 kDa back phosphorylation levels by 1.4(P<0.05), 0.34(P<0.05), and 0.47(P<0.01), respectively. However, there were no associations between the back phosphorylation levels and either blood lead or ZPP levels.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that the PKC activity in erythrocytes is increased by chronic lead exposure and that erythrocyte membrane protein phosphorylation may be a biomarker of lead exposure.

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Utility of a Self-administered Hand Symptom Diagram for the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Cha Jae O, Byung Mann Cho; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(4):360-368. Published online December 31, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.4.360

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to compare a self-administered hand symptom diagram with other diagnostic tests and to assess its value in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.
METHODS
A self-administered hand symptom diagram has been developed for the evaluation of upper extremity paresthesias. A rating system was devised to classify the diagrams into four categories: classic, probable, possible, or unlikely carpal tunnel syndrome. Before nerve conduction testing, a medical history and demographic data were collected, a physical examination was conducted, and a hand symptom diagram was obtained from each patient. The diagram ratings of 85 patients(130 hands) were evaluated by an occupational and environmental medicine physician and a nerve conduction study was administered and interpreted by a rehabilitation medicine physician.
RESULTS
Of 85 patients, 48(56.5 %) had carpal tunnel syndrome confirmed by nerve conduction study. A hand symptom diagram rating of classic or probable CTS had a sensitivity of 75.6 %, a specificity of 59.6 %, a positive predictive value of 73.8 % and a negative predictive value of 62.0 %. Of the combinations of clinical findings in carpal tunnel syndrome, a classic or probable hand symptom diagram or a positive Tinel's sign showed the highest sensitivity.
CONCLUSIONS
A self-administered hand symptom diagram is valuable in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome among patients with upper extremity paresthesias. It is a useful diagnostic tool and may be valuable for occupational or population screening.

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Review

Occupational Cancer in Korea in the 1990s: Seong Kyu Kang, Yeon Soon Ahn, Ho Keun Chung; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(4):351-359. Published online December 31, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.4.351

Abstract PDF

The proportion of cancer as a cause of death in Korean has been continuously increasing. In 2000, 24 %(59,020 of 247,346) of deaths were caused by cancer. Occupational exposure would have contributed to the development of some cancers. It would have accounted for more than 2,000 cancers in a year if 4% of all cancer or 10% of lung cancer was regarded as arising from the work environment. However, occupational cancer has not been reported as much as expected. The first case of occupational cancer reported officially was mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure at an asbestos textile industry in 1992. Following the report, many cases of occupational cancers have been reported such as lung cancer due to exposure to asbestos, chromium, exhaust gases, coke oven emissions, and silica, as well as leukemia due to exposure to benzene or other solvent and bladder cancer arising from exposure to benzidine salts. The Health Examination for retirees has been conducted since 1992 in order to detect occupational cancer early in workers who have been exposed to 11 carcinogenic substances. However, to date no occupational cancer has been detected through the Retirees' Health Examination. The Korea Labor Welfare Corporation(KLWC) has referred 108 claims for occupational cancer to the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency(KOSHA) between 1992 and 2000. Thirty-three cases were accepted, including 14 cases of lung cancer, eight cases of hematopoietic cancer and six cases of mesothelioma. KLWC has accepted the claim for primary lung cancer developed with pneumoconiosis as an occupational cancer, of which there were 31 cases in 1999 and 61 cases in 2000. In conclusion, special attention is required to detect occupational cancer due to their long latency period and the fact they are usually found after retirement.

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