OBJECTIVE: This study investigated case clusters of pneumoconiosis among residents near cement factories in Young_Wol, Korea. METHODS There were 1,396 residents of a total 3,418 residents surveyed for this study. Informations on demographics, health-related behaviors (smoking and drinking), past medical history, and clinical symptoms were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. All study participants underwent a physical examination, including chest X-ray, and physicians' interview. Chest CT (computerized tomography) was taken if there was abnormal finding on chest X-ray and physicians' interview. RESULTS We detected 5 cases of pneumoconiosis. 2 cases were related to occupational exposure to dust, such as underground mining and the breaking up of concrete. However, 3 cases were not related to occupational or environmental exposure, except that persons were living near cement factories and limestone mines. CONCLUSION This study suggests that the long-term exposure of cement dust among residents near cement factories and mines may lead to the development of pneumoconiosis.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Emphysema prevalence related air pollution caused by a cement plant Hyun Seung Lee, Chul Gab Lee, Dong Hun Kim, Han Soo Song, Min Soo Jung, Jae Yoon Kim, Choong Hee Park, Seung Chul Ahn, Seung Do Yu Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2016;[Epub] CrossRef
Ventilation impairment of residents around a cement plant Sul Ha Kim, Chul Gab Lee, Han Soo Song, Hyun Seung Lee, Min Soo Jung, Jae Yoon Kim, Choong Hee Park, Seung Chul Ahn, Seung Do Yu Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2015;[Epub] CrossRef
A Study on the Results of Questionnaire Survey and Health Examination for Respiratory Disease among Residents in Briquette Fuel Complex in Ansim, Daegu Kwan Lee, Hyun-Sul Lim, Min-Gi Kim, Young-Sun Min, Young-Hyun Lee, Sung-Woo Kim, Hye-Sook Choi, Yeon-Soon Ahn, Joon Sakong, Seung-do Yu, Geun-Bae Kim, Mi-Ra Yoon Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.2015; 25(3): 355. CrossRef
Cement dust and environmental diseases Jong-Han Leem Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2012; 55(3): 230. CrossRef
OBJECTIVES We report on a case-study of a silicosis sufferer with lung cancer, who was exposed to cement dust through plastering and waterproof work in the construction industry. METHODS We reviewed his personal history including employment, medical record and estimated level of carcinogenic materials in the work place in order to evaluate the possible source of his lung cancer. RESULTS The patient was a non-smoker and there was no family history of lung cancer. His medical record did not reveal anything of concern. He was exposed to cement dust while he had worked for 20 years as a plasterer and waterproof worker. After complaining of chest pain, he was examined and subsequently diagnosed with lung cancer (RUL, adenocarcinoma; cT4N2M1). He was treated in a hospital for 3 months before passing away. Radiological evaluation by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) revealed micronodules with a profusion category 1 (p/p, 1/1) in the perilymphatic distribution, which indicated silicosis. Small amounts of cement dust which included silica was identified by environmental evaluation of his work place. He never worked with asbestos related material, which was confirmed by HRCT examination. CONCLUSIONS We concluded that the patient's silicosis with lung cancer was an occupational-caused disease due to exposure to cement dust.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Analysis of Cost Benefit Related to Appointing a Health Care Manager in the Construction Industry Hye-Sun Jung, Jee-Seon Yi, In-Jae Shin, Eun-Hi Choi Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing.2016; 25(2): 130. CrossRef
Assessment for the Physiological Workload of Warterproof Workers Tae-Kyung Lim, Sang-Min Park, Dong-Eun Lee Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Structure & Construction.2015; 31(6): 33. CrossRef
Occupational Cancers with Chemical Exposure and their Prevention in Korea: A Literature Review Kyung-Taek Rim Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention.2013; 14(6): 3379. CrossRef
Occupational Respiratory Cancer in Korea Hye-Eun Lee, Hyoung Ryoul Kim Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S94. CrossRef