Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Original Article

Risk perceptions of a population living near a municipal waste incinerator and associated factors with the prevalence of environmental disease: Dong Hyun Kim, Chae Kwan Lee, Jeong Ho Kim, Byung Chul Son, Chunhui Suh, Kunhyung Kim, Byeong Jin Ye; Ann Occup Environ Med 2022;34:e38. Published online November 11, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2022.34.e38

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF PubReader ePub

Background

This study investigated the risk perceptions, prevalence of environmental diseases (EDs) and associated factors with the prevalence of environmental disease among the population living near an incinerator

Methods

Study area were divided into 3 local areas near the incinerator by distance (A, B, C) and control area (D) by distance and geographic isolation. A Questionnaire was conducted with 1,380 in local residents (A, B, C) and 390 in control area (D), gathered information of demographic characteristics, lifestyle, perception of damage by incinerators, experience of EDs (atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma) diagnosed by physician. Analysis of variance, χ² test, and Kruskal Wallis test was applied to determine the difference by area. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the prevalence of allergic rhinitis.

Results

Residents residing closer to the incinerator had negative perception in most items in questionnaire compared with control. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was higher as they lived nearby the incinerator (p = 0.008). The associated factors with the prevalence of allergic rhinitis were carpet (odds ratio [OR]: 1.79, p = 0.001), residential area (marginally significant), duration of residence (OR: 1.09, p < 0.001). The perception of environmental pollution around the residential area was inversely associated with the prevalence of allergic rhinitis: perceived as very dissatisfied (OR: 4.21, p = 0.02) compared with very satisfied.

Conclusions

As closer to the incinerator, the risk perception tend to negative and prevalence of EDs were increased. Carpet, residential area, duration of residence and perception of environmental air pollution around the residential area were associated with prevalence of allergic rhinitis. These results may be useful for the communication with residents to discuss the environmental problems caused by the incinerator.

자원순환시설 주변에 거주하는 주민의 환경성질환에 영향을 주는 위험인식도 및 생활습관
목적
이 연구는 소각장 주변에 거주지역 주민의 위험 인식도, 환경성 질환의 유병률, 환경 질환과 유병률과 관련된 요인을 조사했다.
방법
2020년 자원순환시설 인근에 거주중인 주민 1380명과 대조군 주민 390명을 대상으로 설문조사를 실시하여 인구통계학적 특성, 생활습관, 자원순환시설에 대한 인식, 환경성질환 과거력을 확인하였다. 환경성질환 과거력의 지역 간 차이를 확인하기 위해 카이 제곱 검정을 사용하여 분석하였다. 마지막으로 환경성질환 과거력에 영향을 주는 요인을 찾기 위해 로지스틱 회귀분석을 시행하였다.
결과
자원순환시설에 가까이 거주하는 주민은 대조군에 비해 주변환경 인식도, 자원순환시설에 대한 인식도 항목에서 부정적 인식을 보였다. 설문 조사에서 확인한 알레르기 비염의 과거력은 소각장 근처에 거주할수록 높았다. 알레르기 비염 유병률과 연관된 요인은 카펫 (OR = 1.79 p-value = 0.001), 거주지역, 거주기간 (OR = 1.09, p-value < 0.001) 으로 확인되었다. 거주지역 대기환경이 매우 좋지 않다고 인식하는 주민에서 (OR = 4.21, p-value = 0.02) 알레르기 유병률이 높아진 결과를 보였다.
결론
소각장에 가까이 거주할수록 소각장과 환경에 대한 위험 인식이 부정적으로 나타났고 환경성 질환의 유병률의 증가를 보였다. 카펫 사용, 소각장으로부터의 거리, 거주 기간, 주거 지역 주변의 대기 오염에 대한 인식도는 알레르기성 비염의 유병률과 관련을 보였다. 이 결과는 소각로로 인한 환경문제에 대해 주민들과 소통하는 데 유용할 것이다.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The effect of distance on risk perception towards waste incineration plants: a comparison between local residents living within 0–3 km versus 3–8 km in Dongguan, Southern China
Lizhou Zhang, Tippawan Liabsuetrakul
Environmental Research Communications.2023; 5(11): 115011. CrossRef

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Research Articles

Validation of the Work Engagement Scale-3, used in the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey: Maro Choi, Chunhui Suh, Seong Pil Choi, Chae Kwan Lee, Byung Chul Son; Ann Occup Environ Med 2020;32:e27. Published online July 16, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2020.32.e27

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Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the 3-item version of the Work Engagement Scale (WES-3), which is based on the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model and was used in the 5^th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS).

Methods

This study used data from the 5th KWCS (n = 50,205), which was conducted in 2017 with a sample of the Korean working population. The survey gathered comprehensive information on working conditions to define workforce changes and the quality of work and life. The reliability and internal consistency of the WES-3 were assessed using the corrected item-total correlation and Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the construct validity of work engagement. The convergent validity was assessed using the correlation with the WHO-5 well-being index. Correlations between work engagement and JD-R factors were also calculated.

Results

The Cronbach's alpha for work engagement was 0.776, indicating acceptable internal consistency. The model comprising 3 work engagement and 2 burnout items showed an excellent fit (χ²: 382.05, Tucker-Lewis index: 0.984, comparative fit index: 0.994, root mean square error of approximation: 0.043). The convergent validity was significant (correlation coefficient: 0.42). Correlations with burnout and job demands were negligible, whereas correlations with job resources and job satisfaction were weakly positive.

Conclusions

The results of our study confirm that the WES-3 has acceptable reliability and validity.

Citations

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Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won
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Clara González-Seda, Ramón Rodríguez-Montalbán, Miguel E. Martínez-Lugo
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Korean translation and validation of the Workplace Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment (PERMA)-Profiler: Seong Pil Choi, Chunhui Suh, Jae Won Yang, Byung Jin Ye, Chae Kwan Lee, Byung Chul Son, Maro Choi; Ann Occup Environ Med 2019;31:e17. Published online August 13, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2019.31.e17

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

No tool is available for the multidimensional measurement of workplace well-being among Korean workers. In this study, the Workplace Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment (PERMA)-Profiler, a multidimensional workplace well-being measure, was translated into Korean, and its validity and reliability were assessed.

Methods

The Workplace PERMA-Profiler, including the positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment domains, was translated according to international guidelines. The questionnaires included the Workplace PERMA-Profiler, Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey, Psychosocial Well-being Index-Short Form, and Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form. A total of 316 Korean workers completed a web-based survey with adequate response. Cronbach's alpha values were calculated to assess scale reliability, and correlational and confirmatory factor analyses were used to assess validity.

Results

Cronbach's alpha values for the Korean Workplace PERMA-Profiler ranged from 0.70 to 0.95. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the 5-factor model had a marginally acceptable fit [χ²(80) = 383.04, comparative fit index = 0.909, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.881, root mean square error of approximation = 0.110, and standardized root mean square residual = 0.054]. The 5-factor PERMA domains were correlated positively with work engagement and mental well-being in life, and negatively with burnout, occupational stressors, and stress responses. These results showed that the Workplace PERMA-Profiler has good convergent and divergent validity.

Conclusions

The Korean version of the Workplace PERMA-Profiler had good reliability and validity. It might be used as an indicator or evaluation tool for positive mental health interventions in the workplace.

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The work–life balance and psychosocial well-being of South Korean workers: Jae Won Yang, Chunhui Suh, Chae Kwan Lee, Byung Chul Son; Ann Occup Environ Med 2018;30:38. Published online June 5, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-018-0250-z

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

It is challenging to balance work and life, and little attention has been paid to the work–life balance and psychosocial well-being of South Koreans. We assessed the association between work–life balance and psychosocial well-being among paid Korean workers.

Methods

This study was based on data from the fourth Korean Working Conditions Survey. We evaluated only paid workers, which constituted 30,649 of the total of 50,007 subjects surveyed. Poor work–life balance was defined based on the goodness of fit between working hours and social commitments. Well-being was measured using the World Health Organization WHO-5 index. Poisson regression with robust variances was used to calculate the estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) with confidence intervals.

Results

Poor work–life balance was associated with poor psychosocial well-being (PR = 1.25; 95% CI 1.21 to 1.28) even after adjusting for work-related and individual characteristics. Poor well-being was associated with low-level job autonomy (PR = 1.06; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.09), working for ≥53 h per week (PR = 1.10; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.14), blue-collar status (PR = 1.16; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.21), low-level support at work (PR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.29 to 1.36), age ≥ 50 years (PR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.15 to 1.26), the female gender (95% CI PR = 1.04; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.07), and cohabitation (living with somebody) (PR = 1.08; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.12). Good well-being was associated with high-intensity work (PR = 0.96; 95% CI 0.94 to 0.99), being the secondary earner in a household (PR = 0.82; 95% CI 0.79 to 0.85), and higher income (PR = 0.75; 95% CI 0.71 to 0.79).

Conclusion

Work–life balance was associated with psychosocial well-being after adjusting for both work-related and individual characteristics.

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Original Articles

Medical Professionalism of Occupational and Environmental Physicians in Korea: Seung Hwan Shin, Jong Tae Lee, Min Kim, Jeong Ho Kim, Dae Hwan Kim, Byung Chul Son, Chae Kwan Lee, Chun Huii Suh, Shin Ik Kang; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(2):203-212. Published online June 30, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.2.203

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study evaluated cognition, core values and attributes of medical professionalism in occupational and environmental physicians, and was conducted to have basic data for suggesting proper role models of occupational and environmental physicians.
METHODS
Perceptions of reality and the priority of professionalism virtues in occupational and environmental medicine were evaluated by using a self-administered questionnaire, completed by 109 occupational and environmental physicians in Korea. The physicians were divided into two sub-groups: the resident group and the board certified specialist group. There are 4 questions about perceptions of reality and survey respondents gave 5-scale scores to each of 10 professionalism virtues in the questionnaire. The statistical significance of the perception difference between two groups was given by a cross tabulation analysis. Priority difference between each 10 professionalism virtue between the two groups was analyzed through Student T-test by using the SPSS 17.0K program. Afterwards, the type of medical professionalism in occupational and environmental medicine was analyzed based on the results of the questionnaire.
RESULTS
This study provided us with the information that specialists had more optimistic views about reality of occupational and environmental medicine than residents. 10 virtues of medical professionalism were listed in the order of priority, highest to lowest. Occupational and environmental physicians valued 'technical competence', 'professional dominance', and 'morality', but 'altruism' had the lowest score.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that the occupational and environmental physicians's type of medical professionalism didn't match any of the seven types of medical professionalism from Castellani & Hafferty, although 'empirical type', 'nostalgic type' were partially similar to the occupational and environmental physician's type of medical professionalism. This is assumed because the occupational and environmental medicine field is different from other clinical medicine in terms of the physician's role. Further studies and discussions are necessary for establishing a suitable model of medical professionalism for occupational and environmental physicians.

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Cognition and Practice on Medical Information Protection of Iudustrial Health Care Manager of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises: Soo Jin Jeong, Min Kim, Chae Kwan Lee, Chang Hee Lee, Byung Chul Son, Dae Hwan Kim, Jeong Ho Kim, Jong Tae Lee, Goo Rak Chang, Ki Hun Hong, Chun Hui Suh; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(1):53-63. Published online March 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.1.53

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This research aimed to know the actual condition and problems of medical information protection at a workplace with the target of industrial health care managers of small and medium-sized enterprises.
METHODS
A self-administered questionnaire was given to industrial health-care managers of 216 enterprises from March 15 to May 17, 2010. The questionnaire was produced by referring to the Act on Personal Information Protection of Public Institutions, etc. This research evaluated agreement of cognition and practice according to 10 items of medical information protection using kappa and cross-analysis of significant factors between cognition and practice of medical information protection and general characteristics.
RESULTS
Cognition about medical information protection appeared to be 85.4-97.1% and its practice appeared to be 44.1-95.3%, so practice was lower than cognition. In addition, the agreement of cognition and practice appeared significantly low (kappa 0.082-0.387). The practice of medical information protection tended to be lower when the managers were older and held a higher job title. Health examination results were being delivered only to workers except for an employer (94.2%), but there were many industrial health-care managers who felt discomfort about their work in group occupational health-care systems (58.1%).
CONCLUSIONS
The practice of protecting medical information by industrial health-care managers was clearly lower than the cognition. Therefore, introduction of educational programs about personal information protection and provision of an independent place for group occupational health care service is urgent. In addition, in order to use the health examination results conveniently in group occupational health services, an institutional complement is necessary.

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Information Security in Nursing
Jiwon Kang, GyeongAe Seomun
Advances in Nursing Science.2021; 44(1): 16. CrossRef
Factors Influencing Acceptance of Personal Health Record Apps for Workplace Health Promotion: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study
Hyun Sang Park, Kwang Il Kim, Jae Young Soh, Young Ho Hyun, Sae Kyun Jang, Sol Lee, Ga Young Hwang, Hwa Sun Kim
JMIR mHealth and uHealth.2020; 8(6): e16723. CrossRef
Perception and Performance about Patients' Medical Information Protection in Allied Health College Students
Seon Young Choi, Do Yeon Lim, Il Sun Ko, In Oh Moon
The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education.2016; 22(1): 83. CrossRef
Influencing factors on health education performance of nurse in health promoting hospitals
Jinsook Lee, Sohi Kwon
Journal of the Korean Data and Information Science Society.2015; 26(2): 455. CrossRef
A Study on Protecting Patients' Privacy of Obstetric and Gynecologic Nurses
Miok Kim
Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing.2012; 18(4): 268. CrossRef

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Second-hand Smoke Exposure and Urine Cotinine Levels by Occupation in the Busan, Ulsan, Kyeongnam Provinces: So Ryong Lee, Soo Jin Jeong, Chun Hui Suh, Chae Kwan Lee, Chang Hee Lee, Byung Chul Son, Dae Hwan Kim, Jeong Ho Kim, Jong Tae Lee, Jin Heon Lee, Moon Young Hwang, Choong Hee Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(1):42-52. Published online March 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.1.42

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Exposure to second-hand smoke varied by smoking rate in the workplace and no-smoking policies. The purpose of this study was to estimate the status of second-hand smoke exposure by occupation through urine cotinine analysis in Busan, Ulsan, and Kyeongnam provinces.
METHODS
Data was obtained from the National Institute of Environmental Research of Korea as 'The 2008 Korea National Survey for Environmental Pollutants in Human Body'. We selected 629 non-smokers who lived in Busan, Ulsan and Gyeongnam provinces. General and occupational characteristics were gathered using a structured questionnaire. Urine cotinine concentrations were analyzed by a gas chromatograph-mass selective detector. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Chi-square test, Student t-test and ANOVA.
RESULTS
The geometric mean (geometric standard deviation) of urine cotinine concentration was 17.11 (2.74) ng/ml. The urine cotinine concentration of the middle school graduate group (18.47 (2.86) ng/ml) was higher than the college graduate group (15.64 (2.60) ng/ml, p=0.212). Also, the cotinine concentration of current drinkers (18.98 (2.47) ng/ml) was higher than non-drinkers (16.15 (2.88) ng/ml, p=0.054). The proportion who smelled smoke was higher in workers (38.5%) than in non-workers (29.7%, p=0.02). Therefore, urine cotinine concentration was higher in workers (17.29 (2.66) ng/ml) than in non-workers (16.97 (2.81) ng/ml) but not at a statistically significant amount (p=0.826). In addition, cotinine concentration between the group who smelled smoke (20.45 (2.42) ng/ml) and the group who did not smelled smoke (15.53 (2.78) ng/ml) was significantly different (p=0.016) in workers but not in non-workers (17.08 (2.42) ng/ml vs 16.92 (2.98) ng/ml, p=0.942). According to the National Center for Health Statistics occupational categories in the US and the Korea Standard Classification of Occupations, the urine cotinine concentration of white collar workers such as technical workers and administrators, professional specialists, and managers was higher (18.01 (2.55) ng/ml) than that of blue collar workers such as plant and machine operators and assemblers, elementary occupations, and craft and related trades workers (15.36 (3.48) ng/ml).
CONCLUSIONS
The workplace is an important contributor to second-hand smoke exposure in Busan, Ulsan and Kyeongnam provinces. Unlike in advanced countries, where anti-smoking policies have been implemented, urine cotinine concentration in people in Busan, Ulsan and Kyeongnam provinces was higher in the white collar group than in the blue collar group. This result might be due to a higher indoor second-hand smoking rate of workplaces in these areas. Further studies are needed to evaluate the correlation between regional characteristics of industries, anti-smoking policies in the workplace, smoking rates and urine cotinine concentrations of workers.

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Differences in Oral Health and Generalized Anxiety Disorder According to Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Public Places
Yu-Rin Kim, Kyeung-Ae Jang
Behavioral Sciences.2023; 13(6): 455. CrossRef
Evaluation of Serum Cotinine Cut-Off to Distinguish Smokers From Nonsmokers in the Korean Population
Kiwoong Ko, Min-Jung Kwon, Song-Hyun Yang, Chul-Jin Moon, Eun Hee Lee, Hee-Yeon Woo, Hyosoon Park
Annals of Laboratory Medicine.2016; 36(5): 427. CrossRef
Decline in non-smoking workers’ urine cotinine levels after increased smoking regulation in Korea
Ju-Hyoung Park, Chae-Kwan Lee, Se-Yeong Kim, Chunhui Suh, Kun-Hyung Kim, Jeong-Ho Kim, Byung-Chul Son, Jong-Tae Lee, Seung-Do Yu, Wookhee Choi, Hosub Im
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2015;[Epub] CrossRef

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Lifestyle and Work related Factors Associated with Serum PFOA among Workers at Manufacturing Companies: Sang Hwan Jang, Chae Kwan Lee, Dae Hwan Kim, Kwon Bok Kim, Jin Hong Ahn, Hwi Dong Kim, Chang Hee Lee, Jeong Ho Kim, Jong Tae Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2008;20(3):233-244. Published online September 30, 2008; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2008.20.3.233

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to determine serum perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) concentrations and to investigate the relationship of lifestyle, health status and work-related factors among workers at manufacturing companies with possible occupational exposure to PFOA.
METHODS
The study subjects were 315 workers (male 203, female 112) of manufacturing companies with possible exposure to PFOA from August to December, 2007. A questionnaire was administered to investigate lifestyle and work-related factors. Serum PFOA concentrations were analyzed by LCMS/ MS, and liver function and total cholesterol were also tested.
RESULTS
Serum PFOA concentrations ranged from 1.0 to 40.9 ng/mL (mean 8.0 ng/mL). Serum PFOA concentrations increased with age. Male workers had higher PFOA concentration than female workers (male 9.0 ng/mL; female 6.3 ng/mL). According to stepwise multiple regression analysis, factors significantly associated with PFOA concentration were male, being older, higher total cholesterol, and lower body mass index. Adjusted for age and gender by logistic regression, dyeing and finishing textiles had significantly higher odds ratio (OR) of 6.16, and moulding patterns, moulds and industrial patterns (OR=4.84), sections for ships (OR=3.87), and plastics synthetic leather (OR=10.05) had marginally significantly high odds ratios.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated the factors affecting serum PFOA concentration of workers at manufacturing companies. Further study is needed to ensure the effect of occupational exposure on serum PFOA concentration.

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The relationships between sixteen perfluorinated compound concentrations in blood serum and food, and other parameters, in the general population of South Korea with proportionate stratified sampling method
Hee-Young Kim, Seung-Kyu Kim, Dong-Mug Kang, Yong-Sik Hwang, Jeong-Eun Oh
Science of The Total Environment.2014; 470-471: 1390. CrossRef
Concentration of PFOA and PFOS in Whole Blood and Factors Controlling Their Exposure Among Koreans
Chun-Hui Suh, Chae-Kwan Lee, So-Ryong Lee, Mi-Hee Park, Jong-Tae Lee, Byung-Chul Son, Jeong-Ho Kim, Kun-Hyung Kim
Korean Journal of Environmental Health Sciences.2012; 38(2): 105. CrossRef

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Pulmonary Function and Respiratory Symptoms of Municipal Fire Officers in Busan.: Sung Hoon Kim, Jung Won Kim, Jong Eun Kim, Byung Chul Son, Jeong Ho Kim, Chang Hee Lee, Sang Hwan Jang, Chae Kwan Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(2):103-111. Published online June 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.2.103

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between respiratory disorders and fire exposure by investigating and analyzing the lung function and respiratory symptoms of firefighters.
METHODS
The health effects of firefighting on respiratory function were investigated in 699 male fire officers in 4 fire departments in Busan by recording respiratory symptoms and measuring lung function. The data were analysed according to fire exposure and smoking habits.
RESULTS
Mean spirometric data showed significantly decreased levels in the fire-exposed group (FVC, -0.20 L; FVC%, -4.2%; FEV(1) -0.21 L; FEV(1)%, -5.1%; FEF25%, -0.13 L/SEE p<0.05). After stratification by smoking habits, FVC and FEV(1) showed a significant difference between groups. The prevalence of spirometric abnormality was greater for the fire-exposed group than for the non-exposed group. Significantly higher prevalences of nasal stiffness (16.7% vs. 10.9%), sore throat (17.7% vs.14.2%) and chest tightness (6.5% vs. 2.5%) were recorded in firefighters compared to controls (p<0.05). However, after stratification by smoking habits, the 3 symptoms were showed only marginal differences in the smoking group.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that fire-exposed firefighters generally suffer a decline of lung function and a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms. These results suggest that the exposure to routine firefighting activity is associated with adverse health effects to the respiratory system.

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Seonggyu Kim, Ye-eun Jeon, Hyeseung Ryu, Mi-Young Lee, Insung Chung
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Jangwhon Yoon
Fire Science and Engineering.2016; 30(3): 133. CrossRef
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Hyeongyeong Lee, Hyeongwan Yoon, Jeongim Park
Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.2015; 25(4): 516. CrossRef
Pulmonary function decline in firefighters and non-firefighters in South Korea
Ju-Hwan Choi, Jae-Hong Shin, Mi-Young Lee, In-Sung Chung
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2014;[Epub] CrossRef
An Ergonomic Analysis for Heavy Manual Material Handling Jobs by Fire Fighters
Su-Jung Im, Jong-Tae Park, Seo-Yeon Choi, Dong-Hyun Park
Journal of Korean Institute of Fire Science and Engineering.2013; 27(3): 85. CrossRef
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Kyoo Sang Kim
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Inah Kim, Jaechul Sung
Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2008; 51(12): 1078. CrossRef

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Gene Expression Analysis in Basal Ganglia of Manganese-Exposed Rat Based on cDNA Array: Chae Kwan Lee, Noh Sung Min, Deog Hwan Moon, Jeong Ho Kim, Byung Chul Son, Dae Hwan Kim, Chang Hee Lee, Hwi Dong Kim, Jung Won Kim, Jong Eun Kim, Jin Hong Ahn, Chae Un Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2005;17(4):352-364. Published online December 31, 2005; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2005.17.4.352

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study investigated the gene expression profile in basal ganglia of manganese-exposed rats based on cDNA array analysis.
METHODS
For cDNA array, 25 male Sprague-Dawley rats (250+/-25 g) were intraperitoneally injected with 25 mg/kg B.W./day of MnCl2 (0.3 ml) for 10 days. For dose-related gene expression analysis, rats were intraperitoneally injected with 0.2, 1.0, and 5.0 mg/kg B.W/day of MnCl2 for 10 days. Control rats were injected with an equal volume of saline. RNA samples were extracted from brain tissue and reversetranscribed in the presence of [alpha32P]-dATP. Membrane sets of the Atlas Rat 1.2 array II and Toxicology array 1.2 kit (Clontech, Palo Alto, CA) were hybridized with cDNA probe sets. Northern blot hybridization method was employed to assess the dose-related gene expression.
RESULTS
Fifty-two genes showed significant changes in expression of more than two-fold. Twentyeight were up-regulated and 24 were down-regulated in the manganese-exposed group compared to the control. Among the 52 genes, 28 genes including nuclear factor I-X1 (NF1-X1), neuroligin 2 and 3, mitochondrial stress-70 protein (MTHSP70), neurodegeneration-associated protein 1 (Neurodap1), multidrug resistance protein (MDR), and endoplasmic reticulum stress protein 72 (ERP72), were reported for the first time related to the manganese-induced neurotoxic-metabolism in the rat basal ganglia. According to the dose-related gene expression analyses, MTHSP70, Neurodap1 and ERP72 genes were up-regulated compared to the control even in the group exposed to low manganese dose (0.2 mg/kg B.W./day).
CONCLUSIONS
Twenty-eight genes detected for the first time in this study were closely related to the manganese-induced neurotoxic-metabolism in the rat basal ganglia and further study of these genes can give some more useful information about the manganese metabolism.

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Effects of Toluene on the Expression of Placental PRL-GH Family Genes and Reproduction in the Rat: Byong Soo Choe, Chae Kwan Lee, Deog Hwan Moon, Byung Chul Son, Dae Hwan Kim, Chang Hee Lee, Hwi Dong Kim, Jung Won Kim, Jong Eun Kim, Chae Un Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(3):262-275. Published online September 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.3.262

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the toxic effects of toluene on the placental functions and reproductionin the rat. In this study, the expression of placental prolactin-growth hormone (PRL-GH) and Pit-1 genes, the frequency of placental trophoblast cells, and the reproductive data were analyzed.
METHODS
The pregnancy of the Sprague-Dawley rats (250+/-25 g) was determined by verifying the presence of the copulatory plug or sperm in the vaginal smear and the day on which this was observed was defined as pregnancy day 0. The pregnant rats were divided into three groups. The control group was intraperitoneally (ip) injected with sesame oil, and the other two groups were given either 150 or 750 mg/kg BW/day of toluene resuspended in sesame oil during pregnancy days 7-11 and 16-20. The rats from the three experimental groups were sacrificed on pregnancy days 11 and 20, respectively. The mRNA levels of the PRL-GH, Pit-1a and b isotype genes were analyzed by Northern blot hybridization and Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. The hormonal concentration was analyzed by Radioimmunoassay. The frequency of the placental trophoblast cells was determined by means of a histochemical study. Reproductive data, such as the placenta and infnat weight, pregnancy period and litter size were surveyed at pregnancy day 20 and after birth. Statistical analysis was carried out by means of the SAS program (version 8.1).
RESULTS
The mRNA levels of the PRL-GH family genes were reduced in a linear fashion by exposure to toluene. The mRNA levels of the Pit-1a and b isotype genes, which induce the expression of the PRL-GH family genes, were also reduced by exposure to toluene. The placental lactogen Iv and II concentrations in the rat placenta, fetus and maternal blood were also decreased by exposure to toluene. During the last stage of gestation, exposure to a high dose of toluene reduced the frequency of the spongiotrophoblast cells that secrete the PRL-GH hormones. Reproductive data such as the placenta and infant weight, and litter size were reduced, and the pregnancy period was extended in the toluene exposed group as compared with the control group.
CONCLUSIONS
Toluene disrupts the PRL-GH hormone metabolism in the rat placenta and this leads to reproductive disorder.

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Effects of Cadmium on Placental Function and Reproduction in Rats: Jin Hong Ahn, Kwang Soo Ko, Chae Kwan Lee, Deog Hwan Moon, Byung Chul Son, Dae Hwan Kim, Chang Hee Lee, Hwi Dong Kim, Jung Won Kim, Jong Eun Kim, Jin Ho Chun, Chae Un Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(3):236-249. Published online September 30, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.3.236

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study investigated the toxic effects of cadmium on placental function and reproduction in rats. For this study, the mRNA levels of the placental prolactin-growth hormone (PRL-GH) gene family, placental trophoblast cell frequemcy and reproductive data were analyzed.
METHODS
Pregnant F344 Fisher rats (200 g+/-23 g) were intraperitoneally injected with 0, 0.5, and 5.0 mg/kg B.W/day of cadmium (CdCl2) dissolved in saline from days 7-11 or 16-20 of pregnancy, and were sacrificed at days 11 or 20, respectively. The mRNA levels were analyzed by Northern blot hybridization and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The hormone concentration was analyzed by radioimmunoassay and the frequemcy of the placental trophoblast cells was observed by histochemical study. Reproductive data were surveyed at day 20 of the pregnancy and after the births. Statistical analysis was carried out using the SAS program (version 8.1).
RESULTS
The mRNA levels of the PRL-GH gene family were reduced dose dependently by cadmium. The mRNA levels of Pit-1a and -b isotype genes were also reduced by cadmium. The hormone concentration of PL-Iv and -II was decreased by cadmium. During the second half of pregnancy (days 11-21), a high dose of cadmium exposure significantly reduced the frequency of spongiotrophoblast and trophoblast giant cells that secrete the PRL-GH hormones. In the last stage of pregnancy (day 20), a high dose of cadmium exposure induced the apoptosis of spon-giotrophoblast cells in the junctional zone of the placenta. Reproductive data such as placental and infant weight, number of live fetuses were decreased, and number of resorptions and dead fetuses, post-implantation loss were increased significantly in the cadmium exposed group compared with the control.
CONCLUSIONS
Cadmium disrupts the functions of the placenta and these effects leads to reproductive disorders in rats.

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Effects of Toluene, Xylene and Trichloroethylene on the Regulation of GnRH, GnRH Receptor and Pit-1 Gene Expression in Male Rat Hypothalamus and Pituitary: Dae Hwan Kim, Hun Lee, Chae Kwan Lee, Dae Sung Kang, Jung Ho Kim, Jong Tae Lee, Jin Ho Chun, Chae Un Lee, No Suk Ki; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1998;10(2):267-281. Published online May 31, 1998; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1998.10.2.267

Abstract PDF: The workplace exposure of chemicals has steadily increased, therefore the concern for subsequent effect on reproductive outcome has been an important issue in occupational medicine. In previous studies, higher rates of spontaneous abortion, reduced fertility and menstrual disorder among women, and an impairment of sperm quantity and quality among men have been associated with a wide variety of chemical agents. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of toluene, xylene and trichloroethylene (TCE) injection on the mRNA levels of GnRH, GnRH receptor and Pit-1 genes in male rats hypothalamus and pituitary and the effects on the plasma levels of FSH, LH, prolactin and testosterone. Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into five groups of five each according to concentration of toluene, xylene and TCE. The rats were injected subcutaneously to 0, 50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg body weight/day of toluene, xylene and TCE, respectively for 6 days. Rat brains were excised and hypothalamus and pituitary were separated. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and RNase protection assay (RPA) were used to evaluate the GnRH, GnRH receptor and Pit-1 mRNA levels. Plasma concentrations of FSH, LH, prolactin and testosterone were assayed by radioimulunoassay (RIA). The results were as follows; 1. GnRH, GnRH receptor and Pit-1 mRNA levels in toluene and xylene injected groups, and GnRH receptor mRNA levels in TCE injected group were lowered dose-dependently. Especially, GnRH receptor and Pit-1 mRNA levels in 200 mg/kg of toluene injected group, and GnRH, GnRH receptor and Pit-1 mRNA levels in 400 mg/kg of toluene injected group were significantly lowed than control group (p<0.05). GnRH receptor and Pit-1 mRNA levels in 400 mg/kg of xylene injected group, and GnRH receptor mRNA levels in 400 mg/kg of TCE injected group were significantly lower than control group (p<0.05). 2. The plasma levels of prolactin and testosterone in 400 mg/kg of toluene injected group, and LH in 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of xylene injected group, and testosterone in 400 mg/kg of TCE injected group were significantly lower than control group (p<0.05). In conclusion, we speculated that toluene and xylene affected reproductive system secondarily through hypothalamus-pituitary axis, and TCE affected directly through steroidogenesis. And we recomended that further study for assessment of the reproductive toxiclty of mixed organic solvent exposures should be conducted.

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