Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Case Report

Collective exposure to lead from an approved natural product-derived drug in Korea: Dae-Young Lim, Won-Yang Kang, Ji-Sung Ahn, Seunghyeon Cho, Suwhan Kim, Jai-Dong Moon, Byung-Chan Lee, Won-Ju Park; Ann Occup Environ Med 2019;31:e20. Published online August 26, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2019.31.e20

Background

In Asian countries, including Korea, lead poisoning caused by traditional herbal medicines is often observed in the clinic. However, there have been no reports thus far of lead poisoning caused by drugs that were approved by the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Here, we describe seven patients who ingested a problematic natural product-derived drug (NPD).

Case presentation

In July 2018, seven patients visited a university hospital after ingesting an NPD, S. capsules. These patients complained of various symptoms, and their blood lead levels (BLLs) were elevated relative to those of the general population (arithmetic mean: 19.5 ± 11.6 µg/dL, range: 6.28–35.25 µg/dL). The total doses and BLLs were directly proportional to each other among the patients (r = 0.943, p = 0.001). After the patients discontinued drug intake, their BLLs decreased gradually. The capsule was confirmed to contain lead above the standard value (arithmetic mean: 2,547 ± 1,821.9 ppm).

Conclusion

This incident highlights the need to strengthen standards for the management of NPD ingredients in Korea. NPDs are more likely to be contaminated than other drugs. Thorough management by the KFDA is essential to prevent a recurrence. Moreover, systematic health care is needed for many patients who have taken problematic NPDs.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Lead and arsenic intoxications by traditional and alternative medicine: men are more sensitive than women
Lucia Gerke, Roland Seifert
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
A Case of Severe Lead Poisoning with Basophilic Stippling Teardrop Cell
Wonyang Kang, Seunghyeon Cho, Dae-Young Lim, Suwhan Kim, Won-Ju Park
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2019;[Epub] CrossRef

97 View
0 Download
2 Web of Science
2 Crossref

Review

Environmentally induced, occupational diseases with emphasis on chronic kidney disease of multifactorial origin affecting tropical countries: Shehani A. Wimalawansa, Sunil J. Wimalawansa; Ann Occup Environ Med 2016;28:33. Published online August 5, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-016-0119-y

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background

Environmentally induced, occupational diseases are increasing worldwide, especially in rural agricultural communities. Poverty-associated malnutrition, environmental hazards and pollution, and lack of access to clean water, safe sanitation, and modern healthcare facilities are often associated with these chronic illnesses.

Method

The authors systematically reviewed occupational public health issues that have been related to the environment. General interpretations of results were included as per the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Pertinent publications from research databases were reviewed on (A) the risk–benefits, (B) the prevalence of risk factors for various diseases, (C) the benefits of not ignoring the risk factors (i.e., broader evidence), and (D) the risks, effects, and outcomes of different types of interventions. The authors used chronic kidney disease of multifactorial origin (CKDmfo) as an example to explore the theme. Emphasis was given to the regions with emerging economies and developing countries located in the vicinity of the equator.

Findings

Geographical, socio-economic and aetiological similarities exist for many chronic non-communicable diseases that are affecting tropical countries around the equator. The authors identified manufacturing, mining, and agriculture as the biggest polluters of the environment. In addition, deforestation and associated soil erosion, overuse of agrochemicals, and irresponsible factory discharge (e.g., chemicals and paint, from rubber and textile factories, etc.), all contribute to pollution. To decrease the escalating incidences of environmentally induced diseases, governments should work proactively to protect the environment, especially watersheds, and take steps to minimise harmful occupational exposures and strictly enforce environmental regulations.

Conclusion

Creating public awareness of environmental issues and their relationship to public health is essential. This includes regular monitoring and periodic publication of the quality of water, air and soil; preventing deforestation and man-made soil erosion, increasing forest and ground cover, preventing occupational injuries, judicious and safe use of agrochemicals, sustainable agriculture and development programs, and implementing legislation to protect and conserve water heriage and the environment. These actions are essential both for a healthier environment and for the health of the people who live in that environment. Such measures would also decrease public health threats from such, including global-warming-related erratic environmental changes and the occurrence and the spread of non-communicable diseases, such as CKDmfo.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Enfermedad renal crónica asociada a la exposición a metales pesados y productos agroquímicos en Latinoamérica
Osiris Ortega-Moctezuma, Jocelyn Zárate-Pérez, Corina Mariela Alba-Alba, Mario Jiménez-Hernández, Natalia Ramírez-Girón
Enfermería Nefrológica.2023; 26(2): 120. CrossRef
Rising of a global silent killer: critical analysis of chronic kidney disease of uncertain aetiology (CKDu) worldwide and mitigation steps
Watte Vidanelage Dinesha Priyadarshani, Angela F. Danil de Namor, S. Ravi P. Silva
Environmental Geochemistry and Health.2023; 45(6): 2647. CrossRef
Chitosan microspheres-based controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers improve the biological characteristics of Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis and the soil
Yahya Faqir, Yunlong Chai, Ali Murad Jakhar, Tong Luo, Shiyu Liao, Mohammad Talib Kalhoro, Chengjia Tan, Sumbal Sajid, Shiqi Hu, Jiali Luo, Shutong Liu, Niaz Umer, Jiahua Ma
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.2023; 253: 127124. CrossRef
CaPO4-Mediated CKD of Crystallo-Tubular-Nephropathy [CKD-CTN]—A Crystal and Nanotube-Induced Geo-Environmental Disease
Sunil J. Wimalawansa, Chandra B. Dissanayake
Frontiers in Water.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Comprehensive Assessment of the Effect of Various Anthropogenic Activities on the Groundwater Quality
Uguru Hilary, Akpokodje O. Isaac, Rokayya Sami, Amani H. Aljahani, A. Almasoudi, Abeer G. Almasoudi
Science of Advanced Materials.2022; 14(3): 462. CrossRef
Optical and electrochemical microfluidic sensors for water contaminants: A short review
Sunaina, Hardeep Kaur, Nisha Kumari, Ajay Sharma, M. Sachdeva, Vishal Mutreja
Materials Today: Proceedings.2022; 48: 1673. CrossRef
A review of molecular mechanisms linked to potential renal injury agents in tropical rural farming communities
Samarawickrama Wanni Arachchige Madushani Upamalika, Champi Thusangi Wannige, Sugandima Mihirani Vidanagamachchi, Sameera Chathuranga Gunasekara, Ramya Tulasi Kolli, P. Mangala C.S. De Silva, Don Kulasiri, Nishad Jayasundara
Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology.2022; 92: 103850. CrossRef
Wars and kidney patients: a statement by the European Kidney Health Alliance related to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict
R. Vanholder, D. Gallego, M. S. Sever
Journal of Nephrology.2022; 35(2): 377. CrossRef
Health effects of climate change: an overview of systematic reviews
Rhea J Rocque, Caroline Beaudoin, Ruth Ndjaboue, Laura Cameron, Louann Poirier-Bergeron, Rose-Alice Poulin-Rheault, Catherine Fallon, Andrea C Tricco, Holly O Witteman
BMJ Open.2021; 11(6): e046333. CrossRef
Risk factors for endemic chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology in Sri Lanka: Retrospect of water security in the dry zone
Oshadi Hettithanthri, Sandun Sandanayake, Dhammika Magana-Arachchi, Rasika Wanigatunge, Anushka Upamali Rajapaksha, Xianjiang Zeng, Qiutong Shi, Huaming Guo, Meththika Vithanage
Science of The Total Environment.2021; 795: 148839. CrossRef
A pilot case-control study using a one health approach to evaluate behavioral, environmental, and occupational risk factors for chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology in Sri Lanka
Jake M Pry, Wendi Jackson, Ruwini Rupasinghe, Guneratne Lishanthe, Zied Badurdeen, Tilak Abeysekara, Rohana Chandrajith, Woutrina Smith, Saumya Wickramasinghe
One Health Outlook.2021;[Epub] CrossRef
Use of an Exposome Approach to Understand the Effects of Exposures From the Natural, Built, and Social Environments on Cardio-Vascular Disease Onset, Progression, and Outcomes
Paul D. Juarez, Darryl B. Hood, Min-Ae Song, Aramandla Ramesh
Frontiers in Public Health.2020;[Epub] CrossRef
Occupational Safety and Health in a Community of Shellfish Divers: A Community-Based Participatory Approach
Marie A. Garrido, Manuel Parra, Juana Díaz, Julia Medel, Dennis Nowak, Katja Radon
Journal of Community Health.2020; 45(3): 569. CrossRef
Does fluoride cause the mysterious chronic kidney disease of multifactorial origin?
Sunil J. Wimalawansa
Environmental Geochemistry and Health.2020; 42(9): 3035. CrossRef
Adsorption of Dye by Waste Black Tea Powder: Parameters, Kinetic, Equilibrium, and Thermodynamic Studies
Dongyi Lin, Fan Wu, Yuqun Hu, Tingzhong Zhang, Chengshun Liu, Qiangda Hu, Yunfei Hu, Zhihui Xue, Hua Han, Tzu-Hsing Ko
Journal of Chemistry.2020; 2020: 1. CrossRef
Factors Affecting the Environmentally Induced, Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Aetiology in Dry Zonal Regions in Tropical Countries—Novel Findings
Sunil J. Wimalawansa, Chandra B. Dissanayake
Environments.2019; 7(1): 2. CrossRef
Public health interventions for chronic diseases: cost–benefit modelizations for eradicating chronic kidney disease of multifactorial origin (CKDmfo/ CKDu) from tropical countries
Sunil J. Wimalawansa
Heliyon.2019; 5(10): e02309. CrossRef
Estimates of the 2016 global burden of kidney disease attributable to ambient fine particulate matter air pollution
Benjamin Bowe, Yan Xie, Tingting Li, Yan Yan, Hong Xian, Ziyad Al-Aly
BMJ Open.2019; 9(5): e022450. CrossRef
Taiwan renal care system: A learning health‐care system
Mei‐Yi Wu, Mai‐Szu Wu
Nephrology.2018; 23(S4): 112. CrossRef
Current State and Future Trends to Optimize the Care of African Americans with End-Stage Renal Disease
Kimberly Harding, Tesfaye B. Mersha, Fern J. Webb, Joseph A. Vassalotti, Susanne B. Nicholas
American Journal of Nephrology.2017; 46(2): 156. CrossRef
Strategies to reduce the global burden of direct maternal deaths
Peter von Dadelszen, Laura A Magee
Obstetric Medicine.2017; 10(1): 5. CrossRef

67 View
0 Download
20 Web of Science
21 Crossref

Original Article

An Investigation of Mercury Contamination Soures in Fluorescent Lamp Manufacturing Industries in Korea: Chang Joo Lee, Kwang Jong Kim, Chul whan Cha; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 1990;2(1):58-63. Published online February 28, 1990; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.1990.2.1.58

Abstract PDF: This research was conducted to study the correlations between the airborne mercury concentration and each independent variable to detect the source of mercury contamination in a total or II fluorescent lamp manufacturing factories- The mercury concentraion in air was measured and informations about production management (operation hour, overtime, vacuum exhaustion system, number of droppers, number of vacuum exhaustion pumps, frequency of mercury infusion, mercury consumption per lamp, number of lamps producted, number of inferior lamps producted, number of breakage lamps, local exhaust ventilation system) were collected from January 1988 to March 1989. The results were as follows: 1. Among the airborne mercury concentrations according to the sampling point the highest mean concentration was 0.162mg/m3(0.016-0.635 mg/m3) at the workplace floor, and 0.074 mg/m3 at the vaccum exhaustion pump site, and 0.06 mg/m3 at the breathing zone in order. 2. The correlation between airborne mercury concentration and each Independent variable was significant in a following order; the number of Inferior lamps productedt(0.485), vacuum exhaustion syatem(-0,405), number of breakage lamps (0.344), operation hourl(0.341), number of vacuum exhaustion pumps(0.337) and local exhaust ventilation systern(0.331). 3. The result of stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the airborne mercury consumption was affected by number of inferior lamps producted, frequency of mercury infusion, overtime, ventilator, mercury consumption amounts per lamp, local exhaust ventilation system in order. And these six variables explained 36.7% of the variance of airborne mercury concentration.

17 View
0 Download

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Search